Lesson Plan
Respect: Give & Get
Students will be able to define self-respect and respect for others, identify the connection between the two, and apply these concepts to analyze real-world scenarios.
Understanding self-respect and respect for others is fundamental for building healthy relationships, fostering a positive school community, and navigating social challenges. It empowers students to advocate for themselves while also empathizing with and valuing others' perspectives.
Audience
9th and 10th Grade Students
Time
15 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion and scenario analysis.
Materials
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Review the Respect: Give & Get Lesson Plan and all generated materials, making adjustments as needed.
- Ensure projector/smartboard is set up for the Respect: Give & Get Slide Deck.
- Print copies of the Respect Scenarios Worksheet (one per student or one per small group).
Step 1
Warm-Up & Introduction (2 minutes)
2 minutes
- Begin with the prompt: "What does 'respect' mean to you?" Allow for quick student responses (e.g., raise hands, quick share-out).
- Introduce the lesson objectives using the Respect: Give & Get Slide Deck (Slide 1-2).
Step 2
Defining Self-Respect & Respect for Others (5 minutes)
5 minutes
- Lead a brief discussion on self-respect. What does it look like? Sound like? (Use Respect: Give & Get Slide Deck Slide 3).
- Transition to respect for others. How are these two connected? Can you truly respect others if you don't respect yourself? (Use Respect: Give & Get Slide Deck Slide 4-5).
- Encourage students to share examples of respectful and disrespectful behavior they've observed or experienced (without naming individuals).
Step 3
Scenario Analysis (6 minutes)
6 minutes
- Distribute the Respect Scenarios Worksheet.
- Explain that students will work individually or in small groups to read and discuss a few scenarios related to self-respect and respecting others.
- Instruct them to identify the type of respect involved and propose a respectful way to handle each situation.
- Circulate and facilitate discussions, offering guidance as needed.
Step 4
Wrap-Up & Key Takeaway (2 minutes)
2 minutes
- Bring the class back together.
- Briefly review one or two scenarios from the Respect Scenarios Worksheet, having students share their proposed solutions.
- Conclude by emphasizing that respect is a two-way street and a continuous practice. (Use Respect: Give & Get Slide Deck Slide 6).
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Slide Deck
Respect: Give & Get
Understanding Self-Respect and Respect for Others
How do we give respect? How do we get it?
Greeting and engaging students. Ask: "What comes to mind when you hear the word 'respect'?"
Our Goals Today
By the end of this mini-lesson, you will be able to:
- Define self-respect.
- Define respect for others.
- Explain the connection between self-respect and respecting others.
- Analyze scenarios and propose respectful solutions.
Introduce the lesson objectives clearly. Emphasize why this topic is important for their lives, both in and out of school.
What is Self-Respect?
It's valuing yourself as a person.
- Knowing your worth: Understanding your strengths and weaknesses.
- Setting boundaries: Saying "no" when something doesn't feel right.
- Taking care of yourself: Physically, mentally, emotionally.
- Standing up for your beliefs: Even when it's difficult.
Lead a brief discussion on self-respect. What does it mean to you? How do you show it to yourself? What are some examples?
What is Respect for Others?
It's valuing and appreciating the dignity of others.
- Listening actively: Truly hearing what someone says.
- Acknowledging differences: Valuing diverse opinions and backgrounds.
- Using polite language: "Please," "Thank you," and common courtesies.
- Honoring boundaries: Not pushing someone past their comfort zone.
Transition to respecting others. How is this different, or similar, to self-respect? Are they connected?
The Connection
Self-respect and respect for others go hand-in-hand.
- When you respect yourself, you're more likely to command respect from others.
- When you value yourself, you understand the importance of valuing others.
- Lack of self-respect can lead to disrespecting others, and vice-versa.
- It's a cycle!
Facilitate a short discussion: Can you truly respect others if you don't respect yourself? Why or why not? What happens when one is missing?
Respect: A Daily Practice
Respect isn't a one-time thing; it's how we choose to interact every single day.
It builds stronger relationships, creates positive environments, and helps us all feel valued.
How will you practice respect today?
Concluding thought. Emphasize that respect is a continuous practice. Encourage them to apply these ideas in their daily lives.
Worksheet
Respect Scenarios: Give & Get
Directions: Read each scenario carefully. For each one, identify what type of respect (self-respect, respect for others, or both) is being challenged or demonstrated. Then, explain how you would respond or what advice you would give to ensure a respectful outcome.
Scenario 1: The Group Project
You are working on a group project, and one of your teammates, Alex, consistently shows up late to meetings, doesn't contribute much, and often dismisses your ideas with eye-rolls and sarcastic comments. You feel frustrated and undervalued.
Type of Respect Challenged:
How would you respond respectfully?
Scenario 2: Social Media Pressure
Your friend, Sam, wants you to post an embarrassing photo of another classmate, Jordan, on social media as a joke. You know Jordan is sensitive about their appearance, and you wouldn't want someone doing that to you. Sam says, "It's just a joke, don't be so uptight!"
Type of Respect Challenged:
How would you respond respectfully?
Scenario 3: Different Beliefs
During a class discussion, a classmate, Chris, shares an opinion that is very different from yours and from what many others in the class believe. Some students immediately start to laugh and make rude remarks under their breath, but Chris continues to try and explain their point of view.
Type of Respect Challenged:
How would you respond respectfully?
Scenario 4: Overheard Comments
You overhear a group of students making fun of the way you dress, specifically targeting a new shirt you were really excited to wear today. You feel a pang of embarrassment and hurt.
Type of Respect Challenged:
How would you respond respectfully?
Answer Key
Respect Scenarios Answer Key
Scenario 1: The Group Project
Type of Respect Challenged: Both self-respect and respect for others.
- Self-respect: Your ideas are being dismissed, and you are feeling undervalued. It challenges your right to be heard and respected as a contributing member of the team.
- Respect for others: Alex is showing disrespect to you and the other teammates by not contributing, being late, and making sarcastic remarks.
How would you respond respectfully?
- Private conversation: Approach Alex privately and calmly express how their actions (being late, dismissing ideas) are impacting the project and your feelings. Use "I" statements (e.g., "I feel frustrated when I don't feel heard, and it impacts our team's progress.").
- Set expectations: As a group, revisit roles and expectations. Emphasize the importance of everyone's contribution and respectful communication.
- Escalate if necessary: If the behavior continues after a direct conversation, consider approaching the teacher or project lead as a last resort, focusing on the impact on the project rather than personal attacks.
Scenario 2: Social Media Pressure
Type of Respect Challenged: Both self-respect and respect for others.
- Self-respect: Giving in to peer pressure to do something you know is wrong or goes against your values diminishes your own integrity and self-worth.
- Respect for others: Posting an embarrassing photo of Jordan is a clear act of disrespect, violating their privacy and potentially causing them significant emotional distress.
How would you respond respectfully?
- Firm but calm refusal: Clearly tell Sam, "No, I'm not going to post that. It's not funny, and it would really hurt Jordan."
- Explain your reasoning: Briefly explain why you won't do it, focusing on empathy for Jordan and your own values. "I wouldn't want that done to me, and I know Jordan would be upset."
- Suggest an alternative (optional): If appropriate, try to redirect the conversation or suggest a different activity. "Let's just hang out and play a game instead."
- Maintain your boundary: Don't engage in further argument if Sam tries to pressure you. Your "no" is complete.
Scenario 3: Different Beliefs
Type of Respect Challenged: Respect for others.
- Respect for others: The students laughing and making rude remarks are not showing respect for Chris's right to express their opinion, even if it's unpopular. They are creating a hostile environment that discourages open discussion.
How would you respond respectfully?
- Model respectful listening: Make eye contact with Chris and listen attentively, showing you value their input even if you disagree.
- Speak up (if comfortable): If you feel comfortable, you could say something like, "Hey, everyone has a right to their opinion," or "Let's hear Chris out respectfully."
- Support the teacher: If the teacher is present, they will likely intervene. If not, and you feel comfortable, you can help steer the conversation back to respectful dialogue.
- Focus on the idea, not the person: If you disagree with Chris, formulate your counter-argument respectfully, addressing their points rather than attacking them personally.
Scenario 4: Overheard Comments
Type of Respect Challenged: Both self-respect and respect for others.
- Self-respect: Your self-respect is challenged because their comments are attempting to diminish your confidence and make you feel bad about your choices.
- Respect for others: The group is showing disrespect by making fun of someone's personal choices and causing them hurt.
How would you respond respectfully?
- Acknowledge your feelings: It's okay to feel hurt. Take a moment to process it.
- Decide on a response:
- Ignore and walk away: Sometimes the most powerful response is to not give their negativity any power over you. Continue with your day, holding your head high.
- Direct but calm confrontation: If you feel safe and confident, you could approach them and say, "I overheard what you said about my shirt. It's not cool to make fun of what people wear."
- Talk to a trusted adult: If this is a recurring issue or you feel particularly distressed, speak to a teacher, counselor, or parent. They can offer support and guidance.
- Reinforce your own worth: Remind yourself that your worth isn't determined by others' opinions about your clothing. You liked the shirt, and that's what matters.