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Skill: Using Appropriate Language | Learning Goal: Considerate Conduct

Grades: 4-5 | Activity Type: Lesson | Purpose: 🟢 Core Instruction

Be Good People Curriculum © St. Croix River Education District

How Do I Think Through What I'm About to Say?

Today, we'll talk about how to make sure that our words follow the rules of where we are and what we're doing.

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WHY USING APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE IS IMPORTANT:

👍 Your parents and teachers will be proud of you for using kind words and for stopping yourself from using unkind words.

👍 People will enjoy talking to you and they will understand what you're trying to say.

👍 You won't hurt people's feelings.

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Pretend you need to teach someone else how to make sure their language is appropriate in different places/situations.

What would you tell them to do or not to do?

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  1. Ask yourself, 'Will my words break a rule or hurt someone's feelings?'
  2. If they would, stop and choose different words.

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Step 1: Ask yourself, 'Will my words break a rule or hurt someone's feelings?'

Remember, there are different rules at home, at school, and in other places. If you don't know the rules, ask an adult.

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Step 2: If they would, stop and choose different words.

If someone tells you that your words hurt their feelings or that your words are not appropriate, stop right away. Choose different words.

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  • Ask yourself, 'Will my words break a rule or hurt someone's feelings?'
  • If they would, stop and choose different words.

During a heated basketball game, Marcus feels like using the words he hears in online gaming when his team keeps missing shots. His younger sister's class is playing nearby, and his coach reminds them about being role models.

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  • Ask yourself, 'Will my words break a rule or hurt someone's feelings?'
  • If they would, stop and choose different words.

When his project partner makes a mistake, Omar wants to say "It's okay, we can fix it together" instead of blaming him. They still have time to redo that part, and he remembers making similar mistakes himself.

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  • Ask yourself, 'Will my words break a rule or hurt someone's feelings?'
  • If they would, stop and choose different words.

Maya sees someone wearing light-up shoes like ones she used to have that broke quickly. She wants to say they're stupid and a waste of money. The student seems excited about wearing them for the first time today.

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  • Ask yourself, 'Will my words break a rule or hurt someone's feelings?'
  • If they would, stop and choose different words.

At lunch, Aiden wants to repeat a mean phrase his older cousin uses about cafeteria food. The lunch ladies can hear the tables near the counter, and one of them always saves him an extra milk when he asks.

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  • Ask yourself, 'Will my words break a rule or hurt someone's feelings?'
  • If they would, stop and choose different words.

During group work, James feels like calling his partner lazy for not helping enough. He knows some better words to explain his feelings, but he's tired of doing most of the work. Their teacher asked how things are going.

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