Lesson Plan
Express Yourself!
Students will identify different ways to express themselves and practice using "I statements" to communicate feelings effectively and respectfully.
Effective communication helps students build stronger relationships, resolve conflicts, and advocate for their needs. This lesson provides tools for clear and respectful self-expression.
Audience
6th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion and role-playing.
Materials
Whiteboard or Projector, Markers or Pens, Express Yourself Slide Deck, Express Yourself Discussion Guide, and I Statement Practice Activity
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Review the Express Yourself Slide Deck and discussion points.
- Print or prepare to project the Express Yourself Discussion Guide and I Statement Practice Activity.
- Ensure whiteboard/projector and markers/pens are ready.
Step 1
Warm-up: What's Your Vibe?
5 minutes
- Display a slide with different emojis or scenarios representing emotions.
- Ask students: "How do people show what they're feeling without words? What are some feelings that are hard to express?"
- Facilitate a brief discussion, encouraging students to share their initial thoughts (refer to Express Yourself Discussion Guide).
Step 2
Introducing 'I Statements'
10 minutes
- Use the Express Yourself Slide Deck to introduce the concept of "I statements."
- Explain why "I statements" are effective (focus on feelings, not blame, clearer communication).
- Provide examples: "You always interrupt me" vs. "I feel unheard when I'm interrupted."
- Practice together as a group, converting
Step 3
I-Statement Practice Activity
10 minutes
I-Statement Practice
Instructions: Read each scenario. Then, rewrite the statement using an "I statement" that expresses how you would feel in that situation. Remember, an "I statement" focuses on your feelings and needs, not on blaming others.
Example:
- Original: "You always talk over me!"
Step 4
I Statement Practice Activity
10 minutes
I-Statement Practice
Instructions: Read each scenario. Then, rewrite each statement using an "I statement" that expresses how you would feel in that situation. Remember, an "I statement" focuses on your feelings and needs, not on blaming others.
Example:
- Original: "You always talk over me!"
Step 5
I Statement Practice Activity
10 minutes
I-Statement Practice
Instructions: Read each scenario. Then, rewrite each statement using an "I statement" that expresses how you would feel in that situation. Remember, an "I statement" focuses on your feelings and needs, not on blaming others.
Example:
- Original: "You always talk over me!"
- I-Statement: "I feel unheard when I am interrupted while speaking."
Scenario 1: Your friend borrowed your favorite book and returned it with a page torn.
- Original thought: "You ruined my book! You're so careless!"
- I-Statement:
Scenario 2: Someone keeps talking loudly during class, making it hard for you to concentrate.
- Original thought: "Can you please just be quiet? You're so annoying!"
- I-Statement:
Scenario 3: You planned to play with a friend, but they changed their mind at the last minute to do something else without telling you directly.
- Original thought: "Why did you ditch me? You're a bad friend!"
- I-Statement:
Scenario 4: Your group project partner isn't doing their share of the work, and the deadline is approaching.
- Original thought: "You never do anything! I'm going to have to do all the work myself!"
- I-Statement:
Scenario 5: Someone made a joke that hurt your feelings, even if they didn't mean to.
- Original thought: "That wasn't funny! You're so mean!"
- I-Statement:
Slide Deck
Express Yourself!
Speak Your Mind, Share Your Heart
Welcome students and introduce the topic of expressing ourselves. Ask them what "expressing yourself" means to them.
How Do We Express Ourselves?
- Words: Speaking, Writing
- Body Language: Facial expressions, gestures, posture
- Actions: What we do (or don't do)
Prompt students to think about how they show their feelings. Discuss both verbal and non-verbal cues. This ties into the warm-up activity.
Why Is It Important?
- To be understood
- To build stronger relationships
- To resolve conflicts
- To advocate for yourself
Introduce the idea that some ways of expressing can be more helpful than others. Lead into the 'I statements' concept.
What Are 'I Statements'?
A way to communicate your feelings and needs clearly and respectfully, without blaming others.
Focuses on:
- I feel...
- I need...
- I want...
Explain what an 'I statement' is. Emphasize that it focuses on your feelings and your experience, rather than blaming someone else.
Examples: 'You' vs. 'I'
Instead of: "You always interrupt me!"
Try: "I feel unheard when I am interrupted while speaking."
Instead of: "You make me mad!"
Try: "I feel frustrated when [situation occurs]."
Show clear examples. Go through the "You always..." versus "I feel..." contrast. Ask students which one sounds more effective and why.
The 'I Statement' Formula
I feel _________ (your feeling)
when __________ (what happened)
because _________ (why it matters to you).
I need/want _________ (your request/solution).
Provide a simple template. Ask students to repeat it or try to fill in the blanks with a hypothetical situation.
Practice Makes Perfect!
The more you use 'I Statements,' the easier they become.
They help you:
- Be understood
- Control your emotions
- Find solutions together
Explain that practicing 'I statements' helps them become natural. Encourage them to try this in their daily lives.
Speak Up, Be Heard!
Using 'I Statements' empowers you to share your voice clearly and respectfully. It's a superpower for good communication!
Conclude by reiterating the value of strong communication and expressing themselves. Encourage questions.
Discussion
Express Yourself Discussion Guide
Warm-up: What's Your Vibe? (5 minutes)
- How do people show what they're feeling without words? (e.g., facial expressions, body language, tone of voice)
- What are some feelings that are easy to express?
- What are some feelings that are hard to express? Why?
- Can you think of a time when someone misunderstood how you were feeling? What happened?
Introducing 'I Statements' (During Slide Deck presentation)
- Look at the examples on the slide. What's the main difference between a "You statement" and an "I statement"?
- Why do you think an "I statement" might be more helpful in a disagreement?
- When might it be difficult to use an "I statement"?
- Can you think of a situation where an "I statement" could have helped you or someone you know?
Activity
I-Statement Practice Activity
Instructions: Read each scenario. Then, rewrite each statement using an "I statement" that expresses how you would feel in that situation. Remember, an "I statement" focuses on your feelings and needs, not on blaming others.
Example:
- Original: "You always talk over me!"
- I-Statement: "I feel unheard when I am interrupted while speaking."
Scenario 1: Your friend borrowed your favorite book and returned it with a page torn.
- Original thought: "You ruined my book! You're so careless!"
- I-Statement:
Scenario 2: Someone keeps talking loudly during class, making it hard for you to concentrate.
- Original thought: "Can you please just be quiet? You're so annoying!"
- I-Statement:
Scenario 3: You planned to play with a friend, but they changed their mind at the last minute to do something else without telling you directly.
- Original thought: "Why did you ditch me? You're a bad friend!"
- I-Statement:
Scenario 4: Your group project partner isn't doing their share of the work, and the deadline is approaching.
- Original thought: "You never do anything! I'm going to have to do all the work myself!"
- I-Statement:
Scenario 5: Someone made a joke that hurt your feelings, even if they didn't mean to.
- Original thought: "That wasn't funny! You're so mean!"
- I-Statement: