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Words Matter: Respectful Talk

yulissa.rosahernandez

Tier 2
For Schools

Warm Up

Respectful Words Web

Instructions: Think about a time when someone used respectful words towards you or someone else. How did it make you feel? What were some of those words?

Take a few minutes to silently brainstorm words that describe respectful communication. We will then create a class

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Lesson Plan

Words Matter: Respectful Talk

Students will be able to identify characteristics of respectful language, differentiate between respectful and disrespectful communication, and practice using appropriate language in various scenarios.

Learning to use respectful language is crucial for creating a positive classroom environment, building strong relationships with peers and teachers, and resolving conflicts peacefully. This skill helps students navigate social situations more effectively.

Audience

Middle School Students (6th-8th Grade)

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive activities, discussions, and scenarios.

Materials

Respectful Words Web Warm Up, Words Matter Slide Deck, Scenario Cards Activity, Discussion Prompts, Respectful Language Worksheet, Respectful Language Charades Game, and Markers or Whiteboard

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Review the Words Matter Slide Deck and teacher notes.
    - Print and cut out the Scenario Cards Activity.
    - Make copies of the Respectful Language Worksheet.

Step 1

Warm-Up: Respectful Words Web

5 minutes

  1. Begin with the Respectful Words Web Warm Up.
    2. Ask students to share words they brainstormed, creating a class web on the board or chart paper.
    3. Facilitate a brief discussion on how these words make people feel and why they are important.

Step 2

Introduction to Respectful Talk

5 minutes

  1. Present the Words Matter Slide Deck slides 1-3.
    2. Introduce the concept of respectful language and its importance in the classroom and beyond.
    3. Define what respectful language looks like (e.g., using 'please' and 'thank you,' listening actively, avoiding interruptions, speaking kindly).

Step 3

Activity: Scenario Cards

10 minutes

  1. Divide students into small groups.
    2. Distribute Scenario Cards Activity to each group.
    3. Instruct groups to discuss each scenario and role-play both a disrespectful and a respectful response.
    4. Bring the class back together to share a few examples and discuss effective strategies.

Step 4

Discussion: Why It Matters

5 minutes

  1. Lead a class discussion using the Discussion Prompts.
    2. Encourage students to reflect on the impact of their words and how respectful language contributes to a positive environment.

Step 5

Wrap-Up & Next Steps

5 minutes

  1. Distribute the Respectful Language Worksheet for students to complete as an exit ticket or homework.
    2. Briefly introduce the Respectful Language Charades Game as an optional follow-up or future activity.
    3. Reiterate the key takeaways about the power of words.
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Slide Deck

Welcome! What's the Word?

Let's kick things off with our Respectful Words Web Warm Up. What words come to mind when you think about respectful communication?

Welcome students and introduce the warm-up activity. Explain that today's lesson is about how our words impact others.

Words Have Power!

Every word we speak has an impact. They can build up or tear down. Today, we're focusing on choosing words that build positive connections.

Transition from the warm-up to the core concept. Emphasize that language is a powerful tool.

What is Respectful Language?

  • Kindness: Speaking with warmth and consideration.
  • Consideration: Thinking about how your words will affect others.
  • Active Listening: Truly hearing what others say without interrupting.
  • Politeness: Using 'please,' 'thank you,' and 'excuse me.'
  • Honesty with Empathy: Being truthful while still being sensitive to feelings.

Explain what respectful language entails, providing clear examples for students to understand.

Scenario Cards Activity

In your groups, you'll receive scenario cards. For each card, discuss and role-play:

  1. A disrespectful response.
  2. A respectful response.

Be prepared to share your best respectful responses!

Introduce the scenario cards activity. Explain the instructions for group work.

Why Does it Matter?

Let's discuss:

  • How does disrespectful language make you feel?
  • How does respectful language change a situation?
  • What are the benefits of using respectful language in school and at home?

Facilitate the class discussion, prompting students to think critically about the 'why' behind respectful language.

Your Words Shape Your World

Remember, your words are powerful tools. Choose them wisely to create a positive environment for yourself and everyone around you.

Next Steps:

  • Respectful Language Worksheet
  • Optional fun: Respectful Language Charades Game

Conclude the lesson by reinforcing the main idea and introducing the worksheet and game.

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Activity

Scenario Cards: Choosing Your Words Wisely

Instructions: In your groups, read each scenario. First, discuss how someone might respond disrespectfully. Then, brainstorm and role-play a respectful way to respond. Be ready to share your respectful role-plays with the class!

Scenario 1

Your classmate keeps interrupting you while you're trying to explain your idea for a group project.













Scenario 2

Your teacher asks you to redo an assignment you thought was already perfect.













Scenario 3

Someone in the hallway bumps into you and doesn't apologize, then glares at you.













Scenario 4

During a class discussion, a peer states an opinion that is very different from yours, and you strongly disagree.













Scenario 5

Your friend makes a joke that makes you feel uncomfortable and a little hurt.













Scenario 6

You overhear someone talking negatively about another student, who is not present.













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Discussion

Discussion: The Ripple Effect of Words

Instructions: Let's reflect on the power of our words and how they shape our interactions.

  1. Impact of Disrespectful Language: Think about a time you experienced or witnessed disrespectful language. How did it make you feel? How did it affect the situation?





  2. Benefits of Respectful Language: What are some of the positive outcomes of using respectful language in the classroom, at home, or with friends?





  3. Challenging Situations: It's not always easy to be respectful, especially when you're feeling frustrated or angry. What strategies can you use to choose your words carefully in difficult moments?





  4. Creating a Positive Environment: How can our class collectively commit to using more respectful language to make our classroom a better place for everyone?





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Worksheet

Respectful Language Check-In

Instructions: Reflect on today's lesson and complete the following questions. Your honest thoughts will help you practice using respectful language.

  1. List three specific examples of respectful language you learned about today.










  2. Describe a situation where you might find it challenging to use respectful language. What is one strategy you can use to help yourself in that situation?






  3. Why is it important to use respectful language with both your classmates and your teachers?






  4. Write down one promise you can make to yourself about using respectful language this week.






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Game

Respectful Language Charades

Objective: To creatively act out scenarios involving respectful and disrespectful language, helping students understand different communication styles.

Materials:

  • Small slips of paper with scenarios (see examples below)
  • A hat or bowl to draw scenarios from

Instructions:

  1. Preparation: Before the game, write or print out various scenarios on individual slips of paper. Some scenarios should involve respectful language, and others should involve disrespectful language.

  2. Divide into Teams: Divide the class into two or more teams.

  3. How to Play:

    • One student from a team chooses a slip of paper from the hat.
    • Without speaking, the student must act out the scenario described on the slip of paper.
    • Their team has a time limit (e.g., 1-2 minutes) to guess what the scenario is and whether the language being acted out is respectful or disrespectful.
    • If they guess correctly, they get a point. If they can also explain why it's respectful/disrespectful, they get an bonus point.
    • Teams take turns until all scenarios are used or time runs out.

Scenario Examples (print each on a separate slip):

  • Apologizing after accidentally bumping into someone.
  • Interrupting someone while they are speaking.
  • Using
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