Responding to Negativity Script

Warm-Up: "Shake It Off" Moment Share (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Welcome to our lesson, 'When They Go Low, We Go High.' Today, we're going to talk about something super important: how to handle those tricky moments when someone isn't being so positive.

But first, let's 'shake it off' with a quick warm-up. I want you to think of a tiny, silly thing that might have bothered you recently. Something really low-stakes, like your toast getting burnt this morning, or realizing you have mismatched socks, or maybe your favorite song didn't come on the radio. It's nothing serious, just a little annoyance.

Turn to a partner, or if you feel comfortable, share it quickly with the whole class. What's your 'shake it off' moment?"

(Allow 2-3 minutes for sharing. Bring the class back together.)

Teacher: "Thanks for sharing those small moments! It's good to acknowledge those little frustrations, right? Sometimes, bigger frustrations come our way, especially when interacting with others.

Direct Instruction: Strategies for Negative Interactions (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Today, we're going to learn how to deal with those bigger, more challenging negative interactions with peers. It's not always easy, but having a plan can make a huge difference in how you feel and how the situation plays out. Take a look at our slides."

(Advance to Slide 2: The Power of Your Response)

Teacher: "Sometimes, people say mean things, spread rumors, or try to make us feel bad. It happens to everyone. But here's the powerful truth: you get to choose how you respond. You can't control what others do, but you can control your reaction. And that, my friends, is a superpower!

(Advance to Slide 3: Strategy 1: Conflict Resolution - "Let's Talk It Out")

Teacher: "Our first strategy is Conflict Resolution. This means finding a way for everyone to feel heard and respected, even if you disagree. It's about solving the problem together.

Think about a time you had a disagreement with a friend or family member. What happened? How did you resolve it, or how did you wish you could have resolved it? Conflict resolution helps us navigate those moments so we can still be friends, or at least be respectful to each other. The key steps are: Listen Up, Stay Calm, Find Common Ground, and Work Together. It takes effort, but it's worth it."

(Advance to Slide 4: Strategy 2: De-escalation - "Cool Down, Don't Heat Up!")

Teacher: "Next up is De-escalation. This is super important when a situation is getting tense or heated. Instead of adding fuel to the fire, de-escalation is about calming things down. Think of it like taking the heat out of a situation.

Sometimes, if someone is really upset or trying to provoke you, you need to step back. You can change the subject, use humor carefully, or even just walk away for a bit to cool down. It doesn't mean you're giving up, it means you're being smart about how you manage the tension. And always remember to breathe! A deep breath can do wonders."

(Advance to Slide 5: Strategy 3: Assertiveness - "Speak Your Mind, Respectfully")

Teacher: "Our third strategy is Assertiveness. This is about standing up for yourself and your rights without being aggressive or letting others walk all over you. It's the sweet spot in the middle.

Being assertive means you can say what you need, what you feel, and what you think, clearly and respectfully. It's about using 'I' statements. For example, instead of 'You always make me mad,' you could say, 'I feel frustrated when [action] because [reason].' It shifts the focus to your feelings and needs, which is much more effective."

(Advance to Slide 6: Strategy 4: Boundary Setting - "Drawing Your Line")

Teacher: "Finally, we have Boundary Setting. Think of boundaries like invisible lines that protect your personal space, your feelings, and your well-being. Just like a fence around your yard, they show others where your space begins and ends.

Why are they important? They help you feel safe and respected. They teach others how to treat you. And ultimately, they make your relationships stronger because everyone knows where they stand. It could be saying, 'Please don't talk to me that way,' or 'I need some space right now.' It's about communicating your limits clearly."

Guided Practice: Role-Play the Right Response (15 minutes)

(Advance to Slide 7: Time to Practice: Role-Play Scenarios!)

Teacher: "Okay, now it's your turn to put these strategies into action! I'm going to divide you into small groups. Each group will receive some Role-Play Scenario Cards Activity. You'll choose one card, and as a group, act out the scenario. Practice using the conflict resolution, de-escalation, assertiveness, and boundary-setting techniques we just discussed.

Don't be afraid to try different responses for the same scenario! This is a safe space to experiment and see what feels right and what works effectively. I'll be walking around to offer support and feedback."

(Distribute Role-Play Scenario Cards Activity. Monitor groups and provide assistance.)

Activity: Create a Response Playbook (8 minutes)

(Bring students back to their individual desks.)

(Advance to Slide 8: Your Personal Response Playbook)

Teacher: "Great job with the role-plays, everyone! It takes courage to try these strategies. Now, to help you remember and apply what we've learned, you're going to create your own personal 'Response Playbook.'

I'm handing out a My Response Playbook Journal template. In this journal, you'll think about different types of negative situations you might encounter and jot down how you would respond using the strategies we discussed. This is your personal guide, your secret weapon, for handling negativity in the future."

(Distribute My Response Playbook Journal. Allow students time to work.)

Cool-Down: Assertiveness Affirmations (2 minutes)

(Advance to Slide 9: Cool-Down: Assertiveness Affirmations)

Teacher: "Alright, let's wrap up with some positive affirmations. These are positive statements we can say to ourselves to build confidence. You can repeat these after me, or just think them to yourself:

• "I am capable of handling tough situations."
• "My voice matters, and I can speak respectfully."
• "I can set healthy boundaries to protect myself."
• "I choose to respond with intention, not just reaction."

To finish, take a moment to think: what's one new strategy you learned today that you will try to use? Or what's one key takeaway from our lesson? You don't have to share aloud, just reflect on it."

(Pause for reflection.)

Teacher: "Fantastic work today, everyone! Remember these tools. They are powerful, and they belong to you. Keep practicing 'When They Go Low, We Go High.' You've got this!"

Role-Play Scenario Cards: When They Go Low, We Go High

Instructions:

1. Work in your groups of 3-4.
2. Cut out each scenario card.
3. Choose one card at a time. Read the scenario aloud.
4. Assign roles: One person will be the instigator, one will be the responder, and others can observe or offer immediate feedback/suggestions.
5. Role-play the scenario, focusing on using the strategies we just learned: Conflict Resolution, De-escalation, Assertiveness, and Boundary Setting.
6. Try different responses! See what feels most effective and respectful.
7. Discuss: After each role-play, talk about what worked well, what was challenging, and what other strategies could have been used.

Scenario Cards

Card 1: The Group Project Saboteur

Your group is working on a big history project. One of your group members, Alex, keeps making passive-aggressive comments about your ideas, rolling their eyes when you speak, and telling other group members that your contributions aren't good enough, but never directly to you. They also keep missing deadlines for their own parts of the project, putting your entire group at risk.

Card 2: The Online Rumor Mill

You overhear some classmates talking about a false rumor being spread about you on social media. They say you cheated on the last science test, which is completely untrue. You feel hurt and angry, and you know others might start believing it.

Card 3: The Annoying Lunch Table Tease

Every day at lunch, a student at your table, Jordan, makes fun of your clothes or your lunch choices. It's usually subtle comments, but it's starting to get under your skin and make you dread lunchtime. Today, Jordan makes a particularly loud comment about your new jacket.

Card 4: The Pushy Friend

Your friend, Sam, keeps pushing you to go to a party that you know your parents wouldn't approve of, and you're not comfortable attending. Sam is saying things like, "Come on, everyone else is going! Don't be such a square!" and making you feel guilty.

Card 5: The Interrupting Classmate

During a class discussion, you try to share an idea, but another classmate, Casey, repeatedly cuts you off, talking over you and taking credit for a point you were about to make. It happens frequently, and you feel unheard and frustrated.

Card 6: The Uninvited Opinion

You're excitedly telling a friend about something you're really passionate about, like a new hobby or a book you're reading. Another peer, who wasn't part of the conversation, loudly interjects with a dismissive comment, saying your interest is "boring" or "lame."

My Response Playbook Journal

Instructions: This is your personal playbook for handling negative peer interactions. Use the strategies we discussed (Conflict Resolution, De-escalation, Assertiveness, Boundary Setting) to think about how you would respond in different situations. Be specific!

Section 1: Quick Reference - My Go-To Strategies

• Conflict Resolution (Talk It Out): When I need to understand and be understood...
  
  
  
  
  
• De-escalation (Cool Down): When things are getting too heated...
  
  
  
  
  
• Assertiveness (Speak Your Mind): When I need to stand up for myself respectfully...
  
  
  
  
  
• Boundary Setting (Draw Your Line): When I need to protect my space or feelings...
  
  
  
  
  

Section 2: Scenario Practice - My Planned Responses

Scenario 1: Someone spreads a false rumor about me.

• How I feel:
  
  
  
• My planned response (using strategies):
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 2: A friend is pressuring me to do something I don't want to do.

• How I feel:
  
  
  
• My planned response (using strategies):
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 3: Someone keeps interrupting me when I try to speak.

• How I feel:
  
  
  
• My planned response (using strategies):
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 4: Someone makes a rude comment about something I like.

• How I feel:
  
  
  
• My planned response (using strategies):
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Section 3: My Personal Affirmations

Write down 1-2 affirmations that empower you to handle difficult situations:

Shake It Off: A Moment Share

Instructions:

Think about a tiny, silly, and low-stakes thing that might have mildly annoyed or frustrated you recently. It should be something small enough that you can easily

Assertiveness Affirmations & Reflection

Instructions:

Take a moment to read or silently repeat these affirmations to yourself. These are positive statements to help you build confidence in handling tough situations.

Affirmations:

• "I am capable of handling tough situations."
  
• "My voice matters, and I can speak respectfully."
  
• "I can set healthy boundaries to protect myself."
  
• "I choose to respond with intention, not just reaction."
  

Reflection:

What is one new strategy you learned today that you will try to use in a negative interaction?

Or, what is one key takeaway from our lesson, "When They Go Low, We Go High"?