Skill: Recognizing Others' Feelings | Learning Goal: Understanding Others
Grades: 6-8 | Activity Type: Lesson | Purpose: 🟢 Core Instruction
Be Good People Curriculum © St. Croix River Education District
How Well Can You Read People?
Today, we'll discuss why and how we read people's body language, voice tone, etc. to figure out what mood they're in.
When it comes to reading someone, what do you think is most important? (A) their body language, (B) their voice, (C) their words, or (D) what you know about the situation they’re in? Why?
WHY RECOGNIZING OTHER PEOPLE’S MOODS MATTERS: |
✅ You are more likely to maintain positive relationships when you can recognize people's moods and change your behavior, if needed. ✅ Recognizing when you bring joy to other people can make you feel better about yourself. ✅ You build a reputation as a caring person — the kind of person other people want to spend time with. |
At lunch, Rosa notices that her friend, Jamal, is unusually quiet. He isn’t laughing at the jokes like he normally does, and he barely touches his food. Rosa wonders if Jamal is upset about something but isn't sure what it is or how to approach him without making it worse.
What do you notice or wonder about what’s going on with Jamal?
What wisdom would you share with a younger person about why and how to pay attention to how others are feeling?
Picture this!
What about this sounds right? 👍
What details might be missing? 🤔
ROADMAP
TIP #1: |
Your brain is incredibly good at reading people's facial expressions. Sometimes people try to hide their feelings and show a "poker face," but you still probably guess fairly well how the person is feeling if you're paying attention. What about posture (how the person is sitting or standing) and gestures? What gestures would you expect to see someone use when they're feeling excited? |
There are many heroic, successful robot/cyborg characters in fiction who are unable to tune into the emotions of people around them and experience empathy.
What do you think the pros and cons of this would be?
TIP #2: |
It's easier for people to control the words they choose than it is to change their voice tone. If you ask someone, "How are you?" and they said, "I'm fine" in a grouchy voice, how do you think they really feel? |
Down • Sullen • Dejected • Sad • Miserable • Depressed • Discouraged • Glum • Despondent • Morose
Elena walks into the living room and sees her brother, Isaac, sitting on the couch with his headphones on, looking really sad. He’s usually so energetic, but today he seems withdrawn. Elena isn’t sure what’s bothering Isaac but wonders if she should talk to him or give him space.
Then, ask yourself: ‘Is there any background information about Isaac and what’s going on with him that might change my guess?’
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Given what you know, what emotions might Isaac be experiencing?
During a group project, Maya notices that her teammate, Carlos, is visibly frustrated when the group discusses their plan. He crosses his arms and sighs deeply. Maya wonders if Carlos feels ignored or upset by the group’s decisions and how she can help smooth things over.
Skip to end
Given what you know, what emotions might Carlos be experiencing?
Then, ask yourself: ‘Is there any background information about Carlos and what’s going on with him that might change my guess?’
Anxious • Tense • Nervous • Irritated • Uneasy • Stressed • Frustrated • Worried • Concerned • Apprehensive • Troubled
At dinner, Michael’s sister, Chloe, seems unusually quiet. She doesn’t participate in the family conversation, and she keeps pushing her food around on her plate. Michael wonders if Chloe is feeling upset about something at school or if there’s something else bothering her that she hasn’t shared.
Skip to end
Given what you know, what emotions might Chloe be experiencing?
Enraged • Livid • Fuming • Irritated • Frustrated • Angry • Anxious
Disgusted • Pessimistic • Alienated • Sullen • Dejected • Miserable • Depressed • Glum • Despondent
During gym class, Kayla notices that the new student, Priya, seems hesitant to join the game. She’s standing by the sidelines, glancing at the others but not interacting. Kayla wonders if Priya feels nervous or left out in her new environment and how she can help make her feel included.
Skip to end
Then, ask yourself: ‘Is there any background information about Priya and what’s going on with her that might change my guess?’
Given what you know, what emotions might Priya be experiencing?
Anxious • Tense • Nervous • Irritated • Uneasy • Stressed • Frustrated • Worried • Concerned • Apprehensive • Troubled
Nice work! To recap, we learned more about: