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Words Matter

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Lesson Plan

Words Matter Lesson Plan

Students will recognize hurtful and harmful language through a short video and interactive discussion, then reflect on its impact and commit to respectful communication.

Words can wound and shape social dynamics. This lesson builds empathy and awareness, empowering 8th graders to choose language that fosters a positive, inclusive classroom.

Audience

8th Grade (Middle School)

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Video, paired discussion, and personal reflection guide student-centered understanding.

Materials

Brief Video on Hurtful vs Harmful Language, and - Hurtful Language Reflection Worksheet

Prep

Prepare Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up Discussion

2 minutes

  • Ask students to recall a time when someone’s words hurt them.
  • Prompt: “What makes certain words hurtful?” and jot key ideas on the board.

Step 2

Video Viewing

3 minutes

Step 3

Pair and Worksheet Activity

5 minutes

Step 4

Group Share

3 minutes

  • Invite each pair to share one insight or example from their discussion.
  • Teacher records themes (e.g., empathy, respect, awareness) on the board.

Step 5

Personal Reflection

2 minutes

  • Students complete Part B of the worksheet: write a personal pledge to use respectful language.
  • Collect worksheets for review and follow-up feedback.
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Slide Deck

Words Matter

An Empathy-Building Lesson on Hurtful vs Harmful Language

Welcome students and introduce the lesson objective: today we’ll explore how words can hurt or harm, and commit to respectful communication.

Warm-Up Discussion

Think of a time when someone’s words hurt you.

Why were those words hurtful?

Prompt a whole-class discussion. Ask students to recall when words hurt them. Record key ideas on board.

Play the short video and ask students to note one key takeaway about the power of words.

Pair & Worksheet Activity

• List examples of hurtful language
• List examples of harmful language
• Discuss how each impacts people

Distribute the reflection worksheet. In pairs, complete Part A: list examples of hurtful vs harmful language and discuss their impacts.

Group Share

Share one insight or example from your discussion.

What themes emerged?

Invite each pair to share one insight or example. Record themes (e.g., empathy, respect, awareness) on the board.

Personal Pledge

Write your pledge:
“I will use words that… ”

Ask students to complete Part B of the worksheet: write a personal pledge to use respectful language. Collect worksheets.

Key Takeaways & Next Steps

• Words can build up or break down
• Empathy and respect matter
• Our pledge guides future choices

Highlight key takeaways and reinforce the importance of choosing kind, inclusive language every day.

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Worksheet

Hurtful Language Reflection Worksheet

Part A: Examples and Reflection

  1. In your own words, define hurtful language and harmful language. How are they similar or different?










  2. List three examples of hurtful language you have heard or experienced. For each example, explain how it might make someone feel.

• Example 1:






Impact:





• Example 2:






Impact:





• Example 3:






Impact:





  1. From the video or your own experiences, write one example of harmful language (language that causes deeper emotional or social harm). Describe why it is harmful and its possible impact on individuals or groups.













Part B: Personal Pledge

Write a personal pledge to use respectful language and support an inclusive classroom community. Begin your pledge with:

“I will use words that…”












 
 
Use this worksheet to reflect on the power of words and commit to kindness and respect in all your interactions.

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Reading

Brief Video on Hurtful vs Harmful Language

Watch the Video (approx. 2 minutes):
Click here to view the video on hurtful vs harmful language

Reflection Prompts

  1. What is one clear difference between hurtful and harmful language mentioned in the video?


  2. Choose an example from the video. Why did it feel hurtful or harmful to those involved?


  3. How can being aware of the impact of your words help you prevent harm in everyday conversations?


  4. After watching, what is one thing you will do differently when choosing your words?


Use these prompts to guide your notes while watching. We’ll discuss your responses in the next activity.

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