Breaking Ice Lesson Plan Breaking the Ice with Difficult Adults
Lesson Facilitation Guide
TIME: 15 Minutes AUDIENCE: 8th Grade (Tier 2)
Objective
Students will learn how to communicate effectively with difficult adults by building confidence, embracing silence as a tool, and practicing active listening.
Why This Matters
This lesson aims to equip 8th graders with autism with practical communication skills to engage with difficult adults. Using trauma-informed teaching strategies, the lesson focuses on fostering confidence in challenging social interactions.
Materials Needed
Video: "How to Break the Ice"
Discussion Questions Handout
Presentation Slides
Approach: Trauma-Informed Teaching
Instructional Steps
2m
1. Introduction
Briefly introduce the topic of communicating with difficult adults.
Explain the importance of effective communication skills in various situations (school, home, community).
6m
2. Video Viewing
Watch the video How to Break the Ice.
Encourage students to note down any tips or ideas they find useful.
Provide paper/pencils if students prefer tactile note-taking.
5m
3. Guided Discussion
Discuss the key points from the video.
Use the provided Discussion Questions handout to facilitate conversation.
Encourage students to share their thoughts and experiences in a safe, low-pressure environment.
2m
4. Closure
Summarize the key takeaways (Confidence, Silence, Authenticity).
Encourage students to practice one specific communication tip this week.
Trauma-Informed Tip
For students with autism, communicating with "difficult" adults can trigger anxiety. Remind students that they are in control of their own responses and that it is okay to take time before speaking. Validate their feelings of discomfort as a normal reaction to stressful social cues.
Breaking Ice Discussion Handout Breaking the Ice
Name
Date
This discussion will help you reflect on the video and think about how to use these tips in your own life.
1 What is one tip from the video that you found most helpful?
Think about why this tip stood out to you and how you might use it.
2 How can you be true to yourself when communicating with adults?
Discuss the importance of authenticity and how being yourself can make talking easier.
3 Why is it important to embrace silences during conversations?
Think about how silence can help you reflect and listen actively.
Remember: Effective communication is a skill that gets easier with practice.
Breaking Ice Slides Breaking the Ice
Communicating with Difficult Adults
Today's Goal
Learn how to feel confident and calm when talking to adults who might seem difficult or intimidating.
Confidence
Be your best self
Silence
Use it to think
Listening
Pay attention
Watch & Learn
How to Break the Ice
Video Link Provided in Handout
As we watch, look for one tip you could try this week!
Be True to You
When we try to act like someone else, we feel more anxious.
Try this:
Take a deep breath
Use your normal voice
It's okay to say "I need a moment to think"
Silence is Okay
Silences in a conversation aren't "bad." They are breathing room.
For You:
Use silence to process what the adult said and plan your response.
For Others:
Silence shows you are actually listening and taking them seriously.
Let's Discuss
Which tip from the video did you find helpful?
How can you be yourself when talking to an adult?
Why is silence a "superpower" in conversation?
Write your thoughts on your handout!
You've Got This
Communication is a skill. Like any skill, it takes practice. Be patient with yourself and keep trying!
End of Lesson
