Lesson Plan
Respect in Action
Students will be able to identify disrespectful behaviors and articulate respectful alternatives in various classroom scenarios.
Disrespectful behavior can disrupt learning and create a negative environment. This lesson helps students build skills to foster a more positive and productive classroom where everyone feels valued.
Audience
10th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion and scenario-based role-playing.
Materials
Projector and computer, Respect in Action Slide Deck, Respectful Choices Scenarios, and Respectful Choices Script
Prep
Lesson Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Respect in Action Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with the content.
- Print or prepare to display the Respectful Choices Scenarios.
- Read through the Respectful Choices Script to prepare for leading the discussion and activities.
- Ensure projector and computer are working properly and ready for presentation.
- Arrange classroom seating for small group discussions, if preferred, though whole-class works too.
Step 1
Warm-Up: What Does Respect Look Like?
5 minutes
- Begin by asking students: "What does respect look like and sound like in our classroom?" (Teacher Note: This is an oral discussion, no writing required.)
- Encourage a few students to share their initial thoughts.
- Use Slide 2 to guide the discussion, highlighting key aspects of respectful behavior.
Step 2
Understanding Disrespectful Behavior
7 minutes
- Transition to discussing common disrespectful behaviors without singling out individuals.
- Display Slide 3 which lists examples of disrespectful actions.
- Ask students for their observations and feelings when they encounter these behaviors. (Teacher Note: Keep this a safe and general discussion about behavior, not specific people).
- Use Slide 4 to prompt thinking about the impact of disrespect.
Step 3
Activity: Respectful Choices Scenarios
10 minutes
- Introduce the Respectful Choices Scenarios.
- Explain that students will work in small groups or as a whole class to discuss how to respond respectfully to challenging situations.
- Present each scenario (using Slide 5 and the scenarios document) one by one.
- For each scenario, ask: "What is the disrespectful behavior here?" and "How could someone respond respectfully in this situation?"
- Facilitate a brief discussion for each, encouraging students to brainstorm solutions without writing anything down. Emphasize verbal participation.
Step 4
Wrap-Up: Key Takeaways
5 minutes
- Bring the class back together.
- Display Slide 6.
- Ask students to share one key idea they will try to remember about respectful choices. (Teacher Note: Again, this is an oral share, no writing required).
- Reiterate the importance of respectful communication and actions for a positive learning environment.
- Thank students for their participation.
Slide Deck
Respect in Action
Building a Positive Classroom Community Together!
Welcome students and introduce the lesson topic. The goal is to set a positive tone and explain that this lesson is about making our classroom an even better place for everyone.
What Does Respect Look Like and Sound Like?
Think about our classroom. What words, actions, or attitudes make you feel respected?
What makes someone feel valued and heard?
How do we show respect to each other and to our learning environment?
Facilitate a brief oral discussion. Encourage students to share their initial thoughts on what respect means in a classroom setting. Prompt them with questions like: 'How do we show respect to teachers?' 'How do we show respect to classmates?' 'What does a respectful learning environment feel like?' No writing is needed, just a lively discussion.
Understanding Disrespectful Behavior
Sometimes, without realizing it, our actions can come across as disrespectful. Here are a few examples:
- Interrupting others when they are speaking
- Making sarcastic comments
- Using a dismissive tone of voice
- Ignoring instructions or requests
- Talking over classmates or the teacher
- Private conversations that distract others
Introduce the idea of identifying disrespectful behaviors. Emphasize that we're talking about behaviors, not individuals. Ask students to consider if they've ever seen or experienced these, and how it felt. This helps build empathy without singling anyone out. Use the points on the slide as conversation starters.
The Impact of Disrespect
When disrespectful behavior happens, what's the impact?
- How does it make people feel?
- How does it affect learning?
- What kind of classroom environment does it create?
Why is it important for all of us to choose respectful actions?
Deepen the discussion on the impact of disrespect. Ask students how these behaviors affect the classroom atmosphere and individual learning. Focus on the collective impact rather than personal blame. This helps connect behavior to consequences in a general way.
Activity: Respectful Choices Scenarios
Let's explore some real-life situations where we can choose to be respectful.
For each scenario, we will:
- Identify the disrespectful behavior.
- Brainstorm respectful ways to respond or act.
Think: What would a respectful person do or say in this moment?
Introduce the 'Respectful Choices Scenarios' activity. Explain that students will be given situations and will need to think aloud about how to respond respectfully. Explain that this is a chance to practice verbal problem-solving. Refer to the Respectful Choices Scenarios for the actual scenarios.
Your Power of Choice
Every interaction is an opportunity to choose respect.
What is one thing you will remember from today about making respectful choices?
How can your choices positively impact our classroom community?
Conclude the lesson by asking students to share one key takeaway orally. Reinforce the main message about the power of individual choices in creating a positive collective environment. End on a positive and empowering note.
Activity
Respectful Choices Scenarios
Instructions: Read each scenario aloud as a class or in small groups. Discuss the questions below each scenario. Remember, there's no writing required; just share your thoughts and ideas out loud!
Scenario 1: The Group Project Disagreement
During a group project, one of your teammates constantly interrupts others, dismisses their ideas with a wave of their hand, and insists on doing everything their way, saying, "My idea is clearly the best, why are we wasting time with yours?"
- What is the disrespectful behavior here?
- How could a group member respond respectfully to this behavior?
- What could the interrupting student do differently to show respect?
Scenario 2: Distracting Chatter
Your teacher is explaining a complex new concept, but a few students in the back are having a loud private conversation, giggling, and passing notes. It's hard for you and other classmates to focus on what the teacher is saying.
- What is the disrespectful behavior here?
- How does this behavior impact the learning environment for others?
- What could the students who are chatting do to show respect for the teacher and their classmates?
Scenario 3: The Dismissive Comment
During a class discussion, a student shares an idea that is different from the popular opinion. Another student rolls their eyes, sighs loudly, and mutters, "That's a dumb idea."
- What is the disrespectful behavior here?
- How does this kind of comment affect the student who shared their idea?
- How could the student who made the dismissive comment express disagreement respectfully?
Scenario 4: Ignoring Instructions
The teacher gives clear instructions for an independent assignment, including a specific deadline and a request to work quietly. However, one student immediately puts on headphones and starts playing a video game on their phone, completely ignoring the teacher's instructions.
- What is the disrespectful behavior here?
- What message does this send to the teacher and other students?
- What would a respectful student do in this situation?
Script
Respectful Choices Script
Introduction (0-1 minute)
"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today we're going to talk about something super important for our classroom, and for life in general: respect. We'll be thinking about how our actions and words affect others, and how we can all contribute to a positive and respectful environment. This isn't about calling anyone out; it's about building skills together. And don't worry, there's no writing today, just good conversation!"
Warm-Up: What Does Respect Look Like and Sound Like? (5 minutes)
"Let's kick things off with a quick thought. I want you to think about our classroom, our school, or even just interacting with friends and family. What does respect look like? What does it sound like?"
Show Slide 2 - "What Does Respect Look Like and Sound Like?"
"When you feel respected, what is happening? What actions or words make you feel valued and heard? Raise your hand if you'd like to share an example of what respect looks or sounds like."
Listen to 2-3 student responses. Affirm their ideas.
"Great examples! Things like listening when others speak, using polite language, and acknowledging different ideas are all fantastic ways we show respect."
Understanding Disrespectful Behavior (7 minutes)
"Now, let's flip the coin a little. Sometimes, even without meaning to, our actions or words can come across as disrespectful. It happens! The key is to recognize it and understand its impact."
Show Slide 3 - "Understanding Disrespectful Behavior"
"Take a look at these examples on the slide. These are common things that can happen. Things like interrupting, making sarcastic comments, or talking over someone. Have you ever been in a situation where you experienced something like this? How did it feel? (Don't name names, just describe the feeling.)"
Allow a brief moment for students to reflect and share feelings generally, if comfortable. Guide the conversation towards behaviors, not people.
Show Slide 4 - "The Impact of Disrespect"
"When these kinds of behaviors happen, what's the impact? How does it make people feel? How does it affect our learning? What kind of classroom environment does it create? Why is it so important for all of us to choose respectful actions?"
Facilitate a short discussion, emphasizing that disrespectful actions can hinder learning and create discomfort for everyone.
Activity: Respectful Choices Scenarios (10 minutes)
"Okay, now we're going to put our thinking caps on! We're going to look at some situations and talk through how we can choose to be respectful, even when it's challenging."
Show Slide 5 - "Activity: Respectful Choices Scenarios"
"I'm going to present a scenario, and for each one, we'll do two things out loud: First, we'll identify the disrespectful behavior we see. Second, and most importantly, we'll brainstorm respectful ways to respond or act in that situation. Remember, the goal is to think: What would a respectful person do or say here?"
Refer to the Respectful Choices Scenarios document. Read each scenario and its accompanying questions aloud, one by one. Facilitate discussion for each, prompting students for verbal responses. Circulate to encourage participation. Ensure no student is asked to write.
Example questions to guide discussion for each scenario:
- "What exactly is the disrespectful action taking place here?"
- "If you were in this situation, how could you respond in a way that shows respect?"
- "What could the person acting disrespectfully do differently next time?"
Wrap-Up: Key Takeaways (5 minutes)
"Fantastic discussions, everyone! You all had some really thoughtful ideas about navigating challenging situations with respect. Every interaction, every moment, is an opportunity to choose respect."
Show Slide 6 - "Your Power of Choice"
"To wrap up, I'd love for each of you to quickly think of just one thing you'll try to remember from today about making respectful choices. It could be something you learned, something you want to practice, or a way you want to contribute to our classroom. Who would like to share one idea?"
Call on 3-4 students to share their key takeaways orally.
"Wonderful! Your choices really do have a big impact on our classroom community. By actively choosing respect, we make this a better place for everyone to learn and grow. Thank you all for your participation today!"