Lesson Plan
Words That Hurt
Students will understand the impact of racial epithets, practice identifying hurtful language, and learn upstander strategies to promote respectful communication.
Addressing use of racial slurs helps students recognize harmful language, build empathy, and create a more inclusive classroom. They learn proactive ways to stand up against harassment.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Material Preparation
10 minutes
Step 1
Introduction to Epithets
5 minutes
Step 2
Scenario Analysis
10 minutes
Step 3
Group Discussion
5 minutes
Step 4
Individual Reflection
8 minutes
Step 5
Upstander Strategies
2 minutes
Slide Deck
Words That Hurt: Recognizing and Responding to Racial Epithets
What Is an Epithet?
Why Words Matter
Scenario Analysis
Group Discussion
Individual Reflection
Upstander Strategies
Key Takeaways
Worksheet
Activity
Warm Up
Cool Down
Discussion
Answer Key
