Lesson Plan: Respect- Compliments And Respectful Comments/Actions (Primary Grades)

Lesson Plan: Respect- Compliments and Respectful Comments/Actions (Primary Grades) Submitted by Jennie Noah, School Counselor, Spring Garden Elementary School

Objective: Students will learn about examples and effects of respectful comments and actions.

Materials: Typed objective Book- I Like Your Buttons by Sarah Marwil Lamstein Plastic Chain Worksheet- What Do I Say? Spectacular Guidance Activities for Kids by Diane Senn, Ed.S. Youthlight Inc., pg. 48 Paper strips for chain links

Procedure:

1. Introduce the topic and discuss the objective. Emphasize the fact that respect can be shown through words and actions.

2. Introduce the book, explaining that we will meet a girl named Cassandra who starts a chain reaction of kindness. Ask students to define the term chain reaction. Use the plastic chain as a visual. Discuss the fact that the links are connected and dependent upon each other in order for the chain to remain intact.

3. Read the book, stopping periodically to ask for predictions, consequences of compliments, etc.

4. Process the book, using the chain to review the effects of each character’s kindness/respect.

5. Group discussion- Ask for volunteers to share examples of compliments that they have received, respectful behaviors of others that have had a positive impact on them, opportunities to thank someone for being respectful, etc. Build a paper chain of kindness as students share examples.

6. Explain worksheet. Brainstorm several examples of compliments and respectful conversation starters. Encourage students to think beyond appearances (i.e.- being helpful, complimenting an accomplishment or talent, expressing appreciation for one’s friendship).

7. Share several examples.

8. Direct students to put the papers in their Take Home folders and share them with their families. Also suggest that they use one of the compliments or conversation starters in school one day this week.

9. Ask students to summarize the main points and tell them that we will continue the discussion of additional ways to be respectful during our next lesson.