Respect Communication Anchor Chart

Use this chart to remember the four keys to respectful communication. Refer to it as you practice polite words, active listening, and kind body language.

1. Polite Words and Phrases

• Please: Ask for something kindly.
• Thank you: Show you appreciate someone’s help.
• You’re welcome: Reply when someone thanks you.
• Excuse me: Get attention or move past someone politely.
• I’m sorry: Apologize when you make a mistake.
• May I…?: Ask permission in a friendly way.

2. Friendly Tone of Voice

• Speak clearly and at a gentle volume.
• Smile in your voice—sound warm and kind.
• Use a steady pace; don’t rush your words.
• Practice using a calm, caring tone even if you’re upset.

3. Eye Contact & Nodding

• Face the speaker and look at their eyes.
• Nod your head to show you’re listening and understand.
• Hold eye contact for a few seconds at a time.
• Avoid looking around the room or at the floor.

4. Open, Relaxed Posture

• Keep arms and legs uncrossed.
• Turn your body toward the speaker.
• Stand or sit up straight, but stay relaxed.
• Smile to show you’re friendly and ready to listen.

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Remember, magic words + friendly tone + good eye contact + open posture = respectful communication!

Role-Play Scenario Cards

Use these cards for small-group role-plays. Each group picks one card and practices using magic words, active listening, and kind body language.

1. Asking to Borrow a Pencil
   • Student A needs a pencil and asks Student B, who is using it.
   • Practice: “Excuse me, may I borrow your pencil, please?”

2. Inviting a Friend to Join Your Game
   • Student A is playing a game at recess and invites Student B.
   • Practice: “Would you like to play with me, please?”

3. Apologizing for Accidentally Bumping In
   • Student A bumps into Student B in the hallway.
   • Practice: “I’m sorry I bumped into you. Are you okay?”

4. Thanking a Classmate for Help
   • Student A helps Student B tie a shoe or clean up.
   • Practice: “Thank you so much for helping me!”

5. Asking for Help with a Homework Question
   • Student A doesn’t understand a question and asks Student B.
   • Practice: “Excuse me, could you help me with this problem, please?”

6. Letting Someone Go First in Line
   • Student A is at the lunch line and sees Student B behind them.
   • Practice: “You can go in front of me, please.”

Directions for Use:
• Give each small group one card.
• Students take turns playing both roles.
• Focus on polite words, eye contact, nodding, and open posture.
• After each role-play, give each other one compliment for respectful communication.

Reflection Worksheet: My Magic Words

Today you learned how to use polite words, listen carefully, and show kind body language. Use this sheet to think about how you will practice your magic words every day!

Name: ____________________________ Date: _____________

1. My Magic Word

Which magic word will you use most often? Why did you pick this word?

2. My Listening or Body Language Strategy

Choose one thing you will do to show active listening or kind body language. Describe how you will do it and why it is important.

3. Reminder Plan

How will you remind yourself to use your magic word and listening/ body language strategy every day? (For example: a note on your desk, a partner check-in, or a sticker chart)

Great job reflecting! Keep this sheet in your folder and look at it whenever you need a magic word reminder.

Magic Words Quick Warm-Up

Time: 5 minutes

Objective: Activate students' prior knowledge of polite language ("magic words").

Materials:

• Individual whiteboards and dry-erase markers (or paper and pencils)
• Respect Communication Anchor Chart

Activity Steps:

1. Word Scramble (2 minutes)

• Display the scrambled magic words on the board:
  • EASLPE
  • HANKT OUY
  • SEIUCE KEYO
  • MORSOY
• Students write the unscrambled words on their boards or paper.
  
  
  

2. Reveal & Check (1 minute)

• Ask students to hold up their boards. Reveal the correct words and have class say each word aloud together:
  PLEASE, THANK YOU, EXCUSE ME, SORRY.

3. Think-Pair-Share (2 minutes)

• Think: Students choose one magic word and think of a time they could use it.
• Pair: Turn to a partner and share your word and scenario.
  
  
  
  
  
  

4. Class Share (Remaining time)

• Invite 2–3 pairs to share their magic word and scenario.
• Refer to the Respect Communication Anchor Chart to confirm word usage.

This quick warm-up gets us ready to practice respectful communication today!

Respectful Exit Ticket

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________

1. Which magic word did I use best today? Why did I choose that word?
   
   
   
   

2. How did I show respectful listening or body language? Give one example.
   
   
   
   

3. One way I will practice respectful communication tomorrow or at home: