Language Warm-Up (10 mins)

1. Project the Positive vs Negative Language Chart for the whole class to see.
2. In pairs, brainstorm and write two words under each column that you’ve heard in school or with friends:

   Positive Words	Negative Words
   _______________	_______________
   _______________	_______________
   _______________	_______________

3. Individually, reflect in your notebooks:
   • How do negative words make you feel?
     
     
     
     
     
     
   • How do positive words make you feel?
     
     
     
     
     
     
4. Volunteer pairs share one example from each column and describe how those words affect mood or relationships.
5. Transition: Explain that today we’ll explore why choosing the right words matters when we communicate.

Word Impact Discussion (10 mins)

Purpose: Students explore how our word choices shape feelings, actions, and relationships.
Materials: Positive vs Negative Language Chart, Word Choice Scenarios Cards

Discussion Guidelines

• Listen respectfully and don’t interrupt.
• Speak clearly and refer to specific examples.
• Be open-minded: others may interpret words differently.

1. Personal Reflection & Share

1. Think of a time when someone’s words affected you positively or negatively.
2. Briefly describe:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • What was said?
   • How did it make you feel?
3. Volunteers share one example.

Follow-Up Questions:

• Why do you think those particular words had that impact?
• How might someone have said the same idea differently to change the outcome?

2. Scenario Analysis

1. I’ll read aloud one card from the Word Choice Scenarios Cards.
2. In small groups, compare two versions of the message on your card:
   • Version A (harsh/uncaring)
   • Version B (thoughtful/respectful)
3. Discuss:
   • Which version feels more effective? Why?
   • How does each version affect the listener’s response or mood?

Follow-Up Prompts:

• What specific words make Version B kinder or clearer?
• Could you combine elements from both versions to improve it?

3. Language Patterns & Impact

1. Refer to the Positive vs Negative Language Chart.
2. Identify any words or phrases from your personal example or scenario that appear on the chart.
3. Discuss:
   • What patterns do you notice in positive vs. negative choices?
   • How do word tone, adjectives, or phrasing change the listener’s perception?

Follow-Up Questions:

• Can neutral statements sometimes come across as negative? Why?
• How can adding or removing an adjective alter the message’s impact?

4. Real-World Application

1. Imagine you must give constructive feedback to a friend or teammate.
2. Suggest one sentence using kind, respectful wording.
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Volunteers share their sentences.

Reflection Prompt:

• How does choosing the right words build trust and cooperation?

Wrap-Up: Emphasize that small word changes can make big differences. Encourage students to apply these strategies in conversations today and beyond.

Positive vs Negative Language Chart

Use this chart to identify how word choices can affect feelings and reactions. Project it for the class and ask students to add their own examples.

Invite students to brainstorm additional words or phrases under each column and discuss how swapping negative words for positive ones can change the tone of a conversation.

Word Choice Scenarios Cards

Cut along the lines to create individual scenario cards. On each card, work in pairs to craft two versions of the message: one harsh/uncaring and one thoughtful/respectful.

Scenario 1:
Your teammate forgot to pass the ball to you during the game and you missed the winning shot.

Harsh/Uncaring Version:

Thoughtful/Respectful Version:

Scenario 2:
A friend wore a costume you think is silly and everyone started laughing at them.

Harsh/Uncaring Version:

Thoughtful/Respectful Version:

Scenario 3:
Your sibling borrowed your headphones without asking and they broke.

Harsh/Uncaring Version:

Thoughtful/Respectful Version:

Scenario 4:
A classmate failed to show up for your group project meeting at the last minute.

Harsh/Uncaring Version:

Thoughtful/Respectful Version:

Scenario 5:
A peer asks for help on homework, but you’re busy with your own work.

Harsh/Uncaring Version:

Thoughtful/Respectful Version:

Scenario 6:
You received feedback on your essay and it was very negative without any suggestions for improvement.

Harsh/Uncaring Version:

Thoughtful/Respectful Version:

Scenario Pair Share (15 mins)

Purpose:
Students practice reframing everyday comments by contrasting harsh vs. respectful wording in realistic scenarios.

Materials:

• Word Choice Scenarios Cards
• Pens or pencils
• Notebook or paper for responses

Setup:
Arrange students in pairs. Distribute two scenario cards to each pair.

Steps

1. Read & Reflect (3 mins)
   • Each pair reads Scenario A on their first card.
   • Individually, write one short sentence for:
     • Harsh/Uncaring Version:
       
       
       
       
       
       
     • Thoughtful/Respectful Version:
       
       
       
       
       
       
2. Share & Discuss (4 mins)
   • Partners exchange their two versions.
   • Discuss:
     • Which words made the statement harsh?
     • What specific wording choices improved respect and clarity?
3. Second Scenario (3 mins)
   • Repeat steps 1–2 with Scenario B (second card).
4. Partner Feedback Swap (3 mins)
   • Pairs swap one of their respectful versions with another pair.
   • Guess which scenario inspired it and suggest one additional word change to make it even stronger.
5. Class Share (2 mins)
   • Invite 2–3 volunteers to read their refined respectful version aloud.
   • Class votes with thumbs up/down on effectiveness and suggests one extra tweak.

Follow-Up Questions

• How did changing a single word alter the tone or perceived intent?
• Why is it important to consider how your words affect someone’s feelings?
• When might a neutral or factual tone feel harsher than intended?

Extension:
Students write a brief journal entry in their Reflection Journals describing a time they wish they’d chosen kinder words and how they would rephrase it now.

Cool-Down: Reflection Prompt

Ask students to revisit their Reflection Journals and respond to the following prompts thoughtfully.

1. Describe one situation (from today’s lesson or your own experience) where choosing your words carefully changed how others heard you.

1. Why do you think the specific words you chose had that impact on feelings or actions?

1. How will you apply the word-choice strategies you practiced today in a real conversation this week?

1. Optional: Write one new positive phrase or “I” statement you plan to use next time you give feedback or encouragement.

Word Impact Bingo (Identical Cards Edition)

If every student or pair uses the same bingo card, follow these tweaks to keep play fair, engaging, and reflective:

Setup (5 mins)

• Distribute one Word Impact Bingo card and markers to each student or pair.
• Explain that because cards are identical, winning depends not only on speed but also on thoughtful explanation.

How to Play (15 mins)

1. Call and Mark
   • The teacher reads a word, phrase, or mini-scenario.
   • Students mark the matching square if they have it.
2. Bingo Signals
   • When a student or team completes five in a row (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal), they raise their hand silently—no shouting “BINGO.”
   • Teacher stops the calls and verifies.
3. Verification & Rationale
   • The student reads back the five called items in their line.
   • For each, they must briefly explain if it’s positive or negative and how it impacts a listener’s feelings.
   • Correct identification plus clear rationale = confirmed bingo and round win.
4. Tie-Breaker & Runner-Up
   • If multiple students raise hands simultaneously, check each in turn.
   • If explanations are equal, the first to finish wins.
   • After confirming the winner, invite one runner-up to share insights on any one square not in the winning line.
5. Multiple Rounds with New Patterns
   • Round 1: Standard line.
   • Round 2: Four corners.
   • Round 3: X pattern (two diagonals).
   • For each round, a different student can win—encouraging everyone to stay engaged.

Debrief (5 mins)

• Ask winners to share one key takeaway about choosing words wisely.
• Invite the rest of the class to note any square they found tricky and discuss how they’d rephrase for greater impact.

Note: These adjustments turn identical cards into a chance for deeper discussion, self-reflection, and accountability—ensuring that speed and understanding go hand in hand.

Word Impact Bingo Card

Instructions:

• Listen as your teacher calls out words, phrases, or mini-scenarios.
• If you have the matching phrase on your card, mark that square (FREE SPACE is automatic).
• The first student or pair to complete a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line shouts “BINGO!” and wins.

Word Impact Relay (20 mins)

Turn word choice practice into a high-energy relay race! Students work in teams to transform negative statements into positive, respectful ones under time pressure.

Objective

• Reinforce the power of positive phrasing by rewriting harsh/unhelpful sentences into thoughtful, encouraging language.
• Build teamwork, quick thinking, and communication skills.

Materials

• Word Choice Scenarios Cards (use the negative/harsh version on each)
• Timer or stopwatch
• Whiteboard or chart paper and markers
• Team name signs or cones to mark relay stations

Setup (5 mins)

1. Divide students into 4–6 equal teams and have each team line up behind a start line.
2. Place a stack of harsh-version scenario cards facedown at a relay station about 10–15 feet away.
3. Provide each team with a marker and whiteboard (or paper) at their relay station.
4. Explain: when it’s your turn, you’ll grab a negative statement card, rewrite it positively, then sprint back to tag your teammate.

How to Play (12 mins)

1. Go!
   • On “Ready, go!” the first student in each line runs to their station, draws one card, and reads the harsh statement aloud quietly to themselves.
   • They write a respectful, positive version on the whiteboard (e.g., change “You’re useless” to “I know you can do this with practice”).
2. Tag & Check
   • When finished, they tag the next teammate, who runs up and checks the rewritten sentence against the rubric (see Scoring).
   • If it meets the criteria, that student grabs the next card and repeats.
   • If it needs work, they give one quick suggestion, rewrite it themselves, then tag the next runner (no penalty for learning!).
3. Continue Relay
   • Teams race until each member has had a turn or until time is up (whichever comes first).

Scoring & Rubric

Award 1 point per rewritten sentence that:

• Replaces negative words with positive or constructive language.
• Maintains the original meaning or intent.
• Uses clear, respectful phrasing.

(Optional) Bonus: +1 point for particularly creative or empathetic wording.

Debrief (3 mins)

• Tally team points on the whiteboard and announce the winning team.
• Ask:

• Which negative statement was hardest to rewrite? Why?
• What word changes made the biggest impact?
• How could you apply this skill in real conversations?

Tip: Emphasize that catching and reframing negative language—quickly and kindly—can turn conflict into collaboration in everyday life.

Harsh Statement Cards

Cut along the lines to create individual cards. Each card shows a harsh or negative statement. Use these to practice rewriting a positive, respectful version.

"You never passed me the ball! It’s all your fault I missed the shot."

"Your costume is ridiculous. I can’t believe everyone’s laughing at how silly you look."

"Thanks for breaking my headphones—you’re so careless, I can’t believe you."

"Where were you? You stood us up and ruined our group project. You’re useless."

"I don’t have time to help you. Figure it out yourself or stop bothering me."

"This essay is awful—obviously you didn’t even try or know how to write."