Words Matter: Understanding Impact

Lisa Krempa

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Words Matter: Understanding Impact

Students will understand the impact of hurtful words and learn why phrases like 'that's why your family member is dead' are harmful. They will reflect on healthier ways to express feelings and promote empathy.

This lesson fosters empathy and encourages positive communication, helping students create a supportive classroom community and understand the significance of their words.

Audience

5th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion and reflective activities.

Materials

Words Matter: Understanding Impact

Prep

Teacher Preparation

5 minutes

Review the Words Matter: Understanding Impact lesson plan details.
Familiarize yourself with the key talking points about empathy and the impact of words.
Prepare prompts to guide discussion and reflective questions.

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

Begin by introducing the topic of words and their power.
Ask students to share what they think happens when someone is hurt by words.
Briefly explain why phrases like 'that's why your family member is dead' can be deeply harmful.

Step 2

Main Activity

15 minutes

Present scenarios or role-plays that showcase the impact of words in various situations.
Facilitate a guided discussion where students identify alternative, more respectful ways to express feelings.
Encourage students to share examples from everyday school life where words made a big difference.

Step 3

Reflective Discussion

10 minutes

Ask students to reflect quietly on what they learned about the power of words.
Have them share one takeaway or strategy for using words more kindly.
Summarize the lesson by reiterating the importance of choosing words that build, rather than hurt.

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Slide Deck

Words Matter: Understanding Impact

Welcome to our lesson on understanding the power of words! Today, we'll learn why harmful phrases can deeply hurt others and how to communicate in kinder ways.

Introduce the topic by explaining the importance of words. Emphasize that words can hurt or heal and set the tone for a respectful conversation.

Why Do Words Matter?

Words can uplift or hurt.

They express feelings
They build relationships
They show respect or cause harm

Let’s talk about how words change our feelings.

Encourage student participation by asking what they think happens when someone is hurt by words. Guide them with simple examples they can relate to.

Impact of Hurtful Words

Consider the phrase: "that's why your family member is dead."

Why might this hurt someone?
How can we express our feelings in a more respectful way?

Show several real-life scenarios or role-play examples. Ask students for ideas on positive alternative phrases they could use instead of hurtful ones.

Reflect and Discuss

Take a moment to reflect:

How can we use our words to support and uplift others?
Share one strategy for kinder communication.

Lead a reflective discussion. Allow students to silently think and then share one positive way they can choose their words in difficult situations.

Conclusion

Words have power!

Choose words that build relationships and help others feel valued.
Practice empathy in every conversation.

Wrap up the lesson, recap the core message, and remind them to always think about the impact of their words.