Language Arts · Grade 6

Active learning ideas

Non-Verbal Communication

Active learning builds muscle memory for non-verbal cues, which students often overlook in practice. When students physically mirror gestures or record themselves, they see how posture and eye contact shape audience perception in real time.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.4

• 20–40 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 4 activities

Activity 01

• Role Play
• 20 min · Pairs

Pairs: Non-Verbal Mirror Challenge

Partners face each other and mirror body language, gestures, and expressions for 2 minutes. One leads a 30-second persuasive pitch on a topic like recycling, while the other mirrors silently. Switch roles and discuss what felt natural or awkward.

Analyze what role body language plays in establishing a speaker's authority.

Facilitation Tip

When students complete the Self-Video Analysis, ask them to watch for one moment where their posture changed and consider how it affected their tone.

What to look for

Present students with short video clips of speakers. Ask them to identify one specific gesture or posture used and explain what message it conveyed to the audience. For example, 'The speaker stood with hands clasped behind their back. This might communicate formality or a desire to appear composed.'

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Social Awareness
• Self-Awareness

Activity 02

• Role Play
• 30 min · Small Groups

Small Groups: Gesture Charades

Groups draw persuasive scenarios, like convincing a crowd to support a cause. One student acts using only gestures and posture, no words; others guess and provide feedback on clarity and impact. Rotate roles twice.

Explain how eye contact can engage an audience and build rapport.

What to look for

Pose the question: 'Imagine you are giving a presentation about a new product. How would you use your eye contact and gestures to convince your audience that this product is trustworthy and essential?' Facilitate a brief class discussion where students share their ideas.

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Social Awareness
• Self-Awareness

Activity 03

• Role Play
• 40 min · Whole Class

Whole Class: Feedback Carousel

Students deliver 1-minute speeches around the room. Classmates use sticky notes to note one strong non-verbal cue and one suggestion. Presenter reads feedback after each rotation.

Design a presentation incorporating effective non-verbal communication techniques.

What to look for

Students deliver a 30-second impromptu speech on a given topic. After each speech, peers use a simple checklist to rate the speaker on 'Consistent Eye Contact' and 'Purposeful Gestures,' providing one specific comment for each.

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Social Awareness
• Self-Awareness

Activity 04

• Role Play
• 25 min · Individual

Individual: Self-Video Analysis

Students record a 1-minute persuasive talk, focusing on eye contact and gestures. Watch playback, note three effective cues and two improvements using a checklist. Share one insight with a partner.

Analyze what role body language plays in establishing a speaker's authority.

What to look for

Present students with short video clips of speakers. Ask them to identify one specific gesture or posture used and explain what message it conveyed to the audience. For example, 'The speaker stood with hands clasped behind their back. This might communicate formality or a desire to appear composed.'

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Social Awareness
• Self-Awareness

A few notes on teaching this unit

Teach non-verbal communication through cycles of imitation, experimentation, and reflection rather than lecture. Research shows students mimic peers more readily than adults, so pair activities build confidence faster than demonstrations alone. Avoid overloading students with too many cues at once; focus on one skill per session to prevent overload.

Students will use intentional body language to support their spoken messages, showing confidence through posture, emphasis through gestures, and connection through eye contact. Their feedback will reflect awareness of how non-verbal signals reinforce spoken content.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During the Non-Verbal Mirror Challenge, watch for students who assume body language matters less than spoken words.

  Direct pairs to discuss how a speaker’s slumped shoulders or folded arms might contradict a confident statement, then practice adjusting posture to align with their words.

• During Gesture Charades, watch for students who believe holding eye contact means staring unblinkingly at one person.

  Have students practice scanning the room in small arcs during charades, then reflect on which pacing felt more natural and engaging for listeners.

• During the Self-Video Analysis, watch for students who overuse gestures, believing constant movement keeps attention.

  Ask students to count gestures in their recording and revise to use only two or three purposeful movements, then compare the revised version to the original.

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Methods used in this brief

• Role Play