Threats Unmasked Lesson Plan Threats Unmasked
Lesson Facilitation Guide
Time
30 min
Learning Objective
Students will recognize verbal threats and inappropriate non-verbal gestures, understand their emotional impact, and practice respectful communication strategies to foster a safe, inclusive classroom.
Why This Matters
This lesson empowers students to identify and address harmful behaviors, building empathy, respect, and safety. Understanding the impact of threats and gestures helps maintain a positive classroom culture and supports social-emotional growth.
Quick Details
Audience
7th Grade Students
Tier
Tier 1 (Universal)
Approach
Interactive discussion, reflection, and role-play.
Materials Needed
Gesture Guardians Slide Deck
Threat Scenario Cards
Impact Reflection Worksheet
Respectful Communication Poster
Chart Paper & Colored Markers
Sticky Notes
Preparation (10 min)
ā¢ Print and cut Threat Scenario Cards .
ā¢ Print Impact Reflection Worksheet for each student.
ā¢ Display Respectful Communication Strategies Poster .
ā¢ Review Gesture Guardians Slide Deck .
Instructional Steps
1
5 MIN
Introduction & Framing
ā¢ Project the Gesture Guardians Slide Deck title slide and review objectives.
ā¢ Ask: āWhat words or gestures make you feel threatened or uncomfortable?ā
ā¢ Define Verbal Threats and Inappropriate Non-Verbal Gestures using slide visuals.
ā¢ Emphasize the impact of these behaviors on classroom safety and respect.
2
10 MIN
Identify Threats & Gestures
ā¢ Divide students into small groups and distribute Threat Scenario Cards .
ā¢ In groups, students identify the specific threat or inappropriate gesture in each scenario.
ā¢ Discuss why these are harmful and record findings on Chart Paper.
ā¢ Invite one representative from each group to share a key insight with the class.
3
8 MIN
Reflection Activity
ā¢ Hand out the Impact Reflection Worksheet to each student.
ā¢ Individual reflection: āHow might the person on the receiving end feel?ā
ā¢ Pair students to compare reflections and discuss emotional impact.
ā¢ Refer to the Respectful Communication Poster to brainstorm alternative respectful responses.
4
5 MIN
Role-Play Practice
ā¢ Students stay in pairs and choose one scenario from their worksheet.
ā¢ One student role-plays using a respectful statement; the other gives feedback on tone.
ā¢ Encourage use of āIā statements and a calm, clear delivery.
ā¢ Teacher circulates to observe and offer constructive feedback.
5
2 MIN
Assessment & Wrap-Up
ā¢ Exit Ticket: On a sticky note, write one respectful alternative to use instead of a threat.
ā¢ Collect exit tickets to assess understanding.
ā¢ Summarize: Choosing respect makes everyone in our classroom safer.
Gesture Guardians Slide Deck Slides Gesture Guardians
Identifying & Addressing Verbal Threats and Inappropriate Gestures
7th Grade ā¢ 30 Minutes ā¢ Tier 1 Lesson
Teacher Note: Welcome everyone! Today weāre becoming Gesture Guardians. Introduce yourself and explain that weāll learn how words and gestures can harm othersāand how to respond respectfully.
Learning Objectives
Identify verbal threats and inappropriate non-verbal gestures
Reflect on the emotional impact of harmful behavior
Practice respectful communication strategies
Teacher Note: Read each objective aloud. Emphasize that by the end of today, students should be able to recognize harmful behavior, reflect on its impact, and practice better communication.
Key Terms
Verbal Threats
Words that warn or promise harm. They aim to frighten or control another person.
Non-Verbal Gestures
Hand signs or motions meant to intimidate, insult, or threaten without using words.
Teacher Note: Ask: āWhat is a verbal threat? What gestures feel threatening?ā Define each term and show visuals. Encourage students to share quick examples.
Identify Threats & Gestures
1
In your groups, review each Scenario Card
2
Highlight the threatening words or gestures
3
Discuss why they are harmful and record on chart paper
Teacher Note: Explain the group activity: distribute [Threat Scenario Cards](#threat-scenario-cards). In groups, identify the threat or gesture in each card and discuss why itās harmful.
Reflect on Impact
How might the person feel receiving this threat or gesture?
Write your thoughts on the Impact Reflection Worksheet .
"Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another."
Teacher Note: Distribute the [Impact Reflection Worksheet](#impact-reflection-worksheet). Guide students through the prompts: āHow might this feel?ā Encourage honest, empathetic responses.
Respectful Communication
Use "I" Statements
"I feel upset when..."
Speak Calmly
Clear voice, relaxed posture.
Threat Scenario Cards Activity Threat Scenario Cards
Cut along the dashed lines. Use these cards for the "Identify Threats & Gestures" activity.
Card 1
āYou better watch your back around here.ā
Type: Verbal Threat
Severity: Mild
Card 2
āIf you donāt shut up, Iāll break your face after class.ā
Type: Verbal Threat
Severity: Severe
Card 3
A student rolls their eyes and shakes a clenched fist at another student.
Type: Non-Verbal Gesture
Severity: Moderate
Card 4
A student makes a throat-slitting motion across their neck at a classmate.
Type: Non-Verbal Gesture
Severity: Severe
Impact Reflection Worksheet Impact Reflection
Gesture Guardians Activity Sheet
Name:
Date:
1
Your Scenario
Scenario Card Number:
Briefly describe the threat or gesture you reviewed:
2
Reflect on Emotional Impact
How might the person receiving this threat or gesture feel?
Why do you think they might feel this way?
How could this affect their behavior or learning in class?
3
Brainstorm Respectful Alternatives
Refer to the Respectful Communication Strategies Poster for ideas.
Alternative 1:
Alternative 2:
4
Reflection on Strategy
Which strategy did you choose from the poster, and why do you think it is effective?
Respectful Communication Poster Activity Respectful
Communication
Strategies for a Safe Classroom
Use āIā Statements
āI feel upset when...ā Focus on your own feelings rather than blaming.
Speak Calmly & Clearly
Take a breath. Use a steady, respectful voice to be heard.
Offer Solutions
Instead of a threat, suggest a way to fix the problem together.
Listen Actively
Use eye contact and nodding to show you understand their side.
Mind Your Body Language
Keep your hands down and posture relaxed to show you are safe.
Pause & Reflect
If youāre upset, stop and think before you speak or act.
ā¤ļø Empathy š¤ Respect š” Understanding š£ļø Communication
Threats Warm Up Activity Warm-Up: Threats
Think-Pair-Share (5 Minutes)
Name:
Date:
1
Think Individually (1 minute)
Write a brief definition in your own words for each term below:
Threat:
Inappropriate Gesture:
2
Pair Discussion (2 minutes)
Turn to a partner and share:
One personal example (or an observed example) of a word or gesture that felt threatening or uncomfortable.
How it made you feel.
Take turns listening and asking one follow-up question!
3
Share Out (2 minutes)
Each pair will choose one key point (a definition insight or an example) to share with the class. Be ready to summarize your discussion in 30 seconds!
Respectful Response Exit Ticket Respectful Response
Exit Ticket
Name:
Date:
Scenario Card Number:
Briefly describe the threat or gesture you chose:
Write a respectful statement or gesture you could use instead:
Try using an āIā statement if possible!
Why is this a better choice?
How might it change how the other person feels or reacts?
Thank you for being a Gesture Guardian! š”ļø
Hand this in as you leave class.
