TEACHER RESOURCE
Social Skills Assignments
Directions: Cut assignments apart and allow students to choose randomly.
1.
Facial Expressions
Have your classmates sit two by two facing one another. Have them take turns
telling each other about something that makes them sad (one minute), something that
makes them happy (one minute), and something that makes them angry (one
minute). Ask them to take notes on the expressions on their partner’s face during the
different conversations and how they used their own expressions in responding.
Lead the class in a discussion of the results. Did their expressions always express
their true feelings? Did they find some people had more difficulty than others in
making happy versus sad expressions? Another variation would be to have mirrors
for students to watch their own expressions as they talk.
2.
Eye Contact
Divide your classmates into groups of three. Have two classmates sit facing each
other while the third sits close by to observe. Give them two minutes to talk to each
other while the observer notes how often they look away from each other, and how
often they look directly at each other without staring. Allow groups to talk about
how they did on maintaining appropriate eye contact. Then suggest that those who
wish to improve may want to practice in private at home with a mirror.
3.
Posture
Survey the class to note the way your classmates are sitting. Are they slumped over
in their seats? When they get up, are their shoulders hunched over? Report to the
class what you see and lead a discussion of what messages the students are sending
with their posture while seated or walking.
4.
Appropriate Dress
You and your partner will demonstrate appropriate and inappropriate dress. Lead the
group in a discussion of how you can be fashionable, while displaying your
uniqueness and still fitting in.
(Note: You might want to bring in garments/attire, or you might want to ask your
teacher to provide some clothing prompts.)
5.
Voice
Tell your classmates that the way we talk as well as the loudness and speed of our
talk can make us pleasant or unpleasant to be around. Demonstrate the importance
of expression by making your voice tone change as you talk about or read
something; then say the same thing in a monotone voice. Demonstrate how poor
grammar or too much of an accent can make you sound uneducated and may cause
others not to want to be with you, or cause others to have difficulty listening to you.
PROTEAM DREAMQUEST CURRICULUM
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