Lesson Plan
Words That Lift Lesson Plan
Students will learn why kind language matters and practice replacing put-downs with positive words to promote empathy and a respectful classroom.
Cultivating kind communication reduces bullying, builds empathy, and creates a supportive environment where every student feels valued.
Audience
7th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive brainstorming, role-play, and reflection
Materials
Kind Words Brainstorm Sheet, Role-Play Scenario Cards, Kindness Reflection Worksheet, Kindness Pledge Poster, and Markers or Pens
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print copies of Kind Words Brainstorm Sheet for each student.
- Print and cut Role-Play Scenario Cards for pair activities.
- Print copies of Kindness Reflection Worksheet.
- Display or post Kindness Pledge Poster in the classroom.
- Gather markers or pens for students.
Step 1
Introduction & Discussion
5 minutes
- Write the definition of kind language on the board: using words that encourage, comfort, or uplift others.
- Ask students to share examples of kind words or compliments they’ve heard.
- Discuss how put-downs feel versus how compliments make us feel.
Step 2
Brainstorming Kind Words
7 minutes
- Distribute Kind Words Brainstorm Sheet.
- Students list as many kind words and positive phrases as they can in two minutes.
- Invite students to share their top three words with a partner.
Step 3
Role-Play Scenarios
10 minutes
- Pair students and give each pair one card from Role-Play Scenario Cards.
- Pairs act out the scenario twice: once using put-downs, then using kind language.
- After each, the class discusses how different language changed the situation’s tone.
Step 4
Reflection
5 minutes
- Hand out Kindness Reflection Worksheet.
- Students write one specific way they will use kind language this week and why it matters.
- Encourage honest, personal commitments.
Step 5
Pledge & Closure
3 minutes
- Ask a few volunteers to read their reflections aloud.
- Have students sign the Kindness Pledge Poster as a class commitment.
- Emphasize the power of words to lift others and encourage daily practice.
Slide Deck
Words That Lift
Speaking kindly to others and lifting each other up.
Welcome, everyone! Today we’ll explore how our words can lift others up. First, I’ll introduce our objective: to learn why kind language matters and practice using positive words instead of put-downs.
Introduction & Discussion
• Definition: Kind language uses words that encourage, comfort, or uplift others.
• Think-Pair-Share:
- Share a kind word you’ve received and how it felt.
- Share a put-down you’ve heard and how it felt.
Write the definition on the board. Invite two or three students to share examples of kind words they’ve heard and how those made them feel. Then ask for examples of put-downs and discuss the difference in feelings.
Brainstorming Kind Words
- Take a Kind Words Brainstorm Sheet.
- List as many kind words or positive phrases as you can in two minutes.
- Share your top three words with a partner.
Distribute the Kind Words Brainstorm Sheet to each student. Set a two-minute timer. When time’s up, have students turn to a partner and share their top three words.
Role-Play Scenarios
- Pair up and pick a card from Role-Play Scenario Cards.
- Act out the scenario using put-downs.
- Act out the same scenario using kind language.
- Discuss how the tone and impact differed.
Explain that each pair will act out both versions of a scenario. Model one example quickly if needed. After each role-play, lead a brief discussion on how the tone and feelings changed.
Reflection
Complete the Kindness Reflection Worksheet:
• One specific way you will use kind language this week.
• Why this commitment matters.
Hand out the Kindness Reflection Worksheet. Encourage students to write thoughtfully and personally. Circulate to offer support and invite a few students to share key ideas.
Pledge & Closure
• Volunteers read reflections aloud.
• As a class, sign the Kindness Pledge Poster.
Remember: Your words have the power to lift others!
Invite volunteers to read aloud. Once reflections are shared, have the class sign the Kindness Pledge Poster together. Reinforce that practicing kind words daily will help build a respectful, supportive classroom.
Worksheet
Kind Words Brainstorm Sheet
Prompt:
List as many kind words or positive phrases as you can think of. Try to come up with at least 10 to share with a partner.
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Keep going if you have more ideas:
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Activity
Role-Play Scenario Cards
Cut out each card below. In pairs, draw one card and act it out twice:
- First, use put-downs or negative words.
- Then, replay using kind, uplifting language.
Card 1: Hallway Trip
Scenario: A student trips over a backpack in the hallway and drops their books.
• Version A (Put-downs): Classmate laughs and says, “Way to watch where you’re going, clumsy!”
• Version B (Kind words): Classmate helps pick up books and says, “Are you okay? That looked painful—here, let me help.”
Card 2: Lunch Table Invitation
Scenario: A student is standing alone at lunch and approaches your group.
• Version A: Someone says, “Go sit somewhere else—this is our table.”
• Version B: Someone says, “Hey! Sure, pull up a chair. We’d love to have you.”
Card 3: Group Project Mix-up
Scenario: In a group project, one partner forgets to bring needed materials.
• Version A: Partner says, “You’re so useless—now we’re doomed!”
• Version B: Partner says, “No worries. Let’s figure out what we can do with what we have.”
Card 4: Missed Basketball Shot
Scenario: During recess basketball, a friend misses an easy shot.
• Version A: Teammate says, “Nice shot—if you were blind!”
• Version B: Teammate says, “Good try! Keep practicing, you’ll nail it next time.”
Card 5: Wrong Answer in Class
Scenario: A classmate volunteers to answer a question aloud but gives the wrong answer.
• Version A: Student says, “Seriously? That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.”
• Version B: Student says, “Thanks for trying—who can help them refine that idea?”
Card 6: Sharing Creative Work
Scenario: A friend shows you a drawing they made and asks what you think.
• Version A: You say, “That looks terrible—did a toddler draw this?”
• Version B: You say, “I love your color choices! What inspired you?”
Worksheet
Kindness Reflection Worksheet
Name: ____________________________ Date: _______________
1. One specific way I will use kind language this week is:
2. This commitment matters because:
3. I will remind myself to practice kind language by:
Take this worksheet home or keep it in your notebook and look at it every day. Let’s help each other lift others up with our words!
Activity
Kindness Pledge Poster
As a class, we pledge to use kind language and lift each other up!
We promise to:
- Encourage others daily.
- Listen with respect.
- Replace put-downs with positive words.
- Offer help and kindness.
- Create a supportive classroom community.
Sign your name below to make your pledge:
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