Welcome everyone! Introduce yourself and explain that today’s session will help us practice three key social skills: active listening, empathy, and respectful communication. Write the objectives on a chart or board for reference.
Introduction & Icebreaker
Explain that a quick “High–Low” icebreaker helps us focus on our classmates and build listening skills. Model your own high and low first.
Show the poster and point to each behavior. Ask students for examples of what it looks like when someone is making eye contact or nodding.
Active Listening Practice
Have students pair up. Set a timer for 1 minute per turn. Remind listeners to use the poster cues, then switch roles.
Distribute the emoji cards. Remind students that naming the emotion helps show empathy. Rotate cards every 2 minutes.
Social Scenario Discussion
Shuffle and draw one scenario at a time. Encourage students to reference active listening and empathy in their answers.
Hand out the worksheet. Give students 2–3 minutes to write. Invite volunteers to share one item from each prompt.
Lesson Plan
Social Savvy Squad Lesson Plan
Students will practice active listening, demonstrate empathy, and engage in respectful communication through collaborative activities to strengthen peer relationships.
Developing social skills helps students build positive relationships, manage conflicts, and feel confident in group settings. Targeted practice supports those needing extra guidance to navigate social situations.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Session Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Introduction and Icebreaker
5 minutes
Step 2
Active Listening Practice
7 minutes
Step 3
Empathy Role-Play
8 minutes
Step 4
Social Scenario Discussion
7 minutes
Step 5
Reflection and Wrap-Up
3 minutes