Lesson Plan
Words Matter: Reflect and Respect Plan
Help the student reflect on the impact of derogatory language and profanity, and develop strategies for respectful communication.
This lesson supports the student's social-emotional development by fostering self-awareness, empathy, and positive communication skills in a safe, supportive environment.
Audience
5th Grade, Individual Student
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Guided discussion, reflection, and role-playing.
Materials
Prep
Preparation
10 minutes
- Review the Reflective Journal and Emotion Cards materials for guidance.
- Familiarize yourself with strategies for handling emotional language and supporting autism-specific communication needs.
- Prepare a quiet, safe space that encourages open dialogue.
Step 1
Introduction and Setting the Tone
5 minutes
- Welcome the student warmly and explain that the session is a safe space for sharing feelings.
- Clearly state the goal of discussing how words impact others and oneself.
- Use simple language and visual supports to affirm the purpose of respectful communication.
Step 2
Guided Reflection
10 minutes
- Ask the student to describe how they felt when using derogatory language and what they think the effect was on others.
- Use the Reflective Journal for the student to note down thoughts if comfortable.
- Encourage the student to use Emotion Cards to identify and express their feelings.
Step 3
Strategy Building
10 minutes
- Discuss alternative ways to express feelings without using harmful language.
- Role-play scenarios of asking for attention or expressing frustration using respectful words.
- Reinforce positive language choices and validate the student's emotions while emphasizing respectful communication.
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Slide Deck
Welcome to Words Matter
Today, we'll explore how our words affect ourselves and others.
Introduce the session by warmly welcoming the student and explaining that this is a safe space to talk about feelings and the impact of words.
Why Do Words Matter?
Words can make people feel happy, sad, or hurt. Let's learn to choose kind words.
Explain why we reflect on the impact of words. Emphasize that this is to help everyone feel respected and understood.
Reflecting on Our Feelings
How did you feel when using words that hurt others? What do you think happens to others when these words are used?
Encourage the student to share their feelings about an incident. Use the Reflective Journal and Emotion Cards if helpful.
Recognizing Emotions
Let's use our Emotion Cards: How do you feel now? How might others feel when they hear hurtful language?
Guide the student through identifying emotions using visuals. Display some example emotion cards if possible.
Building Respectful Strategies
What can we say instead of hurtful words? Let's practice asking for help or sharing feelings in a kind way.
Explain alternative ways to express frustration. Engage the student in role-playing scenarios by using simple, respectful phrases.
Summary & Reflection
Today, we learned that our words have power. Choosing kind words helps everyone feel respected and safe. Great job!
Summarize the discussion. Remind the student of the importance of respectful communication and validate their emotional experience.
Journal
Reflective Journal: Words Matter
Welcome to your reflective journal. This space is for you to think about your feelings and words. Write your thoughts carefully and honestly. Remember, this is a safe space where your feelings are important.
1. Thinking About My Words
Think about a time when you used words that you later felt might have hurt someone. What happened? How did you feel at that moment?
2. Understanding Emotions
How do you think those words made the other person feel? What emotions do you think they experienced? Write down your thoughts, and consider why it's important to understand how others feel.
3. Reflecting on Alternatives
Imagine if you had spoken with kind words instead. What could you have said? List some respectful ways you might ask for attention or express frustration in a similar situation in the future.
4. Creating a Better Tomorrow
Write about one thing you can do differently next time to make sure your words make everyone feel respected and safe. Think about a strategy you would like to use when you feel upset.
5. Final Thoughts
Take a moment to think about why kind and respectful communication is important. What does it mean to you? Feel free to write any additional thoughts or feelings you have about this lesson.
Activity
Emotion Cards: Words Matter
The Emotion Cards activity is designed to help you visually identify and express your emotions. These cards display different feelings through images and words, making it easier to articulate your feelings when you find it hard to express them with words.
How to Use the Emotion Cards
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Look at the Cards: Take a few minutes to look at all the cards. Notice the different emotions shown, like happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, and more.
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Identify Your Feelings: Think about how you’re feeling right now or recall how you felt during a recent event. Pick the card(s) that best represent your current emotions.
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Discuss or Write It Down: Once you select a card, you can either talk about why that card represents your feelings or write it down in your journal. Use this as a starting point for discussing your feelings in our session.
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Reflect on Your Choice: Ask yourself why you feel that way and what might help you change or cope with the emotion if it's uncomfortable. Remember, it's okay to feel all kinds of emotions, and identifying them is an important first step toward expressing them in a healthy way.
Benefits of Using Emotion Cards
- Visual Aid: Seeing the cards can make it easier to recognize and name your feelings.
- Expressive Tool: Helps you share your emotions with others, especially when words are hard to find.
- Reflection: Encourages you to think about why you feel a certain way and how it affects your behavior.
Remember, this activity is all about understanding your feelings and finding respectful ways to express them. By connecting your emotions to the cards, you take an important step towards recognizing and regulating your feelings during challenging situations.
Feel free to take your time with these cards – they’re here to help you connect with what you’re feeling!
Let's explore your feelings together!