I-Statement Builder

Use this worksheet to practice making clear, respectful I-statements and to check your partner’s listening skills.

Part 1: I-Statement Formula

Complete each blank to build your I-statement. Then write the full sentence on the lines provided.

I feel __________ when __________ because __________. I need __________.

Write your complete I-statement here:

______________________________________________________________

Part 2: Practice with Scenarios

For each short scenario, fill in the blanks to make your own I-statement.

1. Scenario: My friend won’t share the blocks.

I feel __________ when __________ because __________. I need __________.

______________________________________________________________

1. Scenario: A classmate calls me a name.

I feel __________ when __________ because __________. I need __________.

______________________________________________________________

Part 3: Active Listening Practice

With a partner, take turns being the Speaker and the Listener.

Partner A (Speaker): Read your I-statement aloud.

Partner B (Listener): Write what you heard using your own words.

“So you feel __________ when __________ because __________, and you need __________.”

______________________________________________________________

Now switch roles and practice again:

“So you feel __________ when __________ because __________, and you need __________.”

______________________________________________________________

Part 4: Reflection

1. Which part of the I-statement was easiest for you? Why?

______________________________________________________________

1. What was the hardest part? How might you make it easier next time?

______________________________________________________________

Great work! Remember that using I-statements and active listening helps everyone feel respected and understood.

Listener-Speaker Role Cards

Use these printable cards to guide students during partner practice. Print one set per pair, cut along the lines, and distribute one Speaker card and one Listener card to each pair.

Speaker Card

• Use an I-statement:
  • I feel ______ when ______ because ______. I need ______.
• Speak in a calm, clear voice.
• Look at your listener.
• Speak slowly so they can repeat back accurately.

Listener Card

• Face your speaker with your body.
• Make eye contact.
• Nod to show you’re listening.
• Stay quiet and attentive.
• Repeat back what you heard:
  “So you feel ______ when ______ because ______, and you need ______.”

Teacher Tip: Laminate these cards for reuse.

Compliment Sandwich Circle Discussion

Purpose: Reflect on using I-statements and active listening, celebrate successes, and identify areas to grow.

Setup and Guidelines

• Sit in a circle so everyone can see each other.
• Use a talking object (e.g., a soft ball) to show whose turn it is.
• Listen respectfully without interrupting.
• Speak kindly and use I-statements when possible.
• Give each speaker a “compliment sandwich”: positive, suggestion, positive.

Discussion Flow and Prompts

1. Warm-Up Question (Teacher-led)
   • Prompt: “Who can remind us what an I-statement is? Give an example.”
   • Follow-Up: If students struggle, show Example I-Statement slide again.
2. Positive Reflection
   • Prompt: “Turn to your neighbor and tell them one thing you liked about the way they spoke or listened.”
   • After 1 minute, invite 2 volunteers to share aloud:
     • “I liked how you used ‘I feel… when…’ because it was clear.”
3. Compliment Sandwich Rounds
   • Explain the steps:
     1. Positive comment (What went well?)
     2. One suggestion (How could it be even better?)
     3. Another positive comment
   • Prompt: “Think of your partner’s I-statement or listening posture. Give them a compliment sandwich.”
   • Circulate and support students using sentence stems on Listener-Speaker Role Cards.
4. Whole-Class Sharing
   • Prompt: “Who wants to share their sandwich? Let’s hear one positive, one suggestion, one positive.”
   • Follow-Up Questions:
     • “How did it feel to give feedback kindly?”
     • “How did it feel to receive a suggestion?”
5. Forward Thinking
   • Prompt: “Why is active listening important when someone uses an I-statement?”
   • Follow-Up: “How can we use these skills tomorrow at recess or at home?”

Closing

• Summarize key ideas: using I-statements helps us share feelings clearly; listening shows respect and helps us understand needs.
• Encourage students: “Remember, clear words and kind listening help us solve problems together!”