Body Language Builder

This narrative writing worksheet helps students practice revealing emotion through body language rather than naming feelings directly. Students write one or two complete sentences for each listed emotion, describing facial expressions, posture, movement, and small physical reactions as if the sentences were part of a story. The focus is on showing how a character feels through what the body does.

By brainstorming cues for emotions such as excited, embarrassed, confused, proud, and afraid, students learn how writers communicate emotion indirectly and realistically.

Learning Goals

• Depicting Emotion Through Body Language
  Use physical cues to communicate feelings.
• Narrative Detail & Sensory Awareness
  Incorporate observable movements and expressions into writing.
• Character Writing Techniques
  Strengthen characterization through action-based description.
• Showing vs. Telling Reinforcement
  Replace emotion labels with concrete behavior.

Instructional Benefits

• Builds Stronger Character Descriptions
  Helps students create believable emotional reactions.
• Encourages Precision in Writing
  Promotes specific, intentional detail rather than vague wording.
• Supports Creative & Analytical Thinking
  Allows multiple valid ways to show the same emotion.
• Flexible Classroom Use
  Ideal for narrative units, writing workshops, mini-lessons, intervention, or enrichment.

The Body Language Builder worksheet helps students develop confidence and skill in show-don’t-tell writing. By learning how body language communicates emotion, learners gain essential tools for vivid storytelling and richer character development.

This worksheet is part of our Show, Don’t Tell Techniques Worksheets collection.