Power of Words: PSHE Lesson
Understanding the impact of language Celebrating diversity and protected characteristics Year 5 - 15 minutes
National Curriculum Links
PSHE Association Programme of Study Health and Wellbeing - respecting differences Relationships Education - protected characteristics Understanding how words affect others
Can words hurt or help people?
Think about a time when someone's words made you feel happy Think about a time when words made you feel sad What's the difference between these experiences?
Learning Objectives
Understand that words have power Recognise protected characteristics Use kind words to celebrate others Reflect on impact of negative language
What are Protected Characteristics?
Qualities that make people unique Protected by law from unfair treatment Examples: race, religion, disability We celebrate these differences!
Scenario Discussion Activity
Split into groups of 4 Each group gets a scenario card Discuss: Is the language kind or hurtful? What could be said instead?
Example Scenarios
Congratulating a classmate for winning a race Making fun of someone's accent Encouraging a disabled classmate Ignoring someone because of their religious clothes
Hurtful vs Helpful Words
{"left":"Making fun of differences\nExcluding others\nName-calling\nIgnoring someone","right":"Celebrating uniqueness\nIncluding everyone\nGiving compliments\nShowing interest in others"}
Power of Words - Word Cloud
Think of words that make you feel happy Write ONE word on a sticky note Add it to our classroom word cloud Let's see our positive power!
Words have the power to both destroy and heal
When words are both true and kind, they can change our world How will you use your words today?
Key Takeaways
Words have real power to help or hurt Everyone deserves respect for who they are We can choose to celebrate differences Kind words make our school a better place
Your Power of Words Pledge
I will use words that celebrate others I will respect everyone's differences I will speak up against hurtful language I will make our school a kinder place