Power of Words

Overview

This 15-minute lesson encourages Year 5 pupils to understand the impact of their language on others, with a focus on how words can either uplift or hurt. It incorporates the concept of protected characteristics as outlined in the Equality Act 2010, promoting respect and celebration of diversity. This session aligns with the National Curriculum for England’s PSHE framework and aims to foster empathy, responsible communication, and inclusivity.

National Curriculum Links

PSHE Association Programme of Study (Key Stage 2, years 3-6):

Core Theme 1: Health and Wellbeing
- Recognise ways in which they are the same as and different to others, and understand that these differences should be respected (Protected Characteristics awareness).
- Understand how their behaviour affects others and how to contribute positively to group settings.

Relationships Education (DfE statutory guidance for Primary schools):

The importance of respecting others, including those with protected characteristics (age, disability, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation).
How words and actions can affect how others feel.

Behaviour and Attitudes:

Develop the ability to manage own feelings and behaviour in different situations, understanding the consequences.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the session pupils will:

Understand that words have power and can affect people positively or negatively.
Recognise some protected characteristics and why it is important to celebrate diversity.
Demonstrate how to use kind words to support and celebrate others.
Reflect on the impact of negative language and the importance of inclusivity.

Resources Needed

Whiteboard and markers
Printed ‘Scenario Cards’ – short real-life situations involving use of words and respect/diversity
Small colourful sticky notes (one per pupil)
Chart paper or board space for ‘Power of Words’ word cloud

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (3 minutes)

Begin by writing “The Power of Words” on the board.
Ask pupils: “Can words hurt or help people? Can you give examples?”
Summarise: Words can make people feel happy, proud, or sad, embarrassed, or upset. Today, we will explore the power of words and how we can use them to celebrate each other.
Briefly introduce the idea of protected characteristics – these are qualities that make people unique and protected by law from unfair treatment (e.g., race, religion, disability).

2. Activity: Scenario Discussion (7 minutes)

Split class into 8 groups of 4 pupils.
Give each group a ‘Scenario Card’. Each card describes a simple scenario where words can either hurt or help. Examples:
- Someone congratulating a classmate for winning a race.
- Someone making fun of another’s accent or skin colour.
- A pupil encouraging a disabled classmate for trying their best.
- Ignoring someone because of their religious clothes.
Groups discuss: “Is the language kind or hurtful? What could be said instead to celebrate or support?”
After 4 minutes, invite one representative from each group to briefly share their scenario and positive alternative phrase.

3. Whole-class Reflection and Word Cloud (4 minutes)

Ask pupils to think about words that make them feel happy, respected, or proud.
On coloured sticky notes, each pupil writes one such word and sticks it on the board/chart paper forming a ‘Power of Words’ word cloud.
Highlight key words like “kind,” “respect,” “cheer,” “support,” “include.”
Recap: Using these kinds of words makes school a safe and happy place for everyone to celebrate their successes and differences.

Assessment

Formative assessment through group scenario discussions and sharing – checking understanding of the difference between kind and hurtful language.
Observation of pupils’ ability to suggest positive alternatives and demonstrate awareness of protected characteristics in language.
Review of sticky note word cloud to assess pupil understanding of positive language.

Extension Ideas (Optional)

Invite pupils to create personal “Power of Words” pledges, committing to use encouraging and respectful words.
Create a classroom display featuring pupils’ positive words and phrases encouraging diversity and kindness.

Differentiation

Support pupils with additional needs by providing visual prompts or pairing them with empathetic peers during group tasks.
Challenge more able pupils to think of complex scenarios involving subtle language or microaggressions, deepening reflection.

Reflection for Teachers

This lesson offers a powerful opportunity to embed respect for diversity and kindness early, linking PSHE learning to British values and equality principles.
Consider long-term ways to reinforce this learning through whole-school anti-bullying policies and assemblies celebrating diversity.

End of lesson plan

Teaching Instructions