Teacher Script: Words: Use Them Wisely?

Introduction: The Power of Words (5 minutes)

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something incredibly powerful that we use every single day: words. Has anyone ever stopped to think about how much power our words actually have?"

"Let's start with a quick thought. Think about a time someone said something really kind to you. Maybe a compliment, a word of encouragement, or just a friendly 'hello.' How did that make you feel? You don't have to share aloud, just keep it in your mind for a moment."

(Pause for students to reflect.)

"Now, think about the opposite. Has someone ever said something unkind or hurtful to you? How did that make you feel? Again, just think about it."

(Pause for students to reflect.)

"As you can see, words have a huge impact. Today, our goal is to understand just how powerful our words are, and how we can use them to build ourselves and others up." (Advance to Power of Words Slide Deck - Slide 1 and 2)

Discussion: Positive vs. Negative (7 minutes)

"On the screen, we see 'Positive Words' and 'Negative Words.' What do you think makes a word positive? What makes one negative?" (Advance to Power of Words Slide Deck - Slide 3)

(Allow students to share examples. Guide them to understand that positive words are kind, encouraging, and respectful, while negative words are hurtful, discouraging, or disrespectful. Refer to the Word Choice Discussion Guide for additional prompts if needed.)

"Why is it important to think about the difference between positive and negative words? How do these different types of words affect the people around us?" (Advance to Power of Words Slide Deck - Slide 4)

(Encourage discussion about the ripple effect – how one word can spread a feeling.)

Activity: Building Bridges with Words (8 minutes)

"Great discussion! Now, let's put our positive words into action. We're going to do an activity called 'Building Bridges.'" (Advance to Power of Words Slide Deck - Slide 5)

"Each of you will get a few strips of paper. On each strip, I want you to write one positive word or a kind phrase. Think about words that make you or others feel good, happy, or strong." (Distribute strips of paper and markers.)

"Once you've written your positive words, we're going to link them together to create a 'bridge' or a 'chain' of positive communication. This shows how our positive words connect us and build strong relationships." (Demonstrate linking strips with tape or glue. Facilitate the activity, ensuring everyone participates.)

"Look at the amazing bridge we've built with our words! What does this bridge represent to you?"

Game: Positive Word Bingo (7 minutes)

"That was fantastic! Now, for a fun way to practice using our positive vocabulary, we're going to play 'Positive Word Bingo'!" (Advance to Power of Words Slide Deck - Slide 6)

"I'll give each of you a Bingo card. On the card, you'll see many positive words. I'll read out some scenarios or describe types of positive words. If you have a word on your card that fits, mark it off! The first person to get five in a row – horizontally, vertically, or diagonally – shouts 'Bingo!'" (Distribute Bingo cards and pencils/markers. Explain the rules clearly and then begin calling out scenarios from the Positive Word Bingo Game guide.)

Cool Down: Reflection (3 minutes)

"Excellent playing, everyone! You all have a great handle on positive words." (Advance to Power of Words Slide Deck - Slide 7)

"To wrap up our lesson today, I want everyone to take a moment to reflect. Think about these two questions: What is one important thing you learned today about the power of words? And how will you try to use your words more wisely this week?" (Refer to the Reflection Cool Down for the prompts.)

"You can write your answers on a piece of paper, or if you feel comfortable, you can share one thought aloud with the group." (Collect papers or listen to shares.)

"Thank you all for being such thoughtful and engaged learners today. Remember, your words have power, so choose them wisely!"

Word Choice Discussion Guide

Use these prompts to guide a conversation with students about the impact of positive and negative language.

Understanding Word Impact

1. Can you think of a time when someone's words made you feel really good? What did they say, and how did it affect you?
   
   
   
2. Can you think of a time when someone's words made you feel sad or angry? What did they say, and how did it affect you?
   
   
   
3. Why do you think the same words can sometimes be taken differently by different people?
   
   
   

Positive vs. Negative Words

4. What are some examples of positive words you use or hear often? (e.g., kind, helpful, awesome, brilliant, thankful)
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. What are some examples of negative words you sometimes hear? Why are these words considered negative?
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. How does a classroom or a home feel when mostly positive words are used? How does it feel when mostly negative words are used?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Taking Responsibility for Our Words

7. Is it always easy to choose positive words? Why or why not?
   
   
   
8. What can we do when we hear someone using negative words? How can we respond in a positive way?
   
   
   
9. What is one small change you could make in your own word choices starting today to make a positive difference?
   
   
   

Building Bridges Activity

Objective: To visually represent how positive words connect people and build strong relationships.

Materials:

• Strips of paper (5-10 per student)
• Markers or colored pencils
• Tape or glue sticks

Instructions:

1. Introduce the concept: Explain to students that just as words can be destructive, positive words can build strong connections, like a bridge.
2. Distribute materials: Give each student several strips of paper and markers.
3. Write positive words: Ask each student to think of and write one positive word or kind phrase on each strip of paper. Encourage them to be creative and think of words that make them feel good or would make someone else feel good (e.g., "kind," "brave," "thankful," "helpful," "amazing," "you can do it!").
4. Connect the words: Once students have filled their strips, instruct them to link their strips together using tape or glue to form a long chain or a "bridge." They can connect their strips with other students' strips to create a collaborative class bridge.
5. Reflect and share: Once the bridge is complete, gather students around it. Ask questions like:
   • "What does this bridge of words represent to you?"
   • "How did it feel to write and connect positive words?"
   • "How can our positive words act like a bridge in real life?"

Positive Word Bingo Game

Objective: To reinforce the recognition and use of positive vocabulary in a fun, interactive way.

Materials:

• Positive Word Bingo cards (one per student)
• Pencils or Bingo markers (beans, small erasers, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Distribute Cards: Give each student a copy of the Bingo card and a marker.
2. Explain the Game: Explain that you will be reading out scenarios or descriptions related to positive words. Students should listen carefully and mark off any positive word on their card that fits the description. The first student to get five in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) shouts "BINGO!"
3. Call out Scenarios/Words: Use the list below to call out descriptions. Once a student gets BINGO, have them read out their words to verify. You can continue playing for a full card or multiple Bingos if time allows.

Bingo Call-Out List (Teacher calls these out):

• A word that means showing care and understanding to others. (Caring)
• A word that means being thankful. (Grateful)
• A word for someone who helps others. (Helpful)
• A word that means full of joy. (Joyful)
• A word for someone who is easy to get along with. (Friendly)
• A word for being truthful. (Honest)
• A word that means you are good at something. (Talented)
• A word for someone who keeps trying, even when it's hard. (Resilient)
• A word that means fair and just. (Fair)
• A word for being polite and showing good manners. (Respectful)
• A word for someone who shares. (Generous)
• A word for being thankful. (Appreciative)
• A word that means you can be trusted. (Reliable)
• A word for showing strong feelings of love or admiration. (Passionate)
• A word for being able to think of new ideas. (Creative)
• A word for being happy and positive. (Optimistic)
• A word for someone who is always learning. (Curious)
• A word that means always doing your best. (Diligent)
• A Word for someone who always tells the truth. (Honest)
• A word that means understanding how someone else feels. (Empathetic)
• A word for making good choices. (Responsible)
• A word for someone who is always willing to try new things. (Adventurous)
• A word that means you are special and unique. (Unique)
• A word for someone who is calm and not easily upset. (Patient)
• A word for being kind to everyone. (Compassionate)

Positive Word Bingo Card (Example)

Reflection Cool Down: The Power of Your Words

Take a few moments to think about what we discussed and practiced today. Your words are powerful, and how you use them can make a big difference.

1. What is one important thing you learned today about the power of words?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. How will you try to use your words more wisely this week? Give a specific example.