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Accepting 'No' Gracefully

lchism

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Accepting 'No' Gracefully

Students will be able to describe one positive and one negative reaction to hearing the word 'no.'

This lesson is important because learning to accept 'no' respectfully is a crucial life skill that promotes healthy communication and relationships.

Audience

3rd Grade

Time

10 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion and charades.

Materials

  • Slide Deck: Accepting 'No' Gracefully, and - Game: 'What Does It Look Like' Charades

Prep

Review Materials

5 minutes

Review the Slide Deck: Accepting 'No' Gracefully and the Game: 'What Does It Look Like' Charades to familiarize yourself with the content and activities. Ensure all digital materials are ready for display.

Step 1

Connect & Activate: What Does 'No' Feel Like?

2 minutes

Activity: Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down

  1. Teacher says: "Think about a time someone told you 'no.' Maybe you asked for an extra cookie, or to play a game, and the answer was 'no.' How did that feel? Show me a thumbs up if it felt good, a thumbs down if it felt not so good, or a thumbs sideways if you felt neutral."
  2. Facilitate a brief discussion: "It's okay for 'no' to feel a little tough sometimes. Today, we're going to learn about how we can react when we hear 'no' in ways that are respectful and helpful."
  3. Transition: "Let's look at some ways people react."

Step 2

Introduce & Model: Reactions to 'No'

3 minutes

Using the Slide Deck: Accepting 'No' Gracefully

  1. Display Slide 1: "Accepting 'No' Gracefully" - Introduce the lesson title.
  2. Display Slide 2: "What Happens When You Hear 'No'?"
    • Teacher says: "When someone tells us 'no,' our body and face can show how we feel. These are called non-verbal cues or body language."
    • Discuss examples of negative reactions (e.g., stomping feet, crossing arms, frowning).
  3. Display Slide 3: "Positive Reactions"
    • Teacher says: "But we can also choose positive ways to react. This shows respect. What might positive body language look like?"
    • Discuss examples (e.g., nodding, saying 'okay,' keeping a calm face).
  4. Display Slide 4: "Why Does It Matter?"
    • Teacher says: "Why is it important to react positively? It helps us get along with others and shows we understand and respect boundaries."

Step 3

Guided Practice: 'What Does It Look Like' Charades

4 minutes

Game: Game: 'What Does It Look Like' Charades

  1. Teacher explains: "Now, we're going to play a quick game called 'What Does It Look Like' Charades. I'll describe a reaction to 'no,' and you'll act it out with your body and face, but without speaking!"
  2. Divide students into two teams or play as a whole class.
  3. Lead the game using prompts from the Game: 'What Does It Look Like' Charades.
    • Example positive reaction: "You asked to play a game, and your friend said 'no.' You nod and say 'Okay, maybe later!'." (Students act out nodding, calm face)
    • Example negative reaction: "You asked for a treat, and your grown-up said 'no.' You stomp your foot and cross your arms." (Students act out stomping, crossed arms)
  4. After each action, ask: "Was that a positive or negative reaction? Why?"
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Slide Deck

Accepting 'No' Gracefully

Understanding how to react when we hear 'no'.

Welcome students to the lesson. Briefly introduce the topic of listening to 'no' and why it's important.

What Happens When You Hear 'No'?

Our bodies and faces often show how we feel.

  • Frowning
  • Crossing arms
  • Stomping feet
  • Looking upset

These are called non-verbal cues or body language.

Ask students to share what they think happens when someone hears 'no.' Guide them to think about body language and feelings. Provide examples of negative reactions like stomping feet, frowning, or crossing arms.

Positive Reactions

We can choose to react in respectful ways!

  • Nodding calmly
  • Saying "Okay" or "Thanks for letting me know"
  • Keeping a calm face
  • Taking a deep breath

This shows respect.

Now, ask students to brainstorm positive ways to react. Emphasize that it's about showing respect. Discuss examples like nodding, saying 'okay,' keeping a calm face, or asking 'why not?' calmly.

Why Does It Matter?

Reacting positively helps us:

  • Get along better with others.
  • Show respect.
  • Understand boundaries.
  • Maintain friendships.

Engage students in a discussion about why these positive reactions are important. Connect it to getting along with others and showing understanding. It helps us maintain friendships and positive relationships.

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Game

'What Does It Look Like' Charades

Instructions for Students:

Your teacher will read a scenario where someone hears "no." Your job is to act out the reaction using only your body and face! No talking!

Game Scenarios:

Positive Reactions:

  1. Scenario: You ask your teacher if you can have extra time for an activity, and she says "No, we need to move on."

    Reaction to Act Out: You nod slightly, take a quiet breath, and start working on the next task with a calm face.

  2. Scenario: You ask your friend to play your favorite game, but they say "No, I want to play something else right now."

    Reaction to Act Out: You shrug your shoulders, say "Okay," and suggest playing your game later with a friendly smile.

  3. Scenario: You ask for a second helping of dessert, and your grown-up says "No, you've had enough for tonight."

    Reaction to Act Out: You say "Alright" quietly, push your plate away, and listen without arguing.

  4. Scenario: You want to borrow a toy from your sibling, but they say "No, not right now."

    Reaction to Act Out: You walk away calmly and find something else to do, understanding their boundary.

Negative Reactions:

  1. Scenario: You ask your teacher if you can have extra time for an activity, and she says "No, we need to move on."

    Reaction to Act Out: You frown, cross your arms tightly, and let out a big sigh.

  2. Scenario: You ask your friend to play your favorite game, but they say "No, I want to play something else right now."

    Reaction to Act Out: You stomp your foot, turn your back to your friend, and pout.

  3. Scenario: You ask for a second helping of dessert, and your grown-up says "No, you've had enough for tonight."

    Reaction to Act Out: You whine loudly, "But I'm still hungry!" and kick your chair slightly.

  4. Scenario: You want to borrow a toy from your sibling, but they say "No, not right now."

    Reaction to Act Out: You grab the toy anyway, or you yell "That's not fair!" and storm off.

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