Laughter Detective Plan Laughter Detective Plan
Tier 2 Social Skills Group • 7th Grade
Duration 30 MIN
Why This Lesson?
Understanding social cues, especially when it comes to laughter, is crucial for building positive relationships and navigating social situations with confidence. This skill helps students feel more secure in their interactions.
Objective
Students will be able to identify verbal and non-verbal cues that differentiate between someone laughing with them versus laughing at them, and develop appropriate responses for each situation.
Prep & Materials
Review Discussion Guide & Slides
Print/Cut "Laughter Files" Activity
Ensure quiet environment
Instructional Steps
1
Warm-up & Introduction
5 MIN
Ask: "Have you ever been in a situation where someone was laughing, and you weren't sure if they were laughing with you or at you?"
Define concepts: Laughing with (sharing joy/connection) vs. Laughing at (mocking/making fun).
2
Discussion & Cue Identification
10 MIN
Use the Cues and Clues Discussion Guide .
Focus on verbal (tone, words) and non-verbal (body language, faces, eye contact) clues.
Encourage students to share observations comfortably.
3
Laughter Files Activity
10 MIN
Introduce the scenario cards. Students decide "With" or "At" and discuss responses.
Model 2-3 together first.
Break into pairs or small groups (if appropriate) or continue as a whole group.
4
Wrap-up & Review
5 MIN
Review key differences and the "Social Detective" mindset.
Strategy: It's okay to ask for clarification ("Are you laughing with me?").End on an empowering note.
Laughter Detective Slides Laughing With
or At?
Cracking the code of social laughter.
Teacher Notes
Welcome students. Ask if they've ever been unsure if laughter was shared or mocking. Activate prior knowledge without putting anyone on the spot.
What's the Difference?
Laughing WITH You
• Sharing a moment of joy
• Everyone feels comfortable
• It feels friendly and kind
Laughing AT You
• Making fun of someone
• Someone feels hurt/embarrassed
• It feels unkind or mean
Teacher Notes
Explain the difference clearly. Use direct language. Emphasize that 'with' is positive and 'at' is negative. Provide examples if needed.
Finding the Clues
How can we tell the difference? We become Social Detectives and look for Clues !
What they say
Words and tone
How they look
Faces and bodies
What they do
Actions and space
Teacher Notes
Introduce the 'clues' idea. Ask students for specific clue examples. Guide them towards verbal and non-verbal cues.
Let's Discuss!
We're going to talk about different situations.
Ready to share your ideas?
Teacher Notes
Transition to the discussion questions. Explain these help practice identifying cues. Refer to the Discussion Questions handout.
Scenario Time!
1
Read the card
2
"With" or "At"?
3
How to respond?
Teacher Notes
Transition to the activity. Explain the goal. Model one or two scenarios if time permits, or jump into group work.
Key Takeaways
Look for clues (words, faces, actions).
Laughing with is friendly; laughing at is unkind.
If you're not sure, it's okay to ASK!
Practicing helps you become a social detective!
Teacher Notes
Summarize the main points. Reinforce that it's okay to ask for clarity. End on a positive note.
Laughter Discussion Guide Cues & Clues Guide
Name: ________________________________
Date: _________________________________
Mission: Use these questions to investigate how laughter feels and looks in different situations. Be a social detective!
1. Understanding "Laughing With"
1. Think about a time someone was laughing with you. How did it feel?
2. What did the person's face look like? (smiling, eyes, posture)
3. What did they say?
4. What did their body do?
2. Understanding "Laughing At"
1. Think about a time someone was laughing at you. How did that feel?
2. What did the person's face look like? (smirking, eyes, pointing)
3. What did they say?
4. What did their body do?
3. Real-World Strategies
1. If you tell a joke and everyone laughs, how do you know if they liked the joke or are making fun of you?
2. If you are not sure if someone is laughing with you or at you, what could you say to find out?
Example: "Are you laughing with me?"
3. What is a healthy way to respond if someone is genuinely being unkind and laughing at you?
Laughter Scenario Cards Laughter Files
Case Study Activity
Instructions: Read each case file below. Use your social detective skills to look for clues . Decide if the laughter is "WITH" or "AT" the person, then write down the best way to respond.
Case #01
Situation: You accidentally put on your shirt inside out. Classmates point and giggle as you walk by.
Clues: Are they pointing? Talking in hushed tones or directly to you?
WITH
AT
Response Plan:
Case #02
Situation: You tell a silly joke at lunch. Friends burst out laughing; one even snorts milk out their nose.
Clues: Broad smiles? Eye contact? Friendly tone?
WITH
AT
Response Plan:
Case #03
Situation: You miss a soccer ball in P.E. and trip. Your coach and teammates chuckle good-naturedly.
Clues: Encouraging words? Pats on the back? Empathetic faces?
WITH
AT
Response Plan:
Case #04
Situation: You stumble over a word during a presentation. Kids in the back whisper and snicker.
Clues: Avoiding eye contact? Trying to hide laughter? Hushed whispering?
WITH
AT
Response Plan:
Case #05
Situation: You wore different socks. Your best friend laughs and says, "Classic you!"
Clues: Friend's typical behavior? Kind tone? Smile?
WITH
AT
Response Plan:
Case #06
Situation: You spill water. Kids nearby laugh loudly and say, "Look at the mess!"
Clues: Offering help or just laughing? Critical or helpful comments?
WITH
AT
Response Plan:
Detective Tip: If you're 100% unsure, remember you can always use the "Direct Question" strategy: "Are you laughing with me or at me?"
