Davenport Community School District Counseling Program
Problem-Solving Lesson: Words Are Not for Hurting
Grade-1
Personal/Social Domain Standard A: Students will acquire the knowledge, attitudes and interpersonal skills to help them understand and respect self and others
A1 Acquire Self-knowledge
A1.6 Distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate behavior
A1.8 Understand the need for self-control and how to practice it
A2 Acquire Interpersonal Skills
A2.1 Recognize that everyone has rights and responsibilities
A2.6 Use effective communication skills
A2.8 Learn how to make and keep friends
Standard B: Students will make decisions, set goals and take necessary action to achieve goals
B1 Self-knowledge Application
B1:2. Understand consequences of decisions and choices
B1.3 Identify alternative solutions to a problem
B1.4 Develop effective coping skills for dealing with problems
Standard C: Acquire Personal Safety Skills
C1 Acquire Personal Safety Skills
C1.10 Learn techniques for managing stress and conflict
C1.11 Learn coping skills for managing life events
Objectives: Students will:
· To develop problem-solving skills
· Build awareness and recognize there are multiple solutions to problems
Materials:
1. Book: Words Are Not For Hurting by Elizabeth Verdick
Procedure:
1. Discuss life skill of Respect: What does it mean?..look like? Sound like?
2. Do you like when people show you respect? That is what friends should do. Everyone deserves respect!
3. Nice Words = Respect
4. Give ex: Does “shut-up” sound respectful? No.
What would you say instead?
5. Today we are going to talk about words we can use to express ourselves that also sound respectful.
6. Read book: Words Are Not For Hurting
During the book, discuss the examples in book.
7. Conclusion: If someone says something disrespectful to you this is how we can respond:
“Words are not for hurting, please don’t say those words”.
If time allows: Create a list of “respectful, friendly” words poster on chart paper.
Kids brainstorm words/phrases and put on list that will stay in classroom.
Ex. Please, Thank you, Excuse me, You can go first, Come play with us, Good Morning,
Excuse me but I feel angry when you do that, Please stop.