Word Power Lesson Plan
Word Power: Choose Wisely
Tier 3 Individual Lesson Plan • 1st Grade
30 Minutes
Objective
Students will understand that words have power and can affect how others feel, learning to choose kind and respectful language.
Why It Matters
Understanding word impact develops empathy, builds positive relationships, and fosters respectful communication skills.
Prep
- • Review the Slide Deck.
- • Prepare the Kind Words Script.
- • Print and cut (or prepare to cut) activity cards.
- • Set up a quiet, comfortable space.
Materials
- Heart-to-Heart Slides
- Kind Words Script
- Bridge Activity Cards
Instructional Steps
1
Warm-Up: What Are Words For?
5 MIN
Begin by asking: "What are words? Why do we use them?" Use Slide 1 to guide the discussion. Transition to the idea that words aren't just sounds—they have power. Refer to the script for specific prompts.
2
Exploring Word Power
10 MIN
Introduce 'good words' and 'bad words.' Use Slides 2-3 to illustrate emotional impact. Discuss why some words are hurtful (disrespectful, painful). Emphasize that kind words keep everyone safe and happy.
3
Building Bridges Activity
10 MIN
Engage the student in sorting word cards. Just as actions build or break things, words build or break relationships. Categorize phrases into "Build" or "Break." Discuss the "why" behind each choice.
4
Cool-Down: My Word Promise
5 MIN
Reflect on the lesson. Have the student make a "Word Promise" (statement or drawing) on Slide 5. Remind them that mistakes happen, but we always try our best to be kind.
Teacher Approach
Interactive discussion, visual aids, and a hands-on sorting activity. Focus on empathy and social-emotional impact rather than just rules.
Heart to Heart Slides
✨
🪄
💬
Word Power:
Choose Wisely!
Our words are like magic! They can do amazing things. ✨
What are words for?
Words Have Feelings Too!
Words can make us feel happy, sad, angry, or glad.
How do words make you feel?
😊 Happy
😢 Sad
😤 Angry
🤩 Glad
Good Words vs. Words That Hurt
🧸
Some words make hearts feel warm and fuzzy.
"I'm so proud of you!"
🩹
Some words can make hearts feel ouchy.
"Go away!"
Which kind of words do you like to hear?
Words That Build, Words That Break
Our words can build strong friendships...
...or break them apart.
🧱
Build Up
🤝
Connect
Let's choose words that build!
My Word Promise
"I promise to try my best to use words that are..."
Kind Helpful Respectful
You have the power to spread kindness today! ✨
My Kind Words Script
My Kind Words Script
A facilitation guide for the Tier 3 Word Power lesson.
Introduction (Slide 1: Word Power: Choose Wisely!)
[SAY]: "Hello, [Student's Name]! I'm so glad we get to chat today. We're going to talk about something super interesting and important: words! Our words are like magic – they can do amazing things. Take a look at our first slide, 'Word Power: Choose Wisely!'"
[ASK]: "What are words to you? Why do we use them? Can you give me some examples of words you use every day?"
Allow the student to respond and elaborate. Guide them to think about speaking, writing, expressing feelings, and asking for things.
[SAY]: "That's right! We use words to talk to our friends, to ask for snacks, to tell stories, and to share how we feel. Words are how we connect with each other."
Exploring Word Power (Slide 2: Words Have Feelings Too!)
[SAY]: "Now, let's look at the next slide, 'Words Have Feelings Too!' Words aren't just sounds; they actually carry feelings with them. Think about it: a word can make you feel super happy, or a little bit sad, or even excited!"
[ASK]: "Have you ever heard a word that made your heart feel warm and fuzzy? What was it?"
[ASK]: "What about a word that made your heart feel a little bit ouchy or sad?"
[SAY]: "It's true! Words have power. Some words make us feel good, and some words... not so good. That leads us to our next slide."
Good vs. Hurtful (Slide 3: Good Words vs. Words That Hurt)
[SAY]: "On this slide, 'Good Words vs. Words That Hurt,' we see that some words make hearts feel warm and fuzzy, like a cozy blanket. These are what we call 'kind words' or 'good words.' They make people feel happy, safe, and loved."
[ASK]: "Can you think of some good, kind words you like to use?"
Reinforce examples like "please," "thank you," or "Can I help?"
[SAY]: "But then there are other words, sometimes called 'bad words' or 'words that hurt.' These can make someone's heart feel ouchy, like a little poke. They might make someone feel sad, angry, or not very good about themselves. We don't want to use words that make others feel bad, do we?"
[ASK]: "Why do you think it's important to be careful with the words we choose?"
Activity (Slide 4: Words That Build, Words That Break)
[SAY]: "Look at our next slide, 'Words That Build, Words That Break.' Our words can build strong connections, like a bridge! Or, they can accidentally break those connections. We want to build, build, build!"
[SAY]: "Now we're going to do a fun activity called Building Bridges with Words! I have some word cards here. Your job is to help me sort them. We'll put the words that build here, and the words that break over there."
Building Bridges Activity
Building Bridges with Words
Sorting Activity • 1st Grade
Word Architect
Instructions
1. Cut
Carefully cut out the word cards below along the dotted lines.
2. Sort
Place the cards into two groups: "Words That Build" or "Words That Break."
3. Talk
Explain why each word helps build a bridge or breaks it down.
Words That Build
These make people feel happy, safe, and connected!
Words That Break
These make people feel sad, hurt, or upset.
✂️ Word Cards to Cut ✂️
Thank You!
Mean!
I Like You!
Please
You're silly!
Good Job!
No!
Share!
Mine!
I'm sorry.
Help!
Stinky!
Student Name: _________________________________
Date: ________________
