The Power of Words

Curriculum Relevance

Subject: PSHE – Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education
Key Stage: KS2, Year 5 (Ages 9–10)
Curriculum Focus: This lesson aligns with the UK PSHE Association's Programme of Study under the core theme "Relationships," specifically exploring the concept of respectful communication, including online interactions and the impact of language.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Understand the importance of using kind words in verbal and digital interactions.
2. Recognise how harmful language, including "roasting," racial slurs, and inappropriate comments in chats, affects others.
3. Identify positive choices they can make to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for everyone.

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Resources Needed

• Whiteboard and markers.
• "Kind vs Unkind Words" Flashcards (with phrases like "That’s a silly idea" / "That’s a creative way to do it!" and similar examples).
• Printable worksheets titled "Words That Build Up" (included in the lesson plan).
• A jar for an interactive segment (labelled "Speech Check Challenge").
• Sticky notes (one per student).
• Timer or stopwatch.

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Lesson Breakdown (29 Minutes)

Starter Activity (5 Minutes): What Are Words For?

1. Warm-up Discussion:
   Ask the class:

   • "What do we use words for?"
   • "How do words make us feel?"
     Gather quick responses and list them on the whiteboard under two columns: POSITIVE and NEGATIVE.

2. Small Sharing Moment:
   Say, "Picture a time when someone said something kind to you. How did it make you feel?" Allow 2–3 students to share their moments briefly.

3. Conclude by highlighting: “Words are powerful. They can build someone up or tear someone down.”

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Main Activity (18 Minutes): Let’s Walk in Their Shoes

PART A: "Kind vs Unkind" Flashcards (6 Minutes)

1. Divide the class into small groups of 5.
2. Each group will receive flashcards with different phrases.
   • For example:
     Unkind phrase: "You’re terrible at sports."
     Kind alternative: "You’re improving every time!"
3. Groups take turns reading both phrases aloud and discussing how each one feels. Emphasise both verbal tones and emotions.
4. End by pointing out: "Unkind words don’t only hurt people in person, but they also hurt online in chat groups."

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PART B: Speech Check Challenge (5 Minutes)

1. Take out the jar labelled "Speech Check Challenge." Inside are folded slips of paper with scenarios, e.g.:

   • "Your friend loses a game. What might you say to be kind?"
   • "You see someone leave a rude comment in your chat group. How do you respond?"
   • "Someone calls a classmate a name because of their skin colour. What should you do?"

2. Call on one student at a time to draw and respond to a slip.

3. Praise thoughtful and inclusive answers. If inappropriate language is suggested, use it as a teaching opportunity to discuss why alternatives are better without embarrassing the student.

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PART C: Mini Role Play (6 Minutes)

1. Use this segment to address common challenges like "roasting" and jokes that go too far.
2. In pairs, students role-play the following situations (each takes 2 minutes):
   • Scenario 1: A friend "roasts" another about their clothes. Discuss how to respond kindly.
   • Scenario 2: A group chat has someone mocking another student. Decide as a group how you should respond to stop it.
3. Gather the class and have a volunteer share a role-play moment they felt worked well.

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Reflection and Closing (6 Minutes): Positive Words, Strong Communities

1. Hand out the "Words That Build Up" worksheet:

   • Students write 3 examples of kind words or phrases they’ve learnt today.
   • On a sticky note, have them write one example of a time they’ve either received or heard kind words.

2. Collect the sticky notes and stick them on the wall under a heading: "The Power of Kindness."

3. Close the session with these discussion questions (optional if time permits):

   • "What happens when everyone in a class uses kind and respectful words?"
   • "How can you make sure no one feels left out when chatting online?"

4. Remind students of today’s key takeaway: “Your words can build others up or break them down. Let’s choose to build!”

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Assessment of Learning

• Observe student contributions during group discussions and the flashcard activity.
• Evaluate written responses on the worksheet for thoughtful engagement.
• Use role-play participation to assess understanding of respectful alternatives in social situations.

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Extensions

1. Encourage students to create a "Kind Words" poster for display in the classroom.
2. Suggest they create rules collectively for behaving kindly in their online chats or video game groups.

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Teacher's Notes

• Ensure sensitive topics like racial slurs are addressed delicately; set the tone by explaining that certain words are not acceptable because they harm people deeply.
• Reiterate that there are no “silly” answers during discussions—this will ensure students feel safe to speak up.
• Praise and highlight positive examples of kindness exhibited during the session.