Lesson Plan
The Art of Expressing Yourself
Students will learn to identify and express their feelings constructively and utilize effective communication as a coping mechanism for stress and conflict.
Effective communication is a vital life skill that empowers students to navigate challenging situations, build stronger relationships, and advocate for their needs, ultimately reducing stress and promoting well-being.
Audience
7th Grade Students
Time
25 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion and scenario-based learning.
Prep
Preparation Steps
10 minutes
- Review the Lesson Plan and all associated materials: Speak Your Truth, Healthy Communication Scenarios, and Empathetic Listening Guide.
- Ensure projector and computer are set up for the Speak Your Truth.
- Print or prepare to display the Healthy Communication Scenarios for group discussion.
- Familiarize yourself with the Empathetic Listening Guide to effectively lead the discussion.
Step 1
Introduction: What's on Your Mind?
5 minutes
- Begin by displaying the title slide of the Speak Your Truth.
- Engage students with a brief warm-up question: "Think about a time you felt frustrated or upset. Did you tell someone how you felt? How did it go?" (Refer to Empathetic Listening Guide for prompting.)
- Introduce the concept of communication as a coping skill. Transition to the first content slide of Speak Your Truth.
Step 2
Understanding Communication Styles
7 minutes
- Use slides 2-4 of the Speak Your Truth to explain different communication styles (e.g., passive, aggressive, assertive).
- Facilitate a short discussion about the pros and cons of each style, focusing on the benefits of assertive communication.
- Ask students for examples of when each style might be used (anonymously). (Refer to Empathetic Listening Guide for active listening prompts.)
Step 3
Practice Makes Perfect: Scenarios
8 minutes
- Divide students into small groups (2-3 students).
- Distribute or display the Healthy Communication Scenarios.
- Instruct each group to choose one scenario and discuss how they would use assertive communication to resolve the conflict or express their feelings.
- Circulate among groups, providing guidance and answering questions. Encourage students to consider different perspectives.
Step 4
Share and Reflect
5 minutes
- Bring the class back together.
- Have each group briefly share their chosen scenario and their assertive communication strategy.
- Conclude by emphasizing the importance of practicing these skills and reminding students that it's okay to ask for help when they need to communicate effectively. (Refer to Empathetic Listening Guide for closing remarks and active listening.)
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Slide Deck
Speak Your Truth: Communicating for Calm
How we talk to each other, and ourselves, matters!
Welcome students and introduce the topic. Ask a warm-up question to get them thinking about communication.
Communication: Your Superpower for Coping
• Expressing feelings constructively
• Seeking support when you need it
• Solving problems together
• Building stronger friendships and relationships
Explain why communication is important for coping with stress and conflict. It's not just about talking, but about being understood and understanding others.
What's Your Style? Passive Communication
• Avoiding direct expression of feelings or needs.
• Often saying "It's fine," even when it's not.
• Can lead to feelings of being unheard or taken advantage of.
Describe passive communication. Emphasize that while it might avoid immediate conflict, it often leads to unaddressed feelings and resentment.
What's Your Style? Aggressive Communication
• Expressing feelings in a way that is disrespectful or harmful to others.
• Blaming, shouting, or demanding.
• Can make others feel attacked or defensive.
Describe aggressive communication. Highlight that it can damage relationships and escalate conflicts, even if feelings are expressed.
What's Your Style? Assertive Communication
• Clearly and respectfully expressing your thoughts, feelings, and needs.
• Using "I" statements (e.g., "I feel...").
• Finding solutions that work for everyone.
Describe assertive communication as the goal. Explain that it's about respecting both yourself and others.
Let's Practice! Healthy Communication Scenarios
• Work in small groups.
• Choose a scenario.
• Discuss how you would use assertive communication.
• Be ready to share your strategies!
Transition to the activity. Explain that students will practice assertive communication with scenarios.
Discussion
Healthy Communication Scenarios
Work with your group to discuss these scenarios. Choose one and decide how you would use assertive communication to address the situation. Remember to use "I" statements and clearly express your feelings and needs while respecting others.
Scenario 1: Group Project Gone Wrong
You are working on a group project, and one of your teammates isn't doing their share of the work. The deadline is approaching, and you're worried about your grade.
How would you talk to your teammate to address this issue assertively?
Scenario 2: Friend Borrowed Without Asking
Your friend borrowed your favorite jacket without asking and returned it stained. You're upset because you really liked that jacket and they didn't ask first.
How would you talk to your friend about this situation using assertive communication?
Scenario 3: Misunderstanding with a Teacher
You received a lower grade than you expected on an assignment, and you believe there might have been a misunderstanding about the instructions. You feel frustrated and confused.
How would you approach your teacher to discuss your grade and the assignment assertively?
Scenario 4: Annoying Sibling
Your younger sibling keeps interrupting you when you're trying to do your homework, making it hard for you to concentrate. You love your sibling, but you need quiet time.
How would you communicate your need for space and quiet to your sibling assertively?
Script
Empathetic Listening Guide
Introduction: What's on Your Mind? (0-5 minutes)
Teacher: "Good morning, everyone! Today we're going to talk about something super important: how we communicate. I want you to think for a moment: have you ever felt really frustrated or upset about something? Maybe with a friend, a family member, or even about school? Now, did you tell someone how you felt? And if you did, how did that conversation go? Did it help? Did it make things worse? No need to share out loud just yet, just think about it."
Teacher: "Sometimes, when we're stressed or facing a problem, the way we communicate can make a huge difference in how we feel and how the situation turns out. Today, we're going to learn about using communication as a coping skill. It's like having a superpower to navigate tough conversations and build stronger connections."
Understanding Communication Styles (5-12 minutes)
Teacher: "Alright, let's look at different ways people communicate. We're going to talk about passive, aggressive, and assertive communication. As we go through them, think about which style you might use sometimes, and which style you think is most effective." (Display Speak Your Truth slides on Passive, Aggressive, and Assertive Communication.)
Teacher: "So, what do you notice about these different styles? Can anyone share an example of when someone might use passive communication? Or aggressive? What about assertive communication? What makes it different?"
Teacher: "That's right! Assertive communication is about respecting yourself and others. It's about being clear, honest, and kind. We use 'I' statements, like 'I feel...' or 'I need...'. This helps us express ourselves without blaming or attacking others."
Practice Makes Perfect: Scenarios (12-20 minutes)
Teacher: "Now it's your turn to practice! I'm going to divide you into small groups. Each group will get some Healthy Communication Scenarios. Your task is to choose one scenario and discuss how you would use assertive communication to handle it. Think about what you would say, how you would say it, and what you hope to achieve. I'll be walking around to help out, so don't hesitate to ask questions." (Distribute/display Healthy Communication Scenarios and monitor groups.)
Share and Reflect (20-25 minutes)
Teacher: "Alright, let's bring it back together. I'd love for each group to briefly share the scenario you chose and your assertive communication strategy. What did you come up with?"
Teacher: "Fantastic job, everyone! Remember, practicing these communication skills takes time and effort, but it's totally worth it. When you can express your feelings constructively and seek support, you're not only helping yourself but also building stronger, healthier relationships with the people around you. It's okay to ask for help if you're struggling to communicate. You've got this!"