Lesson Plan

Reading Nonverbals Roadmap

Students will practice recognizing and expressing emotions through nonverbal cues to boost empathy and strengthen peer connections.

Tuning into body language helps 5th graders build empathy, improve communication, and foster lasting summer friendships through stronger team bonds.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

5 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Nonverbal Warm-Up

5 minutes

Step 2

Activity: Emotion Charades

10 minutes

Step 3

Discussion: How Did You Feel?

10 minutes

Step 4

Cool-Down: Nonverbal Reflection

5 minutes

lenny

Slide Deck

Emotion Charades

Welcome students! Today we’re playing Emotion Charades to practice reading nonverbal cues. Explain that charades means no speaking—only body language and facial expressions.

How to Play

Read each rule aloud and pause for questions before starting the game.

Emotion: Happy

Prompt the actor to show happiness with big smiles, raised cheeks, and open posture.

Emotion: Surprised

Encourage students to show surprise by widening eyes, raising eyebrows, and opening mouths in awe.

Emotion: Sad

Ask actors to demonstrate sadness with drooped shoulders, a frown, and slow movements.

Emotion: Angry

Direct students to express anger through clenched fists, furrowed brows, and stiff posture.

Emotion: Scared

Guide the actor to convey fear by trembling hands, wide eyes, and protective postures.

Emotion: Excited

Invite students to portray excitement with raised arms, jumping in place, or a huge grin.

Emotion: Nervous

Suggest nervous signs like fidgeting, nail-biting, or pacing quietly.

Ready? Let’s Begin!

Start the first round now! Choose a team to begin and set your timer for 30 seconds per turn.

lenny

Activity

lenny
lenny

Discussion

lenny
lenny
lenny

Can You Read the Room?

user image

Dee

Tier 1
For Schools
lenny-learning-logo

Lenny Learning

Create Lesson

CASEL

Health & Wellness

Behavioral Supports

Counseling & Therapy

Family Engagement

School Climate

Special Education

Academic Integration

Seasonal

Career & Life Skills

Arts & Creativity

My Lessons

My Lessons

Video Library

Video Library

Support

Support

Log In