Lesson Plan
Words Matter Lesson Plan
Students will identify and understand the harmful impact of racial slurs and aggressive language, develop empathy, and commit to using respectful communication.
Addressing a 6th grader’s use of racial slurs early helps prevent bullying, fosters a safe learning environment, and promotes social-emotional skills like empathy and respect.
Audience
6th Grade Student
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion and reflective practice.
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print one copy of Impact of Words Worksheet for the student
- Print and cut out Empathy Scenario Cards
- Print one Respectful Language Pledge
- Review definitions of "racial slur" and "aggressive language" to guide discussion
- Arrange a quiet, private space for the session
Step 1
Opening Discussion
5 minutes
- Welcome the student and explain the goal: to explore how words can hurt or heal
- Define key terms: "racial slur," "aggressive language," and "respectful communication"
- Ask the student to share examples they’ve heard and why they think they’re hurtful
Step 2
Impact Exploration
10 minutes
- Give the student the Impact of Words Worksheet
- Read each scenario together and have the student circle any hurtful words
- Discuss: How might the targeted person feel? What could happen next?
- Encourage the student to reflect on times they’ve witnessed or used similar words
Step 3
Empathy Practice
10 minutes
- Hand over three Empathy Scenario Cards
- For each card, ask the student to describe how the speaker and listener feel
- Role-play or narrate: What could the speaker say instead?
- Reinforce understanding by summarizing feelings and respectful alternatives
Step 4
Pledge & Reflection
5 minutes
- Introduce the Respectful Language Pledge
- Ask the student to write one personal commitment to change their language choices
- Both teacher and student sign the pledge as a commitment to respectful communication
- Close by affirming the student’s willingness to grow and support a positive community
Worksheet
Impact of Words Worksheet
Use this worksheet to explore how words can hurt or heal. Read each scenario carefully, circle any hurtful words, reflect on the impact of those words, and practice respectful alternatives.
Part 1: Identify Hurtful Words
Scenario 1
During recess, Taylor said to Jordan:
"Why do you even try? You're so dumb!"
a. Circle the word or words that are hurtful in this scenario.
b. How might Jordan feel after hearing these words?
c. What could happen next if Taylor continues to say hurtful things?
d. Suggest a respectful way Taylor could express frustration instead.
Examples:
– “I’m having a hard time with this game. Can you show me how?”
– “Let’s work together so we both improve.”
“_____________________________________________”
Scenario 2
In math class, Alex told Sam:
"Stop being such a know-it-all. No one wants your advice."
a. Circle the word or words that are hurtful in this scenario.
b. How might Sam feel after hearing these words?
c. What could happen next if Alex and Sam don’t talk about it?
d. Suggest a respectful way Alex could share their feelings instead.
Examples:
– “I feel overwhelmed when there are too many suggestions. Could we try another approach?”
– “I appreciate your help, but I’d like to try solving this on my own first.”
“_____________________________________________”
Scenario 3
Walking to school, Riley said to Casey:
"Your drawing is ugly. Why can’t you make something nice?"
a. Circle the word or words that are hurtful in this scenario.
b. How might Casey feel after hearing these words?
c. What could happen next if Riley and Casey keep ignoring each other?
d. Suggest a respectful way Riley could share thoughts about the drawing.
Examples:
– “I notice you used bright colors—tell me more about your idea.”
– “I like some parts of your drawing; could you help me understand your choices?”
“_____________________________________________”
Part 2: Personal Reflection
- Describe a time when you heard or used hurtful words. What happened?
2. Think of a respectful way to express the same feeling or opinion. What could you say instead?
3. Why is choosing respectful language important when talking with others?
Thank you for reflecting on the impact of words. Be prepared to discuss your answers in our next session and to practice respectful alternatives using Empathy Scenario Cards and the Respectful Language Pledge.
Activity
Empathy Scenario Cards
Use these cards to practice identifying emotions and suggest respectful language alternatives. For each scenario:
- Describe how the speaker feels.
- Describe how the listener feels.
- Suggest something the speaker could say instead.
Card 1
During recess, Taylor snaps at Jordan:
"Why are you always so slow? Get out of my way, you're useless!"
- How do you think the speaker (Taylor) feels?
- How do you think the listener (Jordan) feels?
- What could Taylor say instead to express frustration respectfully?
Card 2
In class, Chris glares at Maya and says:
"Stop showing off! You're so annoying with your perfect grades."
- How do you think the speaker (Chris) feels?
- How do you think the listener (Maya) feels?
- What could Chris say instead to communicate how they're feeling?
Card 3
On the bus, Riley calls out to Sam:
"You're such a freak for wearing that weird hat."
- How do you think the speaker (Riley) feels?
- How do you think the listener (Sam) feels?
- What could Riley say instead to respect Sam’s choices?
Worksheet
Respectful Language Pledge Sheet
Words can hurt or heal. Use this pledge sheet to commit to respectful communication and kindness. Fill in each section with your personal promise.
1. Pause and Think
When I feel upset or frustrated, I will pause and think before speaking. My plan:
2. Stand Up for Respect
If I hear someone using hurtful or slur language, I will:
3. Make Amends
If I ever say something hurtful, I will apologize and:
4. My Personal Commitment
I, ______________________, commit to using respectful language every day to build a kind and safe community.
Date: _______________
Student Signature: ______________________
Teacher Signature: ______________________
Date: _______________
Slide Deck
Words Matter Workshop
A 30-minute one-on-one session to recognize the impact of hurtful words, develop empathy, and commit to respectful language.
Welcome the student. Introduce the session: today we’ll explore how words can hurt or heal, learn key terms, and practice respectful communication. Use a friendly tone and set a positive, supportive environment.
Session Objectives
• Identify harmful impact of racial slurs and aggressive language
• Develop empathy for targets of hurtful words
• Practice respectful alternatives and make a personal commitment
Walk through each objective. Emphasize why we’re here: making our classroom safe and respectful.
Key Terms
• Racial Slur: A hurtful word targeting someone’s race or ethnicity
• Aggressive Language: Insults or threats meant to intimidate
• Respectful Communication: Speaking with kindness, even when upset
Define each term clearly. Ask the student to restate definitions in their own words.
Impact Exploration
- Complete the Impact of Words Worksheet
- Circle hurtful words in each scenario
- Discuss: How might the listener feel? What could happen next?
Guide the student through the Impact of Words Worksheet. Read scenarios aloud, help them circle slurs or insults, and discuss feelings and consequences.
Empathy Practice
- Review three Empathy Scenario Cards
- For each: describe speaker’s and listener’s feelings
- Brainstorm respectful alternatives
Use the scenario cards to role-play. Encourage the student to name emotions and suggest alternative phrases.
Pledge & Reflection
- Complete the Respectful Language Pledge
- Write one personal commitment
- Both sign to seal the promise
Introduce the pledge sheet. Ask the student to write their promises and sign. Emphasize this is a commitment to themselves and the community.
Closing & Next Steps
• Thank you for engaging!
• We’ll revisit your pledge in our next check-in
• Remember: words can heal—choose them wisely
Congratulate the student on their participation. Remind them you’re available for questions and support.