The Power of Words

Kayle Jordan

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

The Power of Words

Effective communication skills

This lesson explores how language can escalate or defuse anger, helping students understand the power of words in communication. Through interactive debates and vocabulary-building exercises, students will learn to use language effectively to express themselves and manage conflicts. This lesson is important as it equips students with essential communication skills that are crucial for their social and emotional development.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

45 mins

Approach

Effective communication skills

Materials

Discussion Questions, Vocabulary Worksheet, and Debate Guidelines

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on the importance of words in communication.
Ask students to share examples of situations where words have escalated or defused a situation.

Step 2

Vocabulary Building Exercise

10 mins

Distribute the Vocabulary Worksheet.
Have students work in pairs to complete the worksheet, focusing on words that can escalate or defuse anger.
Discuss the answers as a class.

Step 3

Interactive Debate

20 mins

Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a topic related to conflict resolution.
Provide Debate Guidelines to each group.
Allow groups to prepare their arguments for 5 minutes.
Conduct the debates, encouraging students to use vocabulary from the worksheet.

Step 4

Reflection and Discussion

5 mins

Lead a class discussion on what students learned from the debates.
Discuss how the choice of words can impact the outcome of a conflict.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

Summarize the key points of the lesson.
Encourage students to practice using positive language in their daily interactions.

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Discussion

Discussion Questions

A set of questions to guide the class discussion on the power of words in communication.

How can words escalate a situation?

Encourage students to think about tone, choice of words, and context.

How can words defuse a situation?

Discuss the role of empathy, understanding, and calm language.

Why is it important to choose our words carefully?

Highlight the impact of words on relationships and emotions.

Worksheet

Vocabulary Worksheet

A worksheet designed to help students identify and understand words that can escalate or defuse anger.

List three words that can escalate anger.

Think about words that provoke or challenge.

List three words that can defuse anger.

Consider words that calm or soothe.

Write a sentence using a word that defuses anger.

Use a word from your list in a calming context.

Reading

Debate Guidelines

Guidelines to help students prepare and conduct their debates effectively.

Choose a spokesperson for your group.
Prepare your arguments clearly and concisely.
Listen respectfully to the opposing group.
Use vocabulary that defuses anger.
Focus on constructive criticism and solutions.