Decoder Session Blueprint Teacher Guide Decoder Session Blueprint
Tier 2 Counseling Guide • 5th Grade
Topic
Non-Verbal Social Cues
Session Objectives
Define body language and tone of voice as "social signals."
Identify specific physical cues (posture, eyes, hands) for 4 basic emotions.
Practice matching vocal tone to intended emotional meaning.
Materials Needed
Signal Decoder Slides
The Decoder Challenge Handout
Signal Scrambler Practice Cards
Pens/Pencils
The 30-Minute Plan
5m
Phase 1: The Lab Hook
Welcome the group. Explain that today they are becoming "Signal Decoders."
The Hook: Whisper the sentence "I'm so excited to be here" with a very sad, slouched posture and flat tone. Ask: "Do you believe my words or my body/voice?"
10m
Phase 2: Signal Training
Use the "Signal Decoder Slides" to teach the "Big Three."
Body: Posture, hand movements, and distance.
Face: Eyes, eyebrows, and mouth.
Tone: Volume, speed, and pitch.
10m
Phase 3: The Scrambler Challenge
Hands-on practice using the Practice Cards.
Students take turns drawing a "Signal Scrambler" card. They must say the provided sentence using the tone/body language described. Peers must "decode" the feeling and name the cues they saw/heard.
5m
Phase 4: Debrief & Wrap
Final reflection and goal setting.
Ask: "Which signal is easiest for you to spot? Which is the hardest?" Hand out the Decoder Challenge for homework/reinforcement.
Decoder Scripting & Support
Facilitator Prompts
When someone is stuck decoding:
"Look at their hands. Are they relaxed or clenched? What does that tell us about the energy inside them?"
Discussing 'Mismatch' signals:
"Sometimes words say 'I'm fine' but the eyes say 'I'm sad.' Which signal do we usually trust more? Why?"
Teaching Tone:
"Tone is like the music behind the lyrics. The words are the lyrics, but the music tells us the mood of the song."
Lab Troubleshooting
Student is over-acting:
Remind them that 'Decoding' in real life is often subtle. Encourage them to try 'Micro-Signals' (just a slight eye roll or a small sigh).
Student struggles with naming feelings:
Provide an 'Emotion Menu' on the board. 5th graders often rely on 'happy/sad/mad'—push for 'frustrated/anxious/disappointed'.
Data Collection Tip
Use a simple tally on your clipboard during the practice cards. Note which students can identify cues (O) and which can replicate cues (R). This helps track Tier 2 progress goals.
Signal Cheat Sheet
Feeling The Body The Voice Frustrated Tight shoulders, crossed arms, tapping foot Sharp, fast, slightly louder volume Anxious Fidgety hands, eyes darting, shallow breathing Shaky, quiet, lots of "ums" or pauses Confused Head tilt, squinted eyes, rubbing neck Rising pitch at the end of sentences (?)
Signal Decoder Lab Presentation Specialist Training
THE EMOTION
DECODER LAB
Mastering the art of reading hidden signals in body, face, and tone.
The Truth About Talking
Words are only 7%
Most of what we communicate has nothing to do with the actual words we say.
If someone says "I'm fine" but their arms are crossed and they are shouting... Which do you believe?
93%
of communication is non-verbal!
The Big Three Signals
The three places we look to find the truth.
Body
Posture
Hand Gestures
Personal Space
Face
Eyebrow Position
Eye Contact
Mouth/Smile
Tone
Volume
Speed of Voice
Pitch (High/Low)
Tone Testing
Read this sentence three ways:
"Yeah, that sounds great."
Option 1
Excited Tone
Fast, high pitch, loud.
Option 2
Sarcastic Tone
Slow, flat pitch, eye roll.
Option 3
Confused Tone
Rising pitch at end.
Practice Mode:
Signal Scrambler
1
Draw a Scrambler Card.
2
Perform the signals for the group.
3
The group decodes the feeling!
The Decoder Challenge Worksheet The Decoder Challenge
Classified: Emotion Lab Field Guide
Detective Name
Lab Date
Mission Brief: Good communication isn't just about what people say—it's about the signals they send. Use your training to decode the scenarios below.
1 Case File: The Cafeteria Scene
Maya is sitting at a lunch table. Her shoulders are pulled up to her ears, she is tapping her foot quickly, and she's chewing on the side of her thumb. Her eyes are looking all around the room.
Identify the Feeling
The "Big Three" Cues
2 Case File: The Hallway Secret
Leo walks up to you and says, "That's a really cool backpack." His voice is flat and low, he rolls his eyes, and he looks away while walking past.
What's the true feeling?
Which cues gave it away?
The Tone Challenge
Match the TONE to the FEELING . Draw a line to connect them.
Loud, Fast, & Sharp
Low, Slow, & Flat
Shaky & High Pitch
Sadness
Anger
Nervousness
Detective Reflection:
Why is it important to look at the "Big Three" instead of just listening to the words?
Signal Scrambler Practice Cards Signal Scrambler Cards
Role-Play Practice Set • The Emotion Decoder Lab
Cut along dotted lines
Card 01
Your Script
"Thanks for the help."
Your Secret Signal
Tone: High-pitched & energetic
Body: Big smile & thumbs up
Target Feeling: Grateful / Happy
Card 02
Your Script
"Thanks for the help."
Your Secret Signal
Tone: Flat, dry, and bored
Body: Eye roll & heavy sigh
Target Feeling: Sarcastic / Annoyed
Card 03
Your Script
"I'm totally fine."
Your Secret Signal
Tone: Shaky, quiet volume
Body: Looking down, rubbing neck
Target Feeling: Anxious / Embarrassed
Card 04
Your Script
"Are you kidding me?"
Your Secret Signal
Tone: Loud, sharp, fast speed
Body: Stiff shoulders, clenched fists
Target Feeling: Frustrated / Angry
