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

lenny

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

lenny

Script

lenny
lenny

Activity

lenny
lenny

Worksheet

lenny
lenny

Discussion

lenny
lenny
lenny

Words That Work

user image

Kimest Sanders

Tier 1
For Schools
lenny-learning-logo

Lenny Learning

Create Lesson

CASEL

Health & Wellness

Behavioral Supports

Counseling & Therapy

Family Engagement

School Climate

Special Education

Academic Integration

Seasonal

Career & Life Skills

Arts & Creativity

My Lessons

My Lessons

Video Library

Video Library

Support

Support

Log In