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Your Words: Ripple Effect

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Lesson Plan

Your Words: Ripple Effect

Students will be able to explain how their words can impact others' feelings, both positively and negatively.

Understanding the power of words helps students become more empathetic communicators and build stronger, more positive relationships.

Audience

7th Grade

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion and reflective activities.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, The Power of Words Slide Deck, Ripple Effect Worksheet, Kindness Journal Prompt, and Pens/pencils

Prep

Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: The Ripple Effect Story

5 minutes

  1. Begin by asking students: "Have you ever thrown a stone into a pond? What happens?" (Expected: ripples spread out).
  2. Introduce the idea that words are like stones, creating ripples.
  3. Show the first few slides of the The Power of Words Slide Deck (Slides 1-2).
  4. Ask students to share an example of a time someone's words made them feel good or bad. (Brief sharing, emphasize respect and active listening).

Step 2

Direct Instruction: Words Have Power

5 minutes

  1. Present slides 3-5 of the The Power of Words Slide Deck.
  2. Explain the concepts of Empathy and Impact vs. Intent. Discuss how sometimes we don't mean to hurt someone, but our words still can.
  3. Discuss Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication, highlighting how tone, facial expressions, and body language also contribute to the 'ripple effect.'
  4. Briefly explain Perspective-Taking: trying to see things from another person's point of view.

Step 3

Guided Practice: Analyzing Impactful Words

5 minutes

  1. Distribute the Ripple Effect Worksheet.
  2. Present slide 6 of the The Power of Words Slide Deck with a scenario.
  3. Have students individually complete the first section of the worksheet, analyzing the scenario and predicting the emotional ripple.
  4. After a few minutes, ask for volunteers to share their thoughts and discuss as a class.

Step 4

Group Discussion: Choosing Kind Words & Cool Down

5 minutes

  1. Guide a brief class discussion using slides 7-8 of the The Power of Words Slide Deck and the prompts on the Ripple Effect Worksheet. Focus on strategies for choosing kind words and resolving misunderstandings.
  2. As a cool-down/exit ticket, ask students to complete the Kindness Journal Prompt before leaving, reflecting on one way they can use their words positively today.
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Slide Deck

The Ripple Effect of Your Words

Have you ever thrown a stone into a pond? What happens?

Like those ripples, your words spread out and touch everything around them. Today, we'll explore how!

Welcome students and introduce the day's topic. Start with an interactive question to get them thinking about consequences.

Words Create Ripples

Just like a stone creates ripples in water, your words create ripples in the world around you.

These ripples can be:

  • Positive
  • Negative

Connect the physical ripple effect to the metaphorical ripple effect of words. Ask students to think about how words can spread feelings.

What is Empathy?

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

Before you speak, try to imagine: How might my words make this person feel?

Introduce the first key concept: empathy. Emphasize trying to understand others' feelings.

Impact vs. Intent

Sometimes, we don't mean to hurt someone, but our words still do.

  • Intent: What you meant to say.
  • Impact: How your words actually affected someone.

Both matter!

Explain the critical difference between what we mean to say and how it's received. Provide simple examples if needed.

Beyond Just Words

Communication isn't just about the words you say. It also includes:

  • Tone of voice
  • Facial expressions
  • Body language

These non-verbal cues can change the meaning of your words entirely!

Broaden the discussion beyond just spoken words to include other forms of communication. Give examples of how a rolled eye or a sarcastic tone changes the meaning of words.

Scenario Time!

Read the scenario on your Ripple Effect Worksheet.

Think about:

  • What was the intent?
  • What was the potential impact?
  • What non-verbal cues might have been present?

Present a scenario for students to analyze on their worksheet. Encourage them to consider the feelings of all involved.

Choosing Kind Words

How can we make sure our words create positive ripples?

  • Think before you speak. (Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?)
  • Consider the other person's perspective.
  • Apologize sincerely if your words cause harm.
  • Use "I" statements to express your feelings without blaming.

Transition to strategies for positive communication. Ask students for ideas on how to speak kindly and thoughtfully.

Be a Positive Rippler!

Your words have immense power. Choose them wisely to spread kindness and understanding.

Complete your Kindness Journal Prompt now to reflect on how you can use your words positively today!

Conclude with a call to action and introduce the journal prompt as a cool-down activity.

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Worksheet

The Ripple Effect of Your Words Worksheet

Name: _________________________

Part 1: Scenario Analysis

Read the following scenario and answer the questions below.

Scenario: During group work, Alex says loudly to a friend, "Ugh, I can't believe we got paired with them. They never do any work." The student he was talking about, Jamie, was sitting nearby and overheard the comment.

  1. What do you think Alex's intent was when he said those words?





  2. What do you think the impact of Alex's words might be on Jamie?





  3. What non-verbal cues (tone, facial expression, body language) might Alex have used that could amplify the impact of his words?





  4. If you were Jamie, how would you feel after hearing that comment?





Part 2: Choosing Positive Ripples

Think about the discussion we just had. Answer the following questions.

  1. What could Alex have said or done differently to express his frustration without causing harm to Jamie?










  2. Why is it important to think about the impact of our words before we speak?










  3. Can words that are meant as a joke still have a negative impact? Explain.










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Journal

Kindness Journal Prompt: Making Positive Ripples

Name: _________________________

Reflect on today's lesson about the ripple effect of your words. Your words have the power to build others up or tear them down.

Think about the rest of your day, or even tomorrow. How can you consciously use your words to create positive ripples in your interactions with family, friends, or even strangers? Give a specific example of what you might say or how you might communicate.













What are some positive feelings you hope your words will create in others?











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