Words Matter Lesson PlanWords Matter Social-Emotional Learning • Kindergarten Time 15m Objective Students will understand the impact of verbal threats and practice using kind words to support others. Materials Discussion Questions Kind Words Worksheet Word Power Reading Kindness Check Exit Ticket Video: "The Power of Words" Kindness Role-Play Cards Approach Experiential Learning, Game-Based Learning, Trauma-Informed Teaching, Restorative Practices. Instructional Steps 1 Introduction 2 mins Discuss how words make us feel. Introduce "verbal threats" (scary/hurtful words) vs. "kind words" (happy/safe words). 2 Video Viewing 3 mins Watch "The Power of Words." Ask students to watch for how the characters' faces change when they hear different words. 3 Discussion 3 mins Use the Discussion Guide. Focus on why kind words help our classroom garden grow and unkind words act like weeds. 4 Activity: Kindness Cards 3 mins Role-play using the Kindness Cards. Students practice saying kind phrases in English and Spanish to partners. 5 Worksheet Completion 2 mins Complete the "Kind vs. Unkind" worksheet. Focus on circling positive words and drawing a kind action. 6 Closure 2 mins Distribute exit tickets. Remind students that they have the power to choose kind words every day. Why This Lesson Matters This lesson fosters a safe environment by teaching empathy early. Recognizing verbal threats helps students understand boundaries and the lasting impact their voice has on peers.
Words Matter SlidesWords Matter Kindness Grows Here Grade K 15 Minutes How Do Words Feel? Kind Words Make us feel safe and happy. Unkind Words Make us feel scared or sad. Video: The Power of Words Embedded media Watch how the characters' faces change! Heart Talk 1 How did the video make you feel? 2 Why is it important to use kind words? Kindness Challenge It's your turn! We are going to practice saying kind words to our friends. Practice English Práctica en Español Be a Word Hero! Every word you say is like planting a seed in our classroom garden. Let's grow a garden of kindness together! Ready to Start!
Heart Talk Discussion GuideTeacher Guide 15 Minutes Heart Talk Discussion Guide Helping kindergarteners process the impact of verbal threats. Purpose This discussion helps students reflect on the impact of words and verbal threats. Use these prompts to encourage empathy and highlight why kindness creates a safe classroom "garden." Question 1: How did the video make you feel? Encourage students to express their emotions and relate them to the video's content. Facilitation Tips: Ask: "Did you notice the characters' faces change?" Use descriptive feeling words: Safe, Nervous, Happy, Sad, Scared. Connect feelings to the body: "Where do you feel scary words? (tummy, chest, throat?)" Question 2: Why is it important to use kind words? Guide students to understand the positive impact of kind words on others. Facilitation Tips: Compare kind words to sunshine or water for a plant. Discuss the "Safety Factor": "When we use kind words, everyone feels like they can learn and play without being scared." Define Verbal Threats: "Scary words that make people worry they might get hurt." Cultural & Linguistic Connection Kind Words (English) "I like your drawing!" • "Want to play?" Palabras Amables (Spanish) "¡Me gusta tu dibujo!" • "¿Quieres jugar?"
Kind Words Worksheet En EsKind Words Worksheet Hojas de Trabajo de Palabras Amables Name: Date: 1. Circle the kind words Encierra en un círculo las palabras amables. Happy Mean Friend Angry 2. Draw a Kind Word Dibuja una imagen tuya diciendo algo amable a un amigo. My Kindness Picture / Mi dibujo de amabilidad Remember: Kind words make our classroom a safe place to learn and grow! Recuerda: ¡Las palabras amables hacen que nuestro salón sea un lugar seguro!
Word Power Reading En EsWord Power El Poder de las Palabras English Words are powerful. They can make people feel happy or sad. It's important to use words that make others feel good. Español Las palabras son poderosas. Pueden hacer que las personas se sientan felices o tristes. Es importante usar palabras que hagan sentir bien a los demás. Focus Goal Empathy Safety
Kindness Check Exit TicketExit Ticket / Boleto de Salida Kindness Check What is one kind word you can use today? ¿Cuál es una palabra amable que puedes usar hoy? A Happy B Mean C Angry Name / Nombre My Feeling
Words Matter Answer Key GuideAnswer Key Verbal Threats & Kindness Lesson Kind Words Worksheet Part 1: Circle the kind words Happy Friend Rationale: Kind words are those that make people feel good and safe. Part 2: Draw a Kind Word Answers will vary. Look for depictions of: Sharing a toy Helping a friend who fell down Speaking kindly with a smile Waving hello Kindness Check Exit Ticket What is one kind word you can use today? (A) Happy Note: "Happy" is the only positive option provided in the multiple-choice list. Students should recognize that "Mean" and "Angry" are feelings that often lead to unkind words or threats. Teacher Note: Verbal Threats Kindergarteners may not use the term "verbal threat." Focus your assessment on their ability to distinguish between safe words (kindness) and scary words (threats/hurting others with words). If a student circles "Mean" or "Angry," follow up to ensure they understand those words represent how someone might feel when they are acting unkindly.
Kindness Role Play CardsKindness Role-Play Cards Practice saying kind words in English and Spanish! "I like your idea!" "¡Me gusta tu idea!" Share Kindness "Want to play?" "¿Quieres jugar?" Invite a Friend "You are my friend!" "¡Eres mi amigo!" Show Love "Good job!" "¡Buen trabajo!" Cheer Someone Up Cut these cards out and have students practice in pairs!