Words Matter Lesson Plan Words Matter
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Tier 1 Classroom Lesson
Audience
3rd - 4th Grade
Time
60 Minutes
Focus
Empathy & Communication
Why This Matters
This lesson cultivates empathy and effective communication, helping students think before they speak and create a supportive classroom environment. By understanding the lasting impact of their words, students become more mindful social participants.
Learning Objective
Students will explore the power of words by understanding how they affect feelings and relationships, and learning that words have lasting impact.
Preparation & Materials
Before the Lesson
● Review the Discussion Prompts to guide conversations.
● Print copies of the Activity Worksheet .
● Cut and set up the Words Game Cards .
● Confirm the Words and Feelings Video is accessible.
Required Resources
• Words Matter Slide Deck
• Discussion Prompts Handout
• Activity Worksheet & Pencils
• Words Game Cards (1 set per small group)
• Scenario Cards for Role-Play
Instructional Sequence
10 Minutes
Introduction & Discussion
Begin with a brief overview of the lesson focusing on how words can build up or hurt others. Use the Discussion Prompts to engage students in sharing their thoughts on feelings and words.
Pro-tip: Share a personal (age-appropriate) example of a kind word that made your day.
15 Minutes
Interactive Activity
Distribute the Activity Worksheet . Allow students to work in pairs to complete scenarios where they choose kind words and discuss how different words make them feel.
15 Minutes
Words Game
Organize a classroom game using the Words Game Cards . Challenge students to match feelings with corresponding words or phrases in a fun, timed competition.
10 Minutes
Role-Play & Practice
Use the Role-Play Exercise guide to have students act out supportive interactions. This bridges the gap between matching words and using them in real-time.
10 Minutes
Video and Reflection
Show the Words and Feelings Video . Follow up with a quick reflection where students share one thing they learned about the impact of words.
Words Matter Discussion Prompts Handout Discussion Prompts
Thinking about the power of our words
Name
Date
Welcome! Today, we'll talk about how our words can affect the feelings of ourselves and others. The following prompts will help us think deeply about the power of our words. Remember, there are no right or wrong answers here—your feelings and thoughts are important!
Discussion Guidelines
Be Respectful Listen carefully and speak kindly.
Share Thoughts Your experiences are valuable!
Use "I" Language Speak from your own perspective.
Take Turns Let everyone have a chance to speak.
1
What Do Words Mean to You?
Think about a time when someone said something that made you feel good, or sad. How did those words affect your day?
2
The Impact of Our Words
Can you share an example of when kind words helped solve a problem or made a situation better?
3
Why Can’t We Take Back Words?
Why is it important to think before we speak? How can our words change feelings permanently?
4
Building a Positive Environment
What are some phrases that would make our classroom a happier place? How can we remind each other?
5
Reflecting on Our Choices
If you could change one phrase you say sometimes, what would it be and why? How would it help others?
Happy Sharing!
Words Matter Activity Worksheet Words Matter
Activity Worksheet
Student Name
Date
Welcome to your Words Matter activity! In this worksheet, you will practice using words that show kindness and care. Read each scenario and think about how your words can change someone's day.
1 Part 1: Choosing Kind Words
1. Your friend accidentally broke a class project. What could you say to help them feel better?
Your Response
2. A classmate seems sad because they are alone at recess. What could you say to include them?
Your Response
3. Someone teases another student about their drawing. How can you speak up with kind words?
Your Response
2 Part 2: Reflection Questions
1. Why do you think kind words can make a big difference in someone’s feelings?
2. Think about a time when someone said something nice to you. How did it make you feel?
3. What are one or two things you can do every day to remind yourself to use kind words?
Every word you say has the power to build someone up!
Words Matter Game Cards Worksheet Words Game Cards
Match the Feelings with Kind Words
Cut along dotted lines Small groups
How to Play
One group member holds a Feeling card (Blue). Others find the matching Kind Words card (Orange) that helps or matches that feeling. Race against the clock!
Feeling Card
Lonely
Kind Words Card
"Would you like to come play with us?"
Feeling Card
Sad
Kind Words Card
"I'm here for you if you want to talk."
Feeling Card
Upset
Kind Words Card
"It's okay to feel this way. How can I help?"
Feeling Card
Confused
Kind Words Card
"We can figure this out together."
Feeling Card
Proud
Kind Words Card
"You worked so hard on that!"
Feeling Card
Shy
Kind Words Card
"I like your idea. Want to tell me more?" Words Matter Role-Play Activity Guide Role-Play Challenge
Practicing kindness in action
Activity Goal
This role-play exercise is designed to help you practice using kind words in different scenarios. You will work in pairs or small groups to act out a situation where someone needs support.
Steps to Follow
1
Group Up: Choose a partner or join a small group.
2
Read Scenario: Get your scenario card from your teacher.
3
Assign Roles: Decide who plays the friend and who plays the person in need.
4
Plan Response: Discuss how to make the person feel better.
5
Act It Out: Perform your role-play for the group.
6
Reflect: Discuss what words made the biggest difference.
Sample Scenario
The Scene: Jamie felt left out during recess because everyone was playing a game they weren’t interested in. A friend notices Jamie alone on the sidelines.
Role: Friend
"I noticed you’re not playing. Would you like to join our game, or maybe we can start a new one together?"
Role: Jamie
"I’d really like to join! I was feeling lonely and your words made me feel much better."
Eye Contact Gentle Voice Empathy
Our Group Reflection
What was the most helpful thing said during our role-play?
How did it feel to give or receive kind words?
Words Matter Video Reflection Sheet Video Reflection
The Power of Words
Video Link: uncommon-nyc.lennylearning.org/view/the-power-of-words
Name
Date
Watch Carefully
In this video, you saw how words can hurt and why it's important to choose them wisely. Reflect on what you learned by answering the questions below.
1
Can you recall a time when someone's words hurt you or someone you know? How did it make you feel?
2
What are some strategies you could use to respond kindly even if someone else isn't using kind words?
3
How can we remind ourselves to choose our words carefully every single day?
"Think once before you act, twice before you speak, and three times before you post or text."
— Wisdom to Live By
Words Matter Presentation Slides Words Matter
Understanding Feelings & The Power of Our Words
Think About It...
"Can you take back a word once it's been spoken?"
Un-say it?
Cut the hurt?
Forget it?
Let's Share Thoughts
What do words mean to you?
How do kind words help us solve problems?
Why should we think before we speak?
Respectful Listening
Only one person speaks at a time
Game Time!
The Words Matching Challenge
Feelings
Start with a feeling card. How does it feel inside?
Matches
Find the kind phrase that builds that person up!
Kindness in Action
Role-Play
1. Get your scenario
Read what happened carefully.
2. Use Supportive Words
Think: "What would I want to hear if I felt this way?"
Video Reflection
The Power of Words
uncommon-nyc.lennylearning.org/view/the-power-of-words
Watch closely. How do the words change the way people feel?
Remember...
Lasting Impact
Your words are like seeds.
Once they are planted in someone's heart, they grow.
Build Up
Show Care
Think First
Words Matter Answer Key Answer Key
Words Matter Activity & Discussion
Teacher Resource
Activity Worksheet: Sample Responses
Scenario 1: Broken Project
Possible Response:
"It’s okay, accidents happen! Let’s see if we can fix it together, or maybe we can ask the teacher for help."
Scenario 2: Sad Classmate at Recess
Possible Response:
"Hey! I noticed you’re sitting by yourself. Would you like to come play tag with us, or just walk and talk for a bit?"
Scenario 3: Teasing about a Drawing
Possible Response:
"That’s not very kind. I actually really like the colors they used. Everyone has their own style of drawing."
Reflection Question Guide
Q1
Why do kind words make a difference?
Look for answers mentioning: feelings of safety, building friendship, changing someone's mood from sad to happy, making people feel valued.
Q2
How did nice words make you feel?
Look for personal connections: "important," "happy," "light," "warm," "like I belong."
Q3
How to remind yourself to be kind?
Strategies might include: Taking a deep breath before speaking, "THINK" acronym (True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, Kind), or a kindness wristband/reminder.
Facilitation Tips
Validate Emotions: If a student shares a time they were hurt, validate their feeling first ("That sounds like it was really hard for you") before moving to the reflection.
The Toothpaste Analogy: A classic way to show that words can't be taken back. Squirt toothpaste onto a plate—then ask a student to put it back in the tube. They can't. Just like our words!
Encourage Specificity: Instead of just saying "be nice," encourage students to think of specific phrases that build up their classmates.
