Session 1 Lesson Plan Guide Words Matter
Session 1: The Power of Words
Audience Elementary (K-5)
Why This Matters
Building a foundation of empathy and respect early helps students create a safe, inclusive environment. Understanding the power of words prevents harassment and promotes positive relationships.
Preparation
Review the Respectful Language Slide Deck .
Print Differences Worksheets for each student.
Print and cut out Feeling Faces Game Cards .
Hang the Class Pledge Poster Template .
Gather chart paper and markers.
Prep Time: 10 mins Class Time: 20 mins
Objective
Students will define respectful vs. hurtful words, recognize how racial slurs affect feelings, and begin celebrating differences.
Materials
Slide Deck
Differences Worksheet
Feeling Faces Cards
Class Pledge Template
Quick Kindness Quiz
Instructional Steps
1
Introduction
5 mins
Gather students in a circle and show a blank chart: title it “Words Matter.”
Ask: “What makes a word kind or hurtful?”
Write student answers under two columns: Respectful Words and Hurtful Words .
2
Storytime & Discussion
8 mins
Present the first 5 slides of the Slide Deck featuring a diverse class scenario.
Pause at each scenario: ask how the character feels.
Emphasize why slurs or name-calling cause pain and why respectful words build trust.
3
Worksheet Activity
5 mins
Distribute the Differences Worksheet .
Students draw/write one thing that makes them unique.
Write one respectful word they like to hear.
Circulate and encourage sharing.
4
Game & Reflection
2 mins
Play a quick round of Feeling Faces .
Hold up a card; students name the emotion.
Close by asking: “How can we use respectful words tomorrow?”
Respectful Language Slides Words Matter
Our words can make people feel happy, sad, or even hurt. Let’s see how choosing the right words helps us all feel safe and respected.
Kindness Counts
Teacher Note: Welcome students! Explain that today we’ll talk about why words matter and how different words can make people feel good or hurt.
When Words Hurt
“Jamie heard another student call her a hurtful name because of her family’s background.”
Discussion Pause: What did you notice? Why might that word hurt?
Teacher Note: Read the scenario aloud. One student uses a hurtful word related to someone's background. Pause and ask: “What did you notice? Why might that word hurt?”
How Might Jamie Feel?
Sad
Angry
Embarrassed
Hurt
Teacher Note: Guide students to talk about emotions. Point to each feeling word and ask kids to share a time they felt that way.
When Words Respect
“Sam says to Jamie: ‘You’re a great friend and always helpful!’”
Question: How is this different? How does this make us feel?
Teacher Note: Contrast with the earlier slide. Show a respectful phrase. Ask: “How is this different? How does this word make us feel?”
How Might Jamie Feel Now?
Happy
Proud
Accepted
Encouraged
Teacher Note: Invite students to compare feelings. Ask: “What changed? Why do respectful words help everyone feel included?”
Differences Worksheet Differences Worksheet
Session 1: Celebrating You!
NAME:
DATE:
Part 1: Draw Something Unique
Draw one thing that makes you special or different from others. It could be something you like, something you do, or something about your family or culture.
Part 2: Match the Respectful Word
Write the letter of the matching definition next to each word.
1. Kind
2. Respectful
3. Polite
4. Encouraging
a. Saying please and thank you
b. Treating others with care and honoring differences
c. Using nice words and actions
d. Giving support and praise
"Your differences are your superpowers!"
Feeling Faces Game Cards Feeling Faces
Game Cards & Instructions
Print & Cut Cards
Teacher Instructions
Prepare: Print this page on cardstock and cut out the 8 emotion cards.
Play: Shuffle the cards and hold one up at a time.
Interact: Ask students to name the emotion and share if they've felt it.
Discuss: Briefly discuss why words can lead to that feeling.
Goal: Help students identify emotions related to kind or hurtful words.
SAD
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ANGRY
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EMBARRASSED
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HURT
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HAPPY
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PROUD
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ACCEPTED
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ENCOURAGED
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Session 1 Discussion Guide Discussion Guide
Session 1: The Power of Words
Purpose
Deepen empathy by talking about how words make us feel and practice choosing respectful language.
Setup
Bring "Words Matter" chart paper to the circle.
Display Respectful Language Slide Deck .
Have markers ready for student responses.
Discussion Guidelines
Listen Respectfully
Speak Kindly
Share Feelings
1. Slide 2: "When Words Hurt"
Question: Has a word ever made you feel sad or embarrassed?
Follow-up: What did you do or wish you could have done in that moment?
2. Slide 4: "When Words Respect"
Question: Think of a time someone said something nice to you. How did that make you feel?
Follow-up: How can you use words like that to help someone else?
3. Our "Words Matter" Chart
Question: What words would you add under Respectful Words? Hurtful Words?
Follow-up: Why do you think it’s important to notice the difference?
4. Looking Ahead: The Pledge
Question: If our class made a promise about how we speak to each other, what would it say?
Follow-up: We’ll use these ideas for our Class Pledge Poster!
Bonus Question Ideas
If you hear a friend use a hurtful word, what could you say?
How can we help someone who’s been called a mean name?
What’s one kind word you can share with someone right now?
Class Pledge Poster Template Class Pledge Poster
Our Promise to One Another
"We, the students of this class, promise to use our words to build each other up, celebrate our differences, and create a safe, inclusive school community."
Use respectful and kind words every day.
Speak up if we hear hurtful language.
Welcome and include everyone in our games and conversations.
Celebrate each person’s unique gifts and backgrounds.
Help a friend who’s been hurt by words.
Sign Your Name
By signing below, we agree to keep our classroom a safe, respectful, and valued place for everyone.
1. __________________________
2. __________________________
3. __________________________
4. __________________________
5. __________________________
6. __________________________
7. __________________________
8. __________________________
9. __________________________
10. _________________________
Quick Kindness Quiz Quick Kindness Quiz
Session 1 Reflection
NAME:
DATE:
1
How important is it to use respectful words when talking to others?
Not Important
1
2
3
4
5
Very Important
2
Which of the following is an example of respectful language?
You are so smart and helpful.
You’re different and that’s weird.
I don’t like you because of your accent.
You should leave our group.
3
Which of the following is an example of hurtful language?
Your skin looks funny and weird.
You are a great friend.
Thank you for helping me.
Can I sit with you at lunch?
4
What should you do if you hear someone using a hurtful word?
Laugh and join in.
Ignore it and do nothing.
Tell a teacher or ask them to stop politely.
Use the same hurtful word back.
5
Write one promise you would like to include in our class pledge about how we speak to each other. Session 2 Lesson Plan Guide Words Matter
Session 2: Standing Up to Slurs
Audience Elementary (K-5)
Why This Matters
Learning to recognize and counteract slurs builds empathy, empowers students to speak up, and fosters a safe, inclusive environment.
Preparation
Review the Slur Awareness Slide Deck .
Print and cut out Slur Role-Play Cards .
Print Safe-Speak Role-Play Cards .
Print Empathy Reflection Worksheets .
Print the Slur Impact Quiz .
Prepare chart paper: "Standing Up to Hurtful Words."
Prep Time: 10 mins Class Time: 20 mins
Objective
Students will identify racial slurs, understand their emotional impact, and practice empathetic responses through role-play.
Materials
Slur Awareness Slides
Role-Play Scenario Cards
Empathy Worksheet
Safe-Speak Cards
Slur Impact Quiz
Instructional Steps
1
Introduction & Recap
3 mins
Briefly review Session 1’s “Words Matter” chart.
Ask: “Has anyone heard a mean word targeting someone’s race or background?”
Define 'slur' and write it under “Standing Up to Hurtful Words.”
2
Slide Deck Presentation
5 mins
Present the Slur Awareness Slide Deck .
Pause on scenarios: ask how the person feels and why the slur hurts.
Emphasize that slurs make people feel unsafe.
3
Role-Play Activity
6 mins
Divide students into pairs with Scenario Cards .
Student A uses a slur; Student B practices a supportive response using a Safe-Speak Card .
Rotate roles and encourage calm, clear language.
4
Reflection & Quiz
6 mins
Distribute Empathy Worksheet followed by the Slur Impact Quiz .
Draw/write feelings and supportive phrases.
Invite volunteers to share reflections.
Slur Awareness Slide Deck What Is a Slur?
A slur is a word that makes fun of someone’s race, culture, or background. It’s not just mean—it hurts people’s feelings and can make them feel unsafe.
Standing Up Together
Teacher Note: Explain that today we’ll learn about words that target people’s race or background. Introduce the term “slur” as a word that hurts because it picks on who someone is.
When Words Target Us
“Lee hears another student say a word about his family’s country that makes him feel left out.”
Think: Why might this feel different from a regular mean word?
Teacher Note: Show a simple, fictional scenario. Read the scenario aloud and pause to emphasize the targeting of background/country.
How Might Lee Feel?
Sad
Scared
Lonely
Hurt
Teacher Note: Help students identify Lee’s emotions. Ask for a quick thumbs-up if they’ve ever felt this way after hearing a mean word.
Standing Up Safely
“Alex says: ‘That word isn’t okay. We don’t use words like that here. Are you okay?’”
Calm and Clear
Kind and Caring
Teacher Note: Discuss what Lee’s friend could say to help him feel safe. Highlight calm, kind responses that stop the hurtful word without being mean back.
Why Words Matter
Safety First
Slurs make people feel unsafe and unwelcome. Everyone deserves to feel safe at school.
You Can Help
Speaking up shows you care and helps keep everyone included in our class family.
Teacher Note: Summarize why stopping a slur matters: it protects friends and reminds everyone to speak respectfully.
Our Next Steps
Role-Play
Practice safe and kind responses.
Reflect
Draw how words make us feel.
Pledge
Make a promise to stand up.
Teacher Note: Introduce the next steps: role-play, reflection, and taking the pledge.
Empathy Reflection Worksheet Empathy Reflection
Session 2: Understanding Impact
Name:
Date:
Scenario: "Lee hears a hurtful word about his family’s background."
1. How Might Lee Feel?
Draw a face in the circle showing how Lee might feel in this situation.
Circle the feeling word that best matches your drawing:
Sad Scared Lonely Hurt
2. Supportive Responses
Imagine you are Lee’s friend. What could you say or do to help him feel safe?
To Lee (The person who was hurt):
To the person using the slur (To stop it kindly):
3. My Standing-Up Promise
Write one promise about how you will stand up to hurtful words and support your friends.
Slur Role-Play Scenario Cards Slur Role-Play
Scenario Cards
Print & Cut Cards
Activity Instructions
Setup: Pair students. One reads the scenario (Student A), the other responds (Student B).
Practice: Use Safe-Speak Cards to practice supportive and kind responses.
Rotate: Have students swap roles and draw a new card.
Goal: Practice identifying and responding to hurtful language in a safe way.
CARD 1
The Scenario
Jamie hears a peer say, “You don’t even speak English right,” to Miguel because Spanish is his home language.
CARD 2
The Scenario
Ravi overhears a student say, “Go back to your country,” when they learn he was born in India.
CARD 3
The Scenario
Chen notices classmates making fun of his family’s food, saying, “Your lunch smells gross because it’s not like ours.”
CARD 4
The Scenario
Malik hears someone say, “You’re so dark, you look scary,” referring to his skin color.
CARD 5
The Scenario
Anna is teased for wearing a hijab, with a classmate asking, “Why do you have that scarf? You look weird.”
CARD 6
The Scenario
Leo’s friend jokes about his name: “Your name is so strange—why don’t you pick an English one?”
Safe-Speak Role-Play Cards Safe-Speak
Response Cards
Empowerment Tools
Safe-Speak Strategy
"Use these cards to practice saying calm, clear, and kind phrases that stop hurtful words. You can use these exact words or change them to fit how you talk!"
1
“That word isn’t OK here. We use kind words in our class.”
2
“Please stop. Words like that hurt my friend’s feelings.”
3
“Let’s choose a better word—everyone deserves respect.”
4
“I don’t think you mean to be mean, but that word is hurtful.”
5
“Words can be powerful. Let’s use them to build each other up.”
6
“I’m on my friend’s side. Let’s speak kindly to everyone.”
7
“That comment isn’t fair. We all come from different places.”
8
“Be careful with your words—how would you feel if someone said that?”
9
“That word makes people feel unsafe. Let’s keep our class welcoming.”
10
“We care about each other. Please choose respectful words.”
"How did using that phrase change the situation? Let's talk about it!"
Slur Impact Quiz Slur Impact Quiz
Session 2: Standing Up Together
Name:
Date:
1
What is a "slur"?
An insult about someone’s actions.
A word that makes fun of someone’s race, culture, or background.
A joke that makes people laugh.
A polite greeting.
2
How important is it to stop or speak up when you hear a slur?
Not Important
1
2
3
4
5
Very Important
3
Maria hears a classmate say, “Go back where you came from,” to Jenna. What should Maria do?
Ignore it and walk away.
Tell a teacher or ask the person politely to stop.
Join in and laugh with friends.
Use the same hurtful word back.
4
Which of these is the best Safe-Speak response to a hurtful slur?
Please stop. Words like that hurt my friend’s feelings.
That word is funny, let’s say it again.
Laugh and walk away.
Use the slur back to show power.
5
Write one promise you will make to stand up to hurtful words and support your classmates.
Words Matter • Session 2
Session 3 Lesson Plan Guide Words Matter
Session 3: Celebrating Differences
Audience Elementary (K-5)
Why This Matters
Valuing each person’s unique background fosters respect, empathy, and a sense of belonging, reinforcing our class pledge and anti-slur goals.
Preparation
Review the Diversity Celebration Slide Deck .
Print Culture Share Worksheets .
Print Diversity Reflection Quizzes .
Print and cut Diversity Bingo Cards .
Prepare chart paper: “Celebrating Differences.”
Familiarize yourself with the Discussion Guide .
Prep Time: 10 mins Class Time: 20 mins
Objective
Students will celebrate diversity by sharing traditions, recognizing differences as strengths, and building an inclusive culture.
Materials
Diversity Slide Deck
Culture Share Worksheet
Diversity Bingo Cards
Discussion Guide
Diversity Reflection Quiz
Instructional Steps
1
Recap (3 mins)
Revisit the class pledge. Ask: “What have we learned about respect?” Write key points under “Celebrating Differences.”
2
Slide Presentation (4 mins)
Present the Slide Deck. Highlight traditions, foods, and celebrations. Ask: “How do these make class more interesting?”
3
Culture Share (4 mins)
Distribute Culture Share Worksheets. Students draw/write a family custom. Partners share one thing they learned.
4
Diversity Bingo (5 mins)
Students mingle to find matches for Bingo traits (languages, foods, recipes). First Bingo shares a fact.
5
Discussion & Quiz (4 mins)
Reflect on Bingo facts. Ask: “How can we celebrate every day?” Conclude with Reflection Quiz.
Diversity Celebration Slide Deck Celebrating Our Differences
Our class is full of unique traditions, foods, and stories. Let’s explore and appreciate them!
Teacher Note: Welcome, everyone! Today we’ll celebrate the many ways we’re unique. Introduce the idea that our differences—traditions, foods, languages—make our class special.
Different Traditions
Some families enjoy special foods, dances, or holidays. Can you think of a tradition your family celebrates?
Foods
Holidays
Gatherings
Teacher Note: Show examples (e.g., holiday foods, family gatherings). Invite students to notice and name what stands out to them.
Language and Art
We speak many languages and enjoy different songs, dances, and art styles. What language or song do you share at home?
Bonjour
Hola
Namaste
Hello
Nǐ hǎo
Teacher Note: Highlight how culture shows up in language, music, and art. Encourage children to share any words or songs they know from home.
Your Turn to Share!
What tradition, food, or celebration would you like to share with classmates?
Draw it!
Tell it!
Teacher Note: Prompt students to get ready for the Culture Share activity by considering what they’ll draw or write.
Why Diversity Matters
Knowing about each other’s cultures makes our class stronger, kinder, and more fun.
Teacher Note: Explain why learning about each other’s backgrounds helps everyone feel included and respected.
Let’s Celebrate!
1. Culture Share
Draw and share your favorite tradition.
2. Diversity Bingo
Learn fun facts about your friends!
Teacher Note: Wrap up the slide deck and transition into the worksheet and Bingo game.
Culture Share Worksheet Culture Share
Session 3: My Family Tradition
Name:
Date:
1. Draw Your Tradition
Draw a picture of a family tradition you enjoy. It might be a holiday, special food, dance, music, or something you do together!
2. Describe Your Tradition
What is the name of this tradition?
Why is it special to you and your family?
3. Partner Sharing
After you share with a partner, write one interesting thing you learned about their tradition!
Our Class Family Grows Closer Together
Diversity Bingo Cards Diversity Bingo
Session 3: Learning About Our Friends
Find a Friend Activity
How to Play:
Move around and ask your classmates questions to find a match for a square.
When you find a match, write that person’s name in the square.
Get four in a row (across, down, or diagonal) and shout "BINGO!"
Speaks more than one language
Name:
Has tried a food from another country
Name:
Celebrates a holiday I hadn't heard of
Name:
Has family living in another country
Name:
Knows how to say "Hello" in another language
Name:
Plays a musical instrument
Name:
Has visited a different state
Name:
Knows a song from another culture
Name:
Has relatives living abroad
Name:
Celebrates a tradition in the summer
Name:
Has a special family recipe
Name:
Free Space
Share your tradition!
Has a pet with a name from another language
Name:
Has met someone from a different background
Name:
Wears or owns traditional clothing
Name:
Celebrates a birthday in a different season
Name:
Words Matter • Session 3 • Diversity Bingo
Celebration Discussion Guide Celebration Discussion
Session 3: Appreciating Our Diversity
Purpose
Reflect on what we’ve learned about each other’s cultures and plan ways to celebrate diversity every day.
Setup
Gather students in a circle near the “Celebrating Differences” chart.
Display key ideas from the Slide Deck .
Have markers ready for the chart.
Discussion Guidelines
Listen Respectfully
Use "I" Statements
Be Curious & Kind
1. After Culture Share Activity
Question: What tradition did you share? Why is it special to you?
Follow-up: What surprised you about your partner’s tradition?
2. After Diversity Bingo Game
Question: Who did you talk to today? What did you learn about them?
Follow-up: How does knowing these facts help us appreciate each other more?
3. Chart Reflection
Question: What new word, food, song, or custom would you like to try?
Follow-up: How can we celebrate these differences in our classroom each week?
4. Linking to Our Pledge
Question: Which part of our class pledge reminds you of today’s activities?
Follow-up: What promise can we add about celebrating every person’s unique background?
Bonus Ideas
How can we help someone who feels shy about sharing?
What act of kindness shows appreciation for culture?
How can we display Culture Share pages in the hallway?
Who else in the school should see our pledge?
Diversity Reflection Quiz Diversity Reflection
Session 3: Celebrating Differences
Name:
Date:
1
How much did you enjoy learning about your classmates’ traditions and cultures today?
Not at all 1
2
3
4
A lot 5
2
Name one thing you can do to celebrate diversity in our class and help everyone feel included.
"Your kindness makes our community beautiful!"
Session 4 Lesson Plan Guide Words Matter
Session 4: Our Kindness Community
Audience Elementary (K-5)
Why This Matters
Celebrating the completion of the "Words Matter" unit reinforces student commitment to the class pledge and solidifies their identity as kind, inclusive leaders in the school.
Preparation
Retrieve the Class Pledge Poster (signed by students).
Print Kindness Certificates for each student.
Fill in student names on the certificates ahead of time.
Print the Unit Reflection Exit Ticket .
Gather all Culture Share Worksheets from Session 3.
Prep Time: 15 mins Class Time: 20 mins
Objective
Students will finalize their commitment to an inclusive classroom, reflect on key concepts (slurs, respect, diversity), and celebrate their growth.
Materials
Signed Class Pledge Poster
Kindness Certificates
Unit Reflection Exit Ticket
Student Culture Worksheets
Final Session Steps
1
The Gallery Walk
5 mins
Display all student Culture Share Worksheets on desks or walls.
Students walk around quietly, noticing the diversity in their class.
Encourage them to find one tradition they think is "cool" or "interesting."
2
Final Pledge Ceremony
5 mins
Gather at the Class Pledge Poster .
Read the pledge aloud as a group.
Ask volunteers: "What part of this promise is most important to you?"
Hang the poster in a permanent, high-traffic spot in the room.
3
Kindness Awards
5 mins
Call each student forward to receive their Kindness Certificate .
Say one specific positive thing you've noticed about their participation in this unit.
Lead a round of applause for each student.
4
Final Reflection
5 mins
Distribute the Unit Reflection Exit Ticket .
Students complete the final summary of their learning.
End with a group cheer or high-fives for a "Kindness Community."
Kindness Certificate Certificate of Kindness
Words Matter Award
This award is proudly presented to:
For successfully completing the Words Matter unit and demonstrating a commitment to using respectful words, standing up to slurs, and celebrating our class diversity.
Teacher Signature
Date
"Your words have the power to change the world!"
Unit Reflection Exit Ticket Unit Reflection
Words Matter Final Exit Ticket
Name:
Date:
Great job completing our unit! Take a moment to think back on all 4 sessions we've had together and answer these final questions.
1
What is the most important thing you learned about why words matter?
2
What will you say if you hear someone using a slur or hurtful word?
3
What is one thing you love about your class community?
4
How much do you feel our class pledge will help everyone feel safe?
A Little
1
2
3
4
5
A Lot!
5
Draw one way you will show kindness today:
You are a Kindness Hero!
