Grades 3-5

Kind vs Unkind Words

Lead a conversation with students around getting to know a new friend and using respectful language with each other.

Activity Partner
Total time estimate:
15-20 minutes
Activity Objectives
  • Students will consider the difference between kind and unkind words when describing another person, and how their words may impact others
  • Students will practice getting to know a new friend, and truly understanding them, instead of making assumptions or relying on limited information


This activity supports the development of the following
social-emotional skills: self-awareness, social awareness, relationship skills, responsible decision-making, and self-management.

Discuss

Facilitate a conversation with students around using respectful language when describing others. You might ask:

  • What is an “adjective” and how are they used? What adjectives might you use to describe another person?
  • When you look at our list of adjectives, which words are kind? Which ones are unkind?
  • What is the difference between kind and unkind words?
  • Why is it important to be careful when we are choosing an adjective to describe another person?
  • How do people feel when you use kind words to describe them? What about when you use unkind words?
  • Sometimes, we may use words to describe another person without even knowing them. How do you think this makes them feel, especially when we use unkind words? What can we do differently?
Learn

Use the Kahoot! game or slideshow below to help students learn about using respectful language when describing others. These resources will describe the difference between kind and unkind words, and the importance of getting to know others.

Reflect

Guide students through a post-activity reflection by asking the following questions:

  • Did our conversation help you learn something new, or consider a different perspective?

  • Have you ever experienced a situation when someone misjudged you, or described you in a way that you didn’t agree with? How did this make you feel?
  • Think about a time when you made a new friend. How did you get to know each other?
  • What are some questions that we can ask someone to learn more about them?
  • How should we act to make them feel comfortable and like we are interested in what they are sharing with us?

This activity was developed in partnership with Connected Nation.

Did you finish this activity? We'd love your input.