Words Hurt: Script

Warm-Up: Think, Pair, Share (5 minutes)

(Teacher says): "Good morning/afternoon, everyone. To start our class today, I want us to think about something important: words. We use them every day, but sometimes we don't realize just how much power they hold.

I want each of you to take a moment, silently, to recall a time when someone's words made you feel incredibly powerful, supported, or happy. And then, think of a time when someone's words made you feel hurt, sad, or small. You don't need to share the details of these experiences, especially the hurtful ones, but just reflect on the feelings those words created.

Now, I'd like you to turn to a partner. Briefly share with each other how words can make you feel powerful, supported, or hurt. Focus on the general impact, not the specific events. You have about two minutes for this."

(After 2 minutes, teacher says): "Okay, bring it back together. Can a few volunteers share, generally, what you discussed about the power of words? What did you notice about their impact?"

(Listen to a few responses, then transition): "Thank you for sharing those reflections. It's clear that words have a significant impact on us. Today, we're going to explore that power even further, especially when it comes to harmful language."

Introduction: The Power of Words (5 minutes)

(Teacher says, displaying Words Hurt Slide Deck Slide 1: 'The Power of Our Words'): "As we just discussed, words are far more than just sounds or letters. They carry immense weight, and they have the ability to both build up and tear down. They literally shape our world and how we see ourselves and each other.

(Display Words Hurt Slide Deck Slide 2: 'Words Carry Weight'): "Think about it: what makes some words so powerful? How do words shape how we feel about ourselves and others? And have you ever heard of the idea of intent versus impact? Sometimes, someone might not intend to hurt, but their words still have a negative impact. Why do you think that is important to consider?"

(Facilitate a brief discussion. Guide students to understand that the listener's experience is paramount, regardless of the speaker's intent.)

Understanding Harmful Language: Case Study Discussion (10 minutes)

(Teacher says, displaying Words Hurt Slide Deck Slide 3: 'Understanding Harmful Language'): "Today, we need to specifically address a very serious type of harmful language: racial slurs. These are deeply offensive and dehumanizing terms. The word 'monkey,' when directed at a Black person, carries a profoundly painful and dehumanizing history. It was used, and sometimes still is used, to deny humanity and to perpetuate incredibly harmful stereotypes that fueled oppression and injustice for centuries.

Using such language, intentionally or not, causes significant harm. It targets a person's identity, perpetuates harmful stereotypes, creates an unsafe and hostile environment, and contributes to a larger system of racism.

Let's consider a general scenario: Imagine someone in our school uses a derogatory term that has been historically used to demean a group of people. What is the immediate effect on the person who is targeted by that word? How might they feel? What about the students who witness it, the bystanders? What message does it send to them about our school community? And what message does it send about the person who used the word?"

(Allow students to discuss, guiding them to focus on empathy, the feeling of being targeted, and the negative ripple effect on the community. Emphasize that such words are never acceptable.)

Choosing Our Words Wisely & Being an Ally (5 minutes)

(Teacher says, displaying Words Hurt Slide Deck Slide 4: 'Choosing Our Words Wisely'): "Our words, as we've seen, have ripple effects. To ensure we're using our words wisely and creating a positive environment, two concepts are incredibly important: empathy and active listening. Empathy means genuinely trying to understand how others might feel when we speak. Active listening means truly hearing and processing what others are saying, both verbally and non-verbally.

(Display Words Hurt Slide Deck Slide 5: 'Being an Ally'): "What if you hear harmful language, like a racial slur, in our school? It's important to know what you can do. If it's safe to do so, you can speak up and gently challenge the language. This isn't about confrontation, but about setting a boundary and showing that such language isn't okay in our community. You can also support the person who was targeted by checking in with them afterwards. And critically, you should always report harmful language to a trusted adult – a teacher, counselor, or administrator. Creating a positive school culture is everyone's responsibility."

Personal Reflection (3 minutes)

(Teacher says, displaying Words Hurt Slide Deck Slide 6: 'Personal Reflection'): "Now, I'd like you to take a few minutes for some personal reflection. You each have a Reflection Journal (or a piece of paper/digital document for this purpose). I want you to think about what we've discussed today. Consider how you can personally contribute to a more inclusive and respectful school environment. Your thoughts and feelings on this topic are important."

(Allow students to write quietly in their journals.)

Cool Down: One Word Summary (2 minutes)

(Teacher says, displaying Words Hurt Slide Deck Slide 7: 'Moving Forward Together'): "To wrap up our lesson, I'd like you to complete the Cool Down Activity. On an exit ticket or a small piece of paper, write down one word that captures your main takeaway from today's discussion about the power of words and their impact. This will help me understand what resonated most with you. Remember, let's continue to be mindful of the impact of our words. Every interaction is an opportunity to show respect and build a stronger community. Thank you for your thoughtful participation today."

(Collect cool-down responses as students leave or transition.)

Warm Up: The Power of Words

Instructions: Take a few moments to silently reflect on the following prompts. You do not need to share specific details, just think about the general feelings and impact.

1. Recall a time when someone's words made you feel truly powerful, supported, or happy. What was the general nature of those words?
   
   
   
   

2. Now, recall a time when someone's words made you feel hurt, sad, or small. Again, focus on the general feeling and impact.
   
   
   
   

3. After reflecting, briefly discuss with a partner: What did you notice about the power of words in these different situations? How can words have such a strong impact on our emotions and how we see ourselves and others?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Reflection Journal: The Impact of Words

Instructions: Please take time to thoughtfully answer the following prompts. Your honest reflections are valuable.

1. Today, we discussed how certain words, like racial slurs, carry a heavy and painful history. In your own words, explain why using such language is so harmful, even if someone claims they didn't

Cool Down: One Word Summary

Instructions: On an exit ticket or a small piece of paper, write down one word that captures your main takeaway from today's lesson about the power of words and their impact.

Example words you might consider (but choose your own!): Empathy, Respect, Impact, History, Responsibility, Awareness, Listen, Choose, Harm, Power.