Social Spotlight Unit Plan Social Spotlight
Unit Guide: High School Conversational Mechanics
Unit Objective
Students will master "Hidden Rules" of social interaction using a performance metaphor. By week's end, students demonstrate reciprocity, balance, and perspective-taking in peer exchanges.
Required Materials
• Instructional Slides
• Daily Worksheets
• Scenario Cards
• Tennis Ball
Weekly Pacing & Activities
1
Reciprocity: The Tennis Match
Focus: "Passing the ball" using return questions. Students learn that a sentence without a follow-up stops the game.
Activity: Physical Ball Pass. Pass a tennis ball when asking questions in a circle.
2
Share the Stage (Balance)
Focus: 50/50 talking time. Using the "1-Minute Rule" to avoid monologues.
Activity: Spotlight Timer. Pairs use a 60s timer to switch speakers during a conversation.
3
Friendship Detective (Empathy)
Focus: Identifying visual clues about a partner's interest (shirts, items, topics).
Activity: Clue Hunt. Observe a peer and name 3 topics they likely enjoy.
4
Performance Rehearsal
Focus: Applying all skills in scripted scenarios (lunchroom, hallway).
Activity: Scenario Cards. Pairs rehearse and perform short scenes for class feedback.
5
Final Curtain Review
Focus: Self-assessment and committing to a real-world social goal.
Activity: Goal Setting Circle. Share one social goal for next week's lunchtime.
Social Spotlight Slides Social Spotlight
Mastering the Stage of Conversation
Day 1: Reciprocity
The Tennis Match Rule
When you talk, you PASS the ball. If you don't ask a question back, you TRAP the ball.
"I love music. What about you?"
Perfect Pass
Day 2: Balance
Don't be a Stage Hog!
The 1-Minute Rule
If you talk for more than 60 seconds, your partner's brain starts to "tune out."
Watch for the "I'm Bored" Signs!
No one-way stories
50/50 talking time
Stop and Listen
Day 3: Perspective
Friendship Detective
Look
Look at their shirt, hat, or backpack stickers.
Listen
Listen for topics they mention more than once.
Ask
Ask: "What is your favorite way to spend a Saturday?"
Day 4: Performance
The Rehearsal Room
Today we put it all together! Use your cards to practice real school scenes.
Face your partner
Check your volume
Today's Goals:
Ask a question back
Talk about THEIR interests
Day 5: Review
Bravo!
You are officially a Conversation Star. Keep sharing the stage!
Tennis Match Worksheet The Tennis Match
Social Spotlight: Day 1
Name: __________________________
Social Story: The Back and Forth
In tennis, I hit the ball over the net to my friend. Then, my friend hits the ball back. Conversation is the same!
The Golden Rule: After you answer a question, ask one back! Keep the ball moving.
Exercise 1: Finish the Scene
A
"Hey! Did you do anything fun this weekend?"
B
"I went to the movies and saw a superhero film!"
Write B's "Return Question" below:
Exercise 2: Create a Return
Write a question for each topic to send the ball back:
Topic: Lunch
Topic: Music
Topic: Hobbies
Stage Sharing Worksheet Share the Stage
Social Spotlight: Day 2
Name: __________________________
Social Story: Sharing the Spotlight
If I talk for a very long time, the spotlight stays only on me. My friend might feel bored or left out in the dark.
Goal: Talk for a little bit, then stop and listen! Keep it 50/50.
Exercise 1: Spotlight Check
Scenario A: Mark tells a story for 10 minutes. Sarah tries to speak, but Mark interrupts her.
Sharing Stage Stage Hogging
Scenario B: Jenna tells a short story, then asks, "What about you?"
Sharing Stage Stage Hogging
Exercise 2: Short and Sweet
Write a 2-sentence answer to: "What is your favorite hobby?"
Friendship Detective Worksheet Friendship Detective
Social Spotlight: Day 3
Name: __________________________
Social Story: The Interest Investigator
I can be a Friendship Detective . This means I use my eyes to look at my friends and my ears to listen. If I see a friend wearing a shirt with a movie character, I know they might like that movie.
When I talk about what my friend likes, they feel happy! It shows them that I care.
Exercise 1: Investigating Clues
CLUE: PERSON HAS A DOG T-SHIRT
Question to ask:
CLUE: PERSON WEARING HEADPHONES
Question to ask:
Your Detective Mission
Write one question you can ask a friend today to find out what they love.
Conversation Script Cards CONVERSATION SCENARIOS
Practice Cards: Rehearsal Room
Scenario 1
You meet a classmate wearing a Star Wars shirt.
Script Model:
"Hey, cool shirt! Do you have a favorite Star Wars movie?"
Scenario 2
A friend asks: "What is your favorite food?"
Script Model:
"I really love tacos! How about you? What do you like to eat?"
Scenario 3
You want to talk about Minecraft , but they are talking about Sports .
Script Model:
"That's cool that you like soccer. Do you play on a team?"
Scenario 4
You are sitting next to someone new at lunch .
Script Model:
"Hi, my name is Alex. Are you having a good day so far?"
Pro Tip
If you get stuck, just ask: "How about you?" It is the perfect way to pass the ball!
Social Star Reflection The Grand Finale
Social Spotlight: Reflection
Name: __________________________
Reciprocity
I can ask a question back.
Balance
I share the stage.
Detective
I look for clues.
Social Star
I listen and care.
Self-Reflection
What was your favorite skill to learn this week?
One social goal I have for next week is:
Curtain Call
