Stop and Listen Body Cue Game
Practice reading body language by freezing and guessing how someone feels based on their pose — sharpening social awareness skills.
What You'll Need
No materials needed — just your bodies and your observation skills
How to Play
Explain the game: "I'll make a pose with my body, and you guess how I'm feeling!"
Strike an obvious body pose — hands on hips with a big frown (angry).
Ask: "How do I feel? Look at my whole body for clues!"
Point out the cues: "See my tight fists? My scrunched face? Those are clues that I feel angry."
Switch roles. Let your child pose while you guess.
Gradually increase difficulty: crossed arms (frustrated), looking away (shy), toe-tapping (impatient).
Take it to real life: "Look at your brother's body right now. How do you think he feels?"
Why It Works
Most communication is nonverbal. Children who can read body language navigate social situations more successfully — they notice when a friend is uncomfortable, when a parent is stressed, or when a peer wants to play. This game explicitly teaches what most people learn implicitly. By breaking down body cues ("hunched shoulders mean sad"), you're giving your child a decoder ring for human interaction. The real-life practice at the end bridges the game to everyday social awareness.
Tips
Start with exaggerated poses. Subtlety comes later — make the body cues obvious at first.
Avoid just asking about faces. The whole body communicates — posture, hands, feet, movement.
Play this while people-watching at a park or cafe. "Look at that person. What do you think they're feeling?"
Connect it to conflict: "Before you talk to your friend, look at their body. What is it telling you?"
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 15 min, with 0 min of preparation time beforehand.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 3-6 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors or outdoors?
This activity works great both indoors and outdoors, giving you flexibility based on the weather or your space.
How difficult is this activity?
This is an easy activity that requires minimal setup and supervision. Great for busy days or when you need something quick.
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