The Respectful Classroom: Building a Community

Megan O'Shaughnessy

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

The Respectful Classroom: Building a Community

Understanding respect in the classroom

In this lesson, students will explore the concept of respect within the classroom setting and learn how they can contribute to a respectful learning environment. Through storytelling and group discussions, students will identify actions and words that promote respect in their community. This lesson is important as it helps students develop social-emotional skills, fostering a positive and inclusive classroom atmosphere.

Audience

4th and 5th Grade

Time

45 mins

Approach

Understanding respect in the classroom

Materials

Storybook on respect, Discussion questions, Worksheet on respectful actions, Post-it notes, and Markers

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on what respect means to the students.
Ask students to share examples of respectful behavior they have seen or experienced.

Step 2

Storytelling

10 mins

Read a storybook that highlights respect in a classroom setting.
Pause at key moments to ask students how the characters are showing respect.

Step 3

Group Discussion

10 mins

Use the prepared discussion questions to facilitate a conversation about the story.
Encourage students to think about how they can apply these respectful actions in their own classroom.

Step 4

Activity: Respectful Actions

15 mins

Distribute the worksheet on respectful actions.
Have students work in pairs to complete the worksheet, identifying actions and words that promote respect.
Ask students to share their answers with the class.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

Summarize the key points discussed in the lesson.
Ask students to write one action they will take to promote respect on a post-it note and place it on a designated 'Respect Wall' in the classroom.

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Discussion

Discussion Questions on Respect

A set of questions to guide a discussion on respect based on the story read in class.

What does respect mean to you?

Encourage students to think about respect in different contexts, such as at home, school, and with friends.

How did the characters in the story show respect?

Discuss specific actions or words used by the characters that demonstrated respect.

Why is it important to have respect in our classroom?

Guide students to consider how respect affects their learning environment and relationships with peers.

Worksheet

Worksheet on Respectful Actions

A worksheet for students to identify and reflect on actions and words that promote respect in the classroom.

List three actions that show respect in the classroom.

Think about how you treat your classmates and teachers.

Write down two words or phrases that you can use to show respect.

Consider polite language and positive communication.

Describe a situation where you felt respected. What happened?

Reflect on a personal experience where respect was shown to you.