Social Spy Squad Master Plan Teacher Guide Social Spy Squad Master Plan
Tier 2 Social Skills Group | 3rd Grade
Top Secret
Objective
Students will develop foundational social observation skills, understand expected vs. unexpected behaviors, and practice using social tools to navigate various social contexts.
Timeframe
8 Weeks total.
Preparation
15-20 min per session. Review slides, print activities, and gather group materials (whiteboard, markers).
Mission Rationale
"Developing social-emotional intelligence is critical for building positive relationships, succeeding academically, and thriving in diverse environments. This group provides explicit instruction and practice in often-assumed social skills."
Weekly Missions Overview
Week Mission Topic & Objective Key Activity 1 Becoming a Social Detective Identify social clues people give (eyes, ears, brain). Social Detective Log 2 Expected vs. Unexpected Differentiate behaviors based on social context. Behavior Sort 3 Thinking with Your Eyes Observe facial expressions and eye contact for cues. Eye Spy Social Cues 4 Body Language Basics Identify posture, gestures, and movement as info. Charades Social Clues 5 Tone of Voice & Words Explore how sound and word choice impact interaction. Voice Detective Game 6 Social Smarts in Action Apply all detective tools to analyze scenarios. Social Situation Cards 7 Problem Solving Learn and practice the Stop-Think-Act framework. What Would You Do? 8 My Social Toolkit Reflect on growth and identify personal strengths. My Strengths Journal
Mission Guidance
Instructional Approach
This program is designed for small groups (Tier 2). Use a combination of interactive discussions, role-playing, and hands-on activities. Encourage students to "detect" behaviors in real-time during the group sessions.
Core Framework: Stop-Think-Act
Throughout the 8 weeks, refer back to the concept of pausing (Stop), analyzing clues (Think), and responding intentionally (Act). This builds the "Social Smarts" necessary for successful navigation of the playground and classroom.
Becoming a Social Detective Slides Classified: Mission 01
Becoming a
Social Detective
Welcome to the Social Spy Squad. Your training begins today.
What is a Social Detective?
Uses their senses to figure out what's happening around them.
Looks for clues to understand others and situations.
Learns how to act in different places.
Detectives use clues to solve social mysteries!
Teacher Note:
Introduce the group and the book 'You Are a Social Detective'. Explain that we are all detectives in training!
Our Detective Senses
EYES
What do you SEE ?
EARS
What do you HEAR ?
BRAIN
What do you THINK ?
Teacher Note:
Ask: "What social clues can you gather with your eyes right now in this room?"
Thinking With Your Eyes
Faces
Happy, sad, angry, surprised?
Bodies
Standing close, far away, arms crossed?
Actions
Playing, working, walking away?
Detectives pay close attention to clues that don't make noise!
Expected vs. Unexpected
Expected
Actions that fit the situation and make others feel comfortable.
Example: Raising your hand to talk.
Unexpected
Actions that surprise people or make them feel uncomfortable.
Example: Shouting in the library.
Teacher Note:
Keep it simple—this is just a preview of next week's mission!
Mission Assignment
Now it's time to practice your observation skills. Open your Social Detective Log and record your first clues!
EYES ON
EARS OPEN
BRAIN ACTIVE
Social Detective Log Worksheet Top Secret
Social Detective Log
Agent Name:
Mission Date:
Welcome, Social Detective! Your job is to observe the world around you and look for social clues. For each situation below, write or draw what you SEE and what you THINK it means.
CLUE #01: THE FRIENDLY WAVE
What I Saw or Heard
(Example: A friend waved and smiled at someone.)
What I Think It Means
(Example: They were saying hello and were happy.)
CLUE #02: THE QUIET CORNER
What I Saw or Heard
(Example: Someone sitting alone with their head down.)
What I Think It Means
(Example: They might be feeling sad or tired.)
CLUE #03: THE LOUD GROUP
What I Saw or Heard
(Example: Kids shouting and laughing in the hall.)
What I Think It Means
(Example: Having fun, but maybe too loud for the hall.)
Your Turn: Independent Investigation
CLUE #04: LIVE FIELD OBSERVATION
What I Saw or Heard Today
What I Think It Means Expected vs Unexpected Slides Mission Briefing: Review
What did we learn
in Mission 01?
We are Social Detectives.
We use eyes, ears, and brains.
We look for clues everywhere!
Expected vs. Unexpected
Expected
Actions that fit the situation and make others feel comfortable and calm.
Result:
Things go smoothly!
Unexpected
Actions that surprise people or make them feel uncomfortable and confused.
Result:
Things get tricky!
Expected at School
Raising your hand to speak.
Listening while others talk.
Walking in the hallways.
Sharing materials with friends.
Unexpected at School
Shouting out answers.
Interrupting a friend.
Running in the hallways.
Taking things without asking.
It Depends on the Place!
What is Expected in one place might be Unexpected in another!
Soccer Game
Cheering loudly is
The Library
Cheering loudly is
Mission Activity: Behavior Sort
Time to test your social smarts! Open your Expected vs. Unexpected Sort and decide where each behavior belongs.
Fits?
Surprising?
Why?
Expected vs Unexpected Sort Worksheet Mission 02: Behavior Sort
Target: Expected vs. Unexpected
Agent:
Date:
Detective Instructions: Read each scenario. Circle whether the behavior is Expected or Unexpected for that situation. Then, use your brain to explain WHY .
Case #01: Classroom
Expected Unexpected
"A student shouts out the answer to a question without raising their hand."
Detective Reasoning (Why?)
Case #02: Cafeteria
Expected Unexpected
"A student sits quietly, eats their lunch, and talks in a low voice with friends."
Detective Reasoning (Why?)
Case #03: Recess
Expected Unexpected
"Two friends are running and playing tag on the playground, laughing loudly."
Detective Reasoning (Why?)
Case #04: Assembly
Expected Unexpected
"A student gets up and starts dancing in the aisle while the principal is speaking."
Detective Reasoning (Why?)
Agent Challenge
Create your own scenarios for this place: THE MOVIE THEATER
EXPECTED
UNEXPECTED
Thinking with Your Eyes Slides Mission 03: Surveillance
Review:
Fits or Surprising?
Expected
It fits the situation and makes others feel calm.
Unexpected
It surprises people or makes them feel uncomfortable.
Eyes are Detective Tools!
We use our eyes to gather silent clues about thoughts and feelings.
We look at faces , body posture , and actions .
Your eyes are like social scanners!
The Face File
Happy
Smile, bright eyes, relaxed face.
Sad
Frown, drooping eyes, looking down.
Angry
Scrunched brows, tight lips, sharp eyes.
Surprised
Wide eyes, open mouth, raised brows.
Faces change fast! Be ready to catch the clue!
Looking vs. Thinking
Looking at someone...
Usually means "I am listening" or "I am interested."
Looking away...
Might mean "I'm distracted," "I'm shy," or "I'm bored."
Social Detective Secret:
We use our eyes to show others what we are thinking about .
Eye Spy Mission
We are going to look at surveillance photos. Your mission: Use your eyes to figure out what they are feeling or thinking.
Observe
Analyze
Report
Eye Spy Social Cues Worksheet Mission 03: Eye Spy Social Cues
Surveillance Report
Agent:
Date:
Briefing: Social Detectives use their eyes to gather "silent clues." Look at each scenario below. Figure out what the person is feeling and what they are thinking about.
Surveillance File #01: The New Student
"A new student is standing alone at recess, looking down at their feet and fidgeting with their shirt."
Clues I See (Face/Body)
What are they thinking/feeling?
Surveillance File #02: Project Trouble
"Two students are working together. One has arms crossed and a frown. The other is pointing excitedly at the paper."
Clues I See (Face/Body)
What are they thinking/feeling?
Surveillance File #03: Happy Sharing
"Two children are smiling and sharing a toy. They are looking at each other while they talk."
Clues I See (Face/Body)
What are they thinking/feeling?
Surveillance File #04: Confused Listener
"A child is looking at the teacher with furrowed eyebrows and a slightly open mouth. They keep looking around the room."
Clues I See (Face/Body)
What are they thinking/feeling? Body Language Basics Slides Mission 04: Body Language
Review:
Face Facts
"Our eyes help us see clues that don't make noise."
More Than Just Faces!
Beyond our faces, our entire body talks to people.
How we stand, sit, and move gives big clues. This is Body Language .
Your body is a silent messenger!
Welcoming Clues (Open)
Arms relaxed/uncrossed
Body facing the person
Standing/sitting comfortably
"I'm listening, and I'm open to talking with you."
Shutting Down Clues (Closed)
Arms crossed tightly
Body turned away
Fidgeting or looking down
"I'm uncomfortable, angry, or I need space."
Social Clue Charades
Can you communicate without words? Your body is the only tool you can use!
NO TALKING
USE MOVEMENT
GUESS THE CLUE
Charades Social Clues Cards Charades: Social Clues (Teacher Guide)
Cut out the evidence cards below.
Place cards in a "Top Secret" envelope or bag.
Agents take turns silently acting out the cue using only body language and facial expressions.
Other agents guess the message. Discuss: What clues did you see? Is this expected or unexpected?
EVIDENCE #01
Feeling bored during a long speech.
Clues: Yawning, looking at the ceiling, fidgeting, slouching.
EVIDENCE #02
Asking to join a game.
Clues: Standing near the group, hopeful face, making eye contact.
EVIDENCE #03
Angry because someone took your toy.
Clues: Arms crossed, frowning, stomping, turning away.
EVIDENCE #04
Excited about going to the park.
Clues: Jumping, wide smile, clapping, high energy.
EVIDENCE #05
Confused about homework.
Clues: Furrowed brows, scratching head, shrugging, puzzled look.
EVIDENCE #06
Listening carefully to a story.
Clues: Sitting still, leaning forward, soft eye contact.
EVIDENCE #07
Not wanting to share a toy.
Clues: Hugging toy tightly, turning away, frowning.
EVIDENCE #08
Feeling shy and uncomfortable.
Clues: Looking down, fidgeting, hiding/shrinking body.
Tone of Voice and Words Slides Mission 05: Audio Surveillance
Review:
Body Talk
"Our bodies talk even when our mouths are closed."
Our Voices Talk Too!
Beyond our bodies, our ears gather clues from sound.
Sometimes HOW you say something matters more than WHAT you say.
Tone of Voice
The "music" in your voice that tells people how you feel.
The Tone Tuner
Happy Tone
Higher pitch, light, friendly.
Sad Tone
Quieter, slower, lower pitch.
Angry Tone
Loud, harsh, fast.
Confused Tone
Questioning, slower, trails off.
Agent Challenge:
Say the word "OKAY" using each of these tones!
Choosing Words Wisely
Before you speak, ask:
Is it KIND?
Is it TRUE?
Is it NECESSARY?
Even with a friendly tone , some words can hurt.
Even with a serious tone , some words can be helpful.
"Think before you transmit!"
Mission: Voice Detective
Listen closely agents. You will hear different messages. Can you guess the feeling and intent based only on the sound?
Listen
Decode
Identify
Voice Detective Game Worksheet Mission 05: Voice Detective Game
Audio Intelligence
Agent:
Mission Date:
Instructions
Social Detectives listen to HOW words are spoken. Your teacher will say phrases with different tones. Your job is to decode the feeling behind the sound.
#01
Phrase: "Okay."
Feeling Heard
Audio Clues (Pitch/Speed)
#02
Phrase: "I'm fine."
Feeling Heard
Audio Clues (Pitch/Speed)
#03
Phrase: "Can I play?"
Feeling Heard
Audio Clues (Pitch/Speed)
#04
Phrase: "That's mine!"
Feeling Heard
Audio Clues (Pitch/Speed)
#05
Phrase: "Wow!"
Feeling Heard
Audio Clues (Pitch/Speed)
Intelligence Debrief
What is one new thing you learned about how tone of voice can change a message?
How can being a "Voice Detective" help you with friends?
Social Smarts in Action Slides Mission 06: Field Operations
Our Detective
Toolbelt
Eyes
Faces & Bodies
Ears
Tone & Words
Brain
Putting it Together
Social Smarts in Action!
Sometimes, we need to use ALL our social detective tools at the same time to solve a mystery.
Combine Clues
Analyze Context
Make a Plan
Case File: The Quiet Friend
Scenario
"You see Alex sitting alone at recess. Alex usually plays with everyone, but now Alex is looking down and isn't talking."
What clues do you SEE?
What might you HEAR?
What is Alex feeling?
Case File: The Interrupter
Scenario
"Sam keeps interrupting and talking over you. Sam's voice is loud and fast."
Is this behavior Expected?
Why or why not?
What are the social clues?
Look at eyes, ears, and brain.
Social Mystery Cards
It's time to solve the files! Work together to analyze the clues and find the best social response.
SOLVE THE CASE
Social Situation Cards Worksheet Mission 06: Social Situation Cards
Cut out the "Case Files" below. Take turns reading a scenario to the squad. Discuss the social clues (eyes, ears, brain) and decide on the best action.
What clues do you see or hear?
Is it expected or unexpected?
What is a smart social response?
CASE #01: FRUSTRATED PARTNER
"Your puzzle partner keeps forcing pieces that don't fit. Their eyebrows are scrunched, lips pressed together, and they let out a sigh."
CASE #02: THE SHY NEW FRIEND
"A new student sits apart from the group, speaks very softly when asked a question, and looks down at their desk a lot."
CASE #03: THE EXCITING STORY
"Your friend is telling you about a video game. Their eyes are wide, hands are moving a lot, and their voice is getting louder and faster."
CASE #04: CONFUSED DIRECTIONS
"The teacher gave art project instructions. Classmates have tilted heads, open mouths, and are whispering 'Huh?' to each other."
CASE #05: THE UNFAIR GAME
"A friend changes the rules middle of a game to win. Another friend crosses arms and makes a grumpy face. A third shouting 'That's not fair!'"
CASE #06: HURT FEELINGS
"You accidentally bump into a friend, and they drop their snack. They look at you with watery eyes and say 'Now my snack is ruined.'"
Problem Solving with Social Tools Slides Mission 07: Problem Solving
Mastering our
Social Detective Skills
"We use our eyes for faces and bodies, our ears for tones and words, and our brains for logic."
Solving Social Mysteries
Sometimes situations are tricky even with clues. Our social tools help us find the best solutions!
Introducing the social strategy guide...
The Social Strategy: 3 Steps
1. STOP!
Take a breath. Don't react right away.
2. THINK!
Look at clues. What are my choices?
3. ACT!
Choose the best plan and try it out.
Scenario: Block Tower Trouble
"Your friend accidentally knocks down your tall block tower. You feel angry! Your friend looks worried."
Stop:
Pause before yelling!
Think:
Friend looks worried = Accident. Choices?
Act:
Say "it's okay" or ask for help rebuilding.
Scenario: Ball Game Mix-Up
"You want to play soccer, but your friends are playing kickball. They are having fun, but there's no room for soccer."
What's the best strategy?
Join the kickball game
Find someone else for soccer
Ask to play soccer later
What Would You Do?
It's your turn to be the lead strategist. Use the Stop-Think-Act plan to solve these tricky social problems!
EXECUTE PLAN
What Would You Do? Activity Worksheet Mission 07: What Would You Do?
Strategy Blueprint
Lead Strategist:
Date:
1 STOP
2 THINK
3 ACT
Social Problem 01: No Partner!
"It's time for a partner activity. Everyone has a partner except you. You see Maya and Liam giggling together, not looking around."
Stop
Think
Act
Social Problem 02: Sharing Spoons
"You have a special treat at snack. Ben asks for some. You only have a tiny bit left and don't want to share, but you don't want Ben to be sad."
Stop
Think
Act
Social Problem 03: The Group Decision
"Your group needs to pick a topic. Chloe keeps pushing her idea loudly and no one else is getting a chance to speak. She looks annoyed."
Stop
Think
Act
My Social Toolkit Slides Graduation Day
Social Spy Squad
Class of 2026
You have completed your training. You are now Master Social Detectives.
What's in your Toolkit?
Thinking with Our Eyes
Listening with Our Ears
Expected vs. Unexpected
Stop-Think-Act Plan
These tools will help you for the rest of your life!
Mission Success Stories
Observation
"When did you use your eyes to understand a friend?"
Behavior
"When did you choose an expected behavior?"
Solving
"When did you use Stop-Think-Act to solve a problem?"
The Journey Continues
Being a social detective is a lifelong skill . The more you practice, the better you'll become!
OBSERVE
LISTEN
THINK
My Social Strengths
It's time for your final debrief. Reflect on your growth and celebrate your social superpowers!
COMPLETE FINAL JOURNAL
My Social Strengths Journal Reflection Sheet Master Social Detective Journal
Mission 08: Final Reflection
Master Agent:
Graduation Date:
Congratulations, Social Detective! You've learned so much and practiced many important social skills. Now it's time to celebrate your strengths and look at how far you've come.
1. My Favorite Social Detective Tool:
Which one is your favorite to use? Why? (Thinking with eyes, ears, behavior, or problem solving?)
2. When I Was a Social Detective:
Think of a time (at school, home, or with friends) when you used one of your social detective skills. What happened? How did it help?
3. My Social Superpower:
What is one social skill you feel really good at now? (e.g., listening, sharing, asking to play, solving problems, reading faces)
4. How I Will Keep Growing:
What is one social skill you want to keep practicing or get even better at?
Message to a New Social Detective
If a new student was just starting our Social Spy Squad, what advice would you give them?
Write your advice here...
Master Detective Approved
