Lesson Plan

Origins: A Simple Word Game For Use In Human Relations Trainings

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This Origins: A Simple Word Game For Use In Human Relations Trainings lesson plan also includes:

Words can hurt. Words may not break bones but they can break a heart. An activity focused on the meaning of and the history of some often heard words and phrases is designed to raise awareness of the importance of choosing words thoughtfully when interacting with others.

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Instructional Ideas
  • Scaffold the lesson by beginning by asking class members to craft a reflective, private entry in their journals about a time when someone called them, or someone they know, a name or used a phrase to describe them, that hurt them or caused them to feel angry
Classroom Considerations
  • Beware: Many of the terms are extremely offensive to some groups
  • Presumes a protocol has been established for a safe, respectful discussion of the words used in the activity
  • Designed to be used as a counseling activity 
  • Requires a timer, colored paper, and pens or pencils
  • Fourth in a seven-lesson social-emotional learning unit
Pros
  • The activity is a reminder that stereotypical sayings are more often than not pejorative 
Cons
  • The lesson lacks the careful scaffolding required when discussing such loaded language; therefore, set clear guidelines and expectations before beginning