Social Skills--Body Language, Self-Esteem & Tips for Making New Friends Flex

This is a flex class which means there is no arranged class time or live lessons. Students can access the lessons at any time during the 4-week class.  Students will gain knowledge about ways to interact and converse with others by paying attention to body language and facial expressions by watching teacher led instructional videos.  

Weekly Class Breakdown:  

Week1:  Students will watch my instructional video to learn about the importance of the following:
Non-verbal communication such as:  facial expression, eye contact, posture, mannerisms, voice tone and volume.  

    **Class assignment--After the instructional video students must either write about the body language in the video, or they can submit their own video to explain what they saw in the video.  Students are also encouraged to think of body language that might not be mentioned in the video, how they are aware of that body language and where they have seen the body language and include that in their writing assignment or video.  The assignments must be submitted on the Outschool classroom page.  Students are encouraged to comment on at least one of the other classmates' submission. 

Week 2:  Students will watch my instructional video to learn about personal space, touch, and gestures.  The video will include slides with short clips to observe interactions.  

    **Class assignment--After the instructional video students should think about and submit ideas on when and where they may use gestures to acknowledge other people when they see them out in public.  Students should think about whether they feel a sense of personal space around their bodies.  Students should ask their family members if they feel an area around their body in which other people can make them uncomfortable if they get into their personal space. Students may choose to write about what they saw in the instructional video, write about their interview with their family member or they can submit their own video instead of writing.  Students are encouraged to comment on at least one of the other classmates' submission. 

Week 3:  Students will watch my instructional video to learn about the importance of high self-esteem, how to improve their self-esteem and ways to boost their confidence which will help them feel comfortable to engage in social interactions. Students will be shown well known leaders who have overcome obstacles that could have prevented them from proceeding with their very important work, but who instead chose to see this experience as a way to learn and make changes. Students will be asked to submit a list of things that make them feel proud of themselves and which they can use as positive affirmations daily to build their self-esteem and confidence.  Students may also connect with another learner in the group to chat with them about things that they are proud of about themselves.  Assignments may be to research someone who showed confidence in their endeavors and overcame obstacles to achieve success because of their confidence.

    **Class assignment--Students will think of positive things about themselves and write down at least 10 positives.  These may include things they do well, accomplishments, qualities and characteristics.  They will submit these in the Outschool classroom either in writing or in a video.  Students are encouraged to comment on at least one of the other classmates' submission. 
     
Week 4: Students will watch my instructional video to learn about ways to practice small talk with others and ways to make and keep good friends.  

    **Class assignment--Students will be given scenarios during the instructional video in which they are to determine what would be appropriate in each scenario. They must submit their answers in writing or submit their answers by video in the Outschool classroom.  Students will be encouraged to make small talk with someone they do not usually converse with such as:  a store clerk, librarian, police officer, neighbor or someone else (always with parent approval and making good choices about safety).  Students are encouraged to comment on at least one of the other classmates' submissions. 

Classes will be interactive and may have slides, youtube video clips, and discussion with other class members on the classroom page through email messages. 
No previous knowledge or experience needed.