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Navigating Tricky Teacher Talk

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Lesson Plan

Navigating Tricky Teacher Talk

Students will learn and practice three constructive strategies for communicating with teachers they dislike, focusing on respectful language, active listening, and problem-solving.

Learning to effectively communicate with adults, even those you don't naturally connect with, is a crucial life skill. It helps students advocate for themselves, avoid unnecessary conflict, and maintain a productive learning environment, preparing them for future academic and professional challenges.

Audience

7th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Role-playing and guided discussion.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: First Impressions (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  • Begin by presenting the Warm Up: First Impressions.
    - Ask students to briefly reflect on a time they had a strong first impression of someone, positive or negative, and how that impression might have changed or stayed the same.
    - Facilitate a brief discussion, emphasizing that initial feelings can sometimes be misleading and that everyone deserves a fair chance and respectful interaction.

Step 2

Introduction: Why This Matters (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  • Display Slide 1: Title Slide.
    - Use the Slide Deck: Navigating Tricky Teacher Talk to introduce the lesson's objective: learning how to communicate effectively with teachers, even when you don't particularly like them.
    - Ask students why it's important to still be respectful and productive with adults, even if you don't 'click' with them.
    - Transition to discussing strategies for effective communication.

Step 3

Strategies for Constructive Communication (10 minutes)

10 minutes

  • Go through Slides 2-4: Strategies detailing key strategies: respectful language, active listening, and problem-solving.
    - For each strategy, discuss what it looks like and sounds like in a classroom setting.
    - Encourage students to share examples of when these strategies might be useful or challenging.

Step 4

Activity: Scenario Cards (8 minutes)

8 minutes

  • Divide students into pairs or small groups.
    - Distribute the Activity: Scenario Cards.
    - Each group picks a card and discusses how they would respond to the scenario using the strategies learned.
    - Have a few groups share their scenarios and proposed responses with the whole group. Emphasize constructive feedback and alternative approaches.

Step 5

Cool Down: One Big Takeaway (2 minutes)

2 minutes

  • Distribute the Cool Down: One Big Takeaway.
    - Ask students to write down one key thing they learned or one strategy they plan to use.
    - Briefly collect or discuss responses as an exit ticket.
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Slide Deck

Navigating Tricky Teacher Talk

Strategies for respectful and productive communication with teachers you don't 'click' with.

Why does this matter?

Welcome students and introduce the topic. Emphasize that it's normal to not always like every teacher, but how we respond matters.

Strategy 1: Respectful Language

  • Use polite words (please, thank you, excuse me)
  • Avoid yelling or interrupting
  • Address them appropriately (Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name)
  • Focus on the issue, not the person

Explain that 'respectful language' means using polite words, avoiding slang, and not making personal attacks, even if you're frustrated. Give examples.

Strategy 2: Active Listening

  • Give the teacher your full attention
  • Make eye contact (if comfortable)
  • Nod to show you're listening
  • Don't interrupt – wait for pauses
  • Ask clarifying questions (e.g., "So, if I understand correctly...")

Discuss 'active listening' – looking at the teacher, nodding, and paraphrasing what they said to show understanding. This can prevent misunderstandings.

Strategy 3: Problem-Solving Focus

  • Identify the specific problem
  • Brainstorm solutions together
  • Be open to compromise
  • Focus on what can be done, not just what's wrong

Explain 'problem-solving' – instead of just complaining, think about what you can do to improve the situation. Encourage students to suggest solutions.

Putting It All Together

Remember these three strategies:

  1. Respectful Language
  2. Active Listening
  3. Problem-Solving Focus

Let's practice!

Summarize the key strategies and encourage students to practice them in various situations. Transition to the activity.

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Warm Up

Warm Up: First Impressions

Think about a time you met someone new, whether it was a classmate, a coach, or even a character in a book or movie.


  1. What was your very first impression of them? Was it positive, negative, or neutral?


  2. Did your impression change over time, or did it stay the same? Why do you think that happened?


Be ready to share your thoughts with the group!

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Activity

Activity: Scenario Cards

Instructions:

  1. Work with your partner or small group.
  2. Pick one scenario card at a time.
  3. Discuss how you would respond to the situation using the strategies we just learned:
    • Respectful Language
    • Active Listening
    • Problem-Solving Focus
  4. Think about what you would say and what you would do.
  5. Be prepared to share your responses with the class.

Scenario Card 1: The Strict Grader

Your math teacher, Ms. Peterson, grades really harshly. You worked hard on a project, but you got a much lower grade than you expected. You feel like she doesn't appreciate your effort and you're frustrated.











Scenario Card 2: The Repetitive Lectures

Mr. Davies, your history teacher, always reads directly from the textbook during his lectures. You find his class incredibly boring and struggle to pay attention, even though you like history. You feel like you're not learning anything new.











Scenario Card 3: The Unfair Rule

Your science teacher, Mrs. Chen, just implemented a new rule: no talking at all during lab work, even for quick questions. You find it hard to collaborate with your lab partner, and you think the rule is too strict and makes learning harder. You feel annoyed by her new policy.











Scenario Card 4: The Annoying Habit

Your English teacher, Mr. Lee, has a habit of pacing back and forth and muttering to himself while you're trying to write. It distracts you, and you find it really irritating. You feel like you can't concentrate in his class.











Scenario Card 5: Constant Redirection

Your teacher, Mrs. Garcia, constantly has to redirect you and your friends for talking during class. She's pulled you aside privately multiple times and has even called home. You feel like she's unfairly targeting you, even though you know you talk a lot.











Scenario Card 6: Chronically Late

You've been consistently late to Mr. Kim's class, and he's just given you a lunch detention and called your parents. You feel like it's not a big deal to be a few minutes late, but he seems really upset about it.











Scenario Card 7: The Unwanted Seat Change

Your teacher, Ms. Rodriguez, moved your seat away from your best friend to another part of the classroom. You really don't want to sit there and are considering just sitting in your old seat anyway, even though she told you not to. You feel like she's trying to separate you from your friends.











Scenario Card 8: Perceived Unfairness

In your science class, you and your male classmates feel like your teacher, Mr. Thompson, unfairly targets boys. He seems to tell boys to quiet down more often and often speaks to them publicly about their behavior, while girls seem to get away with similar things. You and your friends feel like he's picking on you.











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Cool Down

Cool Down: One Big Takeaway

What is one key thing you learned today about responding to teachers effectively, even when you don't like them? Or, what is one strategy you plan to try?





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