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Why Do Our Words Matter?

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Chentell Parker

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

The Power of Words

Students will understand how their words can influence their feelings and actions, and learn to use positive self-talk to foster emotional well-being.

This lesson helps young learners develop self-awareness and emotional regulation by understanding the power of positive language, which can improve relationships and personal confidence.

Audience

1st Grade Class

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion and hands-on activities.

Materials

The Power of Words, Using Words Wisely, and Word Impact Experiment

Prep

Preparation

5 minutes

  • Review The Power of Words lesson plan for overall structure.
  • Familiarize yourself with the slides in Using Words Wisely for key discussion points.
  • Set up materials for the Word Impact Experiment that will demonstrate word effects.

Step 1

Introduction & Discussion

10 minutes

  • Begin with a read-aloud from The Power of Words to introduce the concept.
  • Ask students to share examples of kind words they use or hear at home.
  • Discuss how those words make them feel.

Step 2

Slide-Deck Presentation

5 minutes

  • Show key slides from Using Words Wisely.
  • Emphasize the importance of positive self-talk using simple, relatable examples.

Step 3

Activity: Word Impact Experiment

10 minutes

  • Conduct the Word Impact Experiment: have students say a positive phrase and discuss its impact on their mood.
  • Encourage students to reflect on how changing their words can change their feelings.
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Slide Deck

Using Words Wisely

Welcome! Today, we learn how our words can be kind and strong!

Introduce the slide deck and engage students by asking if they know what it means to use words wisely. Emphasize that our words have power to make people feel happy or sad.

Our Words Have Power

Words can make others feel happy or sad. Let’s choose kind words!

Explain that words have power. Use examples like compliments or encouraging words. Ask students if they recall a kind word someone said to them.

Positive Self-Talk

Saying kind things to yourself helps you feel brave and strong.

Discuss the concept of positive self-talk. Explain that talking kindly to oneself can boost confidence. Provide simple examples.

How Can Our Words Change Our Day?

Think of a time when someone's words made you smile!

Engage students by asking them to share stories about when kind words made a difference. Encourage interaction and validate their feelings.

Let's Practice!

Say together: 'I am amazing!'

Lead the class in a practice activity to say a positive phrase together. Remind them that practicing kind words can help all day.

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Activity

Word Impact Experiment

In this activity, we will explore the power of positive words by conducting a simple experiment. The goal is to help students observe how using kind phrases can positively influence their mood and feelings.

Instructions for Teachers

  • Preparation: Make sure you have a quiet and comfortable space where all students can sit in a circle. Explain that this is a fun experiment to see how our words can help us feel happy and strong.
  • Introduction: Briefly remind the class what they learned about words earlier. Ask them to think of one kind or positive phrase they like to say about themselves (e.g., "I am awesome", "I am smart").

Activity Steps

  1. Step One: Ask each student to stand up one by one, say their chosen positive phrase out loud, and pause to feel the good energy of the words.


  2. Step Two: After everyone has spoken, gather the students in a circle again and ask how they felt after saying or hearing the positive phrases. Discuss as a group:

    • Did saying the words make you feel a bit happier?
    • Why do you think kind words might lift our mood?

  3. Step Three: Encourage students to think of a time when someone said something kind to them, and how it made them feel, sharing these thoughts with the class if they feel comfortable.





Reflection

  • Teacher Prompt: "When we speak kind words, even to ourselves, it can help us feel confident and strong. What did you notice about the way your words changed your feelings?"
  • Student Reflection (Optional): Write or draw a picture about the kind phrase that made the most difference today.










This experiment is a wonderful way to see the magic of our words in action. Keep practicing positive self-talk every day, and notice how it makes your day a little brighter!

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