Lesson Plan
Facilitator Guide Words That Work
Students will craft an I-message expressing a feeling and need, then practice active listening by paraphrasing a partner’s message once, building clear, respectful communication skills.
Teaching I-messages and paraphrasing helps students express themselves without blame and listen with respect, strengthening friendships and reducing conflicts.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Gather and Prepare Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Introduction and Warm-Up
5 minutes
Step 2
Teach & Model I-Messages
10 minutes
Step 3
Guided Role-Play with Frames
10 minutes
Step 4
Small-Group Practice
15 minutes
Step 5
Debrief and Reflection
5 minutes

Slide Deck
I-Message Frames & Listening Visuals
What Is an I-Message?
I-Message Sentence Frame
Tone & Body Language
Active Listening Posture
Paraphrasing Frame
Your Turn to Practice

Script


Activity


Worksheet


Discussion

