Respect Earn It Lesson Plan Respect: Earn It!
Lesson Plan • 7th Grade SEL
30 Minutes
Single Session
Learning Objective
Students will define respect, identify its characteristics, and practice respectful communication and behavior within various school and social contexts.
Why It Matters
Understanding respect is crucial for building a positive classroom community, fostering healthy relationships, and promoting empathy among peers.
Preparation (10 min)
Review the Respect: Earn It! Slide Deck and Lesson Plan .
Print copies of the Respectful Choices Worksheet (1 per student/pair).
Prepare the Respectful Communication Script for guidance during discussion.
Classroom Materials
Respect: Earn It! Slide Deck
Respectful Choices Worksheet
Respectful Communication Script
Respect Reflection Journal
Instructional Steps
Intro 5m
What is Respect?
Focus: Definition & Objective
Ask students what "respect" means to them. Record key terms on the board.
Use Slide Deck (1-2) to guide a brief discussion on defining respect.
Share the lesson objective, emphasizing respect in daily interactions.
Explore 10m
Exploring Respectful Actions
Focus: Real-world Scenarios
Present scenarios (Classroom, Digital, Home) using Slides 3-5.
Use the Communication Script to prompt students to identify respectful vs. disrespectful behaviors.
Introduce the concept of "earning" respect through consistency.
Apply 10m
Activity: Respectful Choices
Focus: Independent Practice
Distribute the Respectful Choices Worksheet .
Students work individually/pairs to identify actions for given situations.
Circulate to support and review answers using the Answer Key .
Wrap 5m
Reflect and Apply
Focus: Takeaways & Closure
Share worksheet responses and summarize key takeaways (Slide 6).
Assign the Respect Reflection Journal as homework or a cool-down activity.
Respect Earn It Slide Deck What Does Respect Mean to YOU?
Think about these questions:
What does it look like?
What does it sound like?
Reflect:
• How does it feel to be respected?
• How does it feel to be disrespected?
Teacher Notes: Welcome students and introduce respect. Ask them to share initial thoughts. This is a brainstorming slide to get them thinking.
Defining Respect: More Than Just Words
Respect is about:
Valuing others
Recognizing their worth and dignity.
Showing consideration
Being thoughtful of their feelings and perspectives.
The Golden Rule
Treating others as they wish to be treated.
Our Goal: Understand what respect means and show it every day!
Teacher Notes: Transition to a working definition. Emphasize valuing others. Explain the objective of the lesson.
Scenario 1
Classroom Courtesy
Imagine your classmate is giving a presentation, and some students in the back are whispering and laughing.
Discussion:
Is this respectful? Why or why not?
What could the whispering students do differently?
Teacher Notes: Discuss in groups how they would act respectfully here and how behavior impacts presenters.
Scenario 2
Digital Respect
Online Interaction
You see a mean comment posted about a fellow student on a social media platform.
Discussion Questions
Is online disrespect different from in person?
What are your responsibilities here?
What action is respectful?
Teacher Notes: Focus on digital citizenship and the permanence/impact of online disrespect.
Scenario 3
Home & Family Harmony
"Your parents ask you to help with chores, but you'd rather play video games."
1
How can you show respect for their time?
2
What does it mean to 'earn' respect at home?
3
How does this connect to your life?
Teacher Notes: Broaden scope to family. Link home actions to the broader concept of earning respect.
Respect: A Daily Practice
Key Takeaways
Respect is about valuing others and their differences.
It's shown through our actions and attitudes.
Respectful Communication Script Communication Script
Teacher Facilitation Guide • Respect: Earn It!
Target Audience: 7th Grade
Phase 1
The Introduction (5 min)
Refer to Slide 1: What Does Respect Mean to YOU?
Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, everyone. Today we're going to dive into a really important topic: respect. We often hear the word, but what does it truly mean to be respectful, and how do we show it?"
Teacher: "Let's start with a quick brainstorm. When you hear the word 'respect,' what comes to mind? What does it look like, sound like, or feel like? Share some of your ideas."
(Allow students to share. Acknowledge and affirm responses. Write key terms on the board or chart paper.)
Refer to Slide 2: Defining Respect
Teacher: "Excellent ideas! You've touched on many important aspects. Ultimately, respect is about valuing others, showing consideration for their feelings and perspectives, and treating them with dignity. It's about recognizing that everyone has worth, and that includes you."
Teacher: "Our goal today is to understand what respect truly means and to practice how we can show it in our daily lives. It's crucial for building a positive classroom, strong friendships, and a kinder community."
Phase 2
Exploring Respect in Action (10 min)
Refer to Slide 3: Classroom Courtesy
Teacher: "Imagine your classmate is giving a presentation in front of the class, and a couple of students in the back are whispering and laughing. How would you describe what's happening here?"
(Allow student responses)
Teacher: "Is this respectful behavior? Why or why not? How might the person giving the presentation feel? What could those whispering students do to show respect in that situation?"
Refer to Slide 4: Digital Respect
Teacher: "Let's consider another scenario. You're scrolling through social media, and you see a mean or negative comment posted about one of your classmates or another student at school. What's your first reaction?"
Teacher: "Is commenting negatively online the same as saying something mean in person? What are your responsibilities when you see online disrespect? What action would be the most respectful choice here?"
Refer to Slide 5: Home & Family Harmony
Teacher: "Your parents ask you to help with chores, but you're really engrossed in a video game or talking to friends. How can you show respect for their request, their time, and their efforts? What does it mean to 'earn' respect from family members?"
Respectful Choices Worksheet Respectful Choices
Scenario Analysis Activity
Name:
Date:
Instructions
Read each scenario carefully. In the spaces provided, describe a respectful action and explain why it is the respectful choice. Consider how your actions impact others.
Scenario 1: The Group Project
"You are working on a group project, and one of your teammates isn't contributing much. They keep checking their phone and don't seem interested in the task."
Respectful Action:
Why is this respectful?
Scenario 2: Lunchroom Mix-up
"Someone accidentally bumps into you in the crowded lunchroom, causing you to spill a little bit of your drink. They quickly say, 'Oh, sorry!' and move on."
Respectful Action:
Why is this respectful?
Scenario 3: Different Opinions
"During a class discussion, a classmate shares an opinion that is very different from yours, and you strongly disagree with what they are saying."
Respectful Action:
Why is this respectful?
Scenario 4: Borrowing Without Asking
"You notice that a friend has taken your favorite pencil without asking and is now using it in class."
Respectful Action:
Why is this respectful?
Respectful Choices Answer Key Answer Key
Respectful Choices Worksheet • Facilitator Resource
1 Scenario 1: The Group Project
Recommended Respectful Action
Approach your teammate privately and express your concerns using "I" statements. For example, "I feel a bit worried about our project deadline because I notice you've been distracted. Is everything okay, and how can we make sure we both contribute effectively?" Offer to help them get started or find a task they might be more interested in. If the issue continues, consider talking to the teacher respectfully.
Why this is respectful
This approach respects your teammate's feelings by addressing the issue privately and not embarrassing them. It also respects the group's shared responsibility for the project and your own need for a fair contribution. It focuses on problem-solving rather than blaming.
2 Scenario 2: Lunchroom Mix-up
Recommended Respectful Action
Take a deep breath and respond calmly. A simple "No worries, it happens!" or "It's okay, just a little bit" would be a respectful response. You could also offer a small smile to show you're not upset. If they offer to help clean, accept graciously.
Why this is respectful
This action respects the other person's apology and acknowledges that accidents happen. Reacting with anger or frustration would likely escalate the situation and create tension. A calm response helps maintain a positive atmosphere.
3 Scenario 3: Different Opinions
Recommended Respectful Action
Listen actively to your classmate's perspective without interrupting. When it's your turn to speak, acknowledge their point of view first (e.g., "I understand what you're saying about...") and then calmly and clearly state your own opinion, supported by reasons. Use phrases like "I see it differently because..." or "Another way to look at this is...". Focus on the ideas, not on attacking the person.
Why this is respectful
This shows respect for your classmate's right to their own opinion, even if it differs from yours. It fosters a safe environment for open discussion and encourages critical thinking by considering multiple viewpoints. It also models polite disagreement.
4 Scenario 4: Borrowing Without Asking
Recommended Respectful Action
Gently approach your friend and say, "Hey, I noticed you're using my pencil. Could you please ask me before you borrow something of mine in the future? I need to know where my things are." Avoid an accusatory tone.
Why this is respectful
This approach respects your ownership of your belongings while also respecting your friend by addressing them directly and calmly. It sets a clear boundary respectfully, teaching them the importance of asking for permission.
Respect Reflection Journal Respect Reflection Journal
Personal Reflection Activity
Name:
Date:
Reflection Guide
Reflect on today's lesson about respect. Write thoughtful responses to the prompts below. Aim for at least one solid paragraph per question to truly explore your thoughts.
1
Personal Definition of Respect
How would you define respect in your own words? How has your understanding changed today? Give an example of how you can show respect to someone you interact with regularly.
2
The Impact of Respectful Actions
Describe a time you experienced or witnessed a truly respectful interaction. How did it make people feel? Why are these actions powerful for communities?
3
Challenging Situations
Describe a situation where it might be difficult for you to act respectfully. What strategies can you use to stay respectful even when it's hard?
"Respect yourself and others will respect you."
