Goal: To improve social-relationship skills
Objective(s): The student will be able to identify a variety of vocal inflections.
Process Steps:
1. Identify different tones of voice.
2. Identify the feeling of that tone (angry, sad, tense, happy, etc.).
3. Match vocal inflection to feeling.
Discuss
Definition: Vocal inflection is the use of voice tone to get across what you mean when you talk.
Rationale: Discuss importance of recognizing others' feelings by vocal inflection.
Where/When/Comments:
• Review benefits of good listening skills.
• Students generate a list of where/when they have had
experiences of listening to use of vocal inflection.
Set the Stage:
• Teacher introduces the concept of how people sound when
they are "happy", "sad", etc.
• Tape record TV program to listen to for vocal inflections.
Model/Role-play with Feedback
• Have students practice various tones of voice while
observing their own facial expressions in the mirror.
• Have students take turns being "Judge" where
they have to guess who spoke without seeing the speaker.
• Students may make tape recordings of themselves, teachers,
or others in various situations. The group decides what emotion
is being expressed.
• With a tape recorder, have students practice giving the
same message in various tones of voice.
• Teacher demonstrates various vocal inflections. Students
determine what "message" or feeling is being sent.
Application with Feedback
• Teacher reads script cards or short sentences using
different vocal inflections. Have students identify the intended
inflection and rate each other on their success
• Cooperating adult gives message over intercom. Ask
students to identify vocal inflection and reason for it.
• Watch portion of a taped TV show. Pause tape and have
students identify vocal inflection.
• Pair students off. Send them to observe a situation (e.g.,
recess, lunch, etc.). Ask them to note the vocal inflections they
observe and come back and compare notes.
Social Skills Curriculum Guide, 1992
Special School District of St. Louis County