As educators, one of our primary goals is to instill in our students the importance of respect and understanding. In school, it is crucial that students learn to show respect to adults by listening, following directions, and being mindful of the words they use and their tone of voice. This blog post will provide an overview of the skills being discussed, a no-prep activity for educators, discussion questions, related skills, and next steps to help students develop respectful behavior.

Introduction

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is a critical component of a well-rounded education, and teaching respect is a fundamental aspect of SEL. When students show respect to their teachers and other adults, they create a positive and supportive learning environment. In this guide, we will focus on the importance of using appropriate words and tone of voice when communicating with adults in a school setting.

No-Prep Activity

In this activity, the educator will present a scenario to the students in which a student, Justin, is disrespectful to his teacher by not listening, talking over her, and using a condescending tone of voice. The students will then be asked to reflect on Justin’s behavior and suggest alternative actions that demonstrate respect.

1. Read the scenario provided in the prompt to the students. Make sure they understand that Justin’s behavior is disrespectful.
2. Ask students to think about how Justin’s actions made his teacher and classmates feel. Encourage them to share their thoughts.
3. Next, ask the students to brainstorm alternative actions Justin could take to show respect to his teacher. Discuss these ideas as a group.
4. Finally, have the students practice respectful communication by role-playing the scenario with a partner, using the alternative actions they discussed.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it important to show respect to adults in school?
2. How does using a respectful tone of voice contribute to a positive learning environment?
3. What are some examples of respectful words and phrases that can be used when speaking with adults in school?
4. How can we become more mindful of our tone of voice when communicating with others?
5. What are some strategies for maintaining a respectful attitude when we feel frustrated or upset?

Related Skills

Teaching respect to students also involves developing other essential skills, such as:

• Active listening: Encouraging students to fully engage with the speaker and give their undivided attention.
• Empathy: Helping students understand and share the feelings of others, fostering a sense of compassion and connection.
• Conflict resolution: Equipping students with the tools to resolve disagreements in a constructive and respectful manner.
• Self-awareness: Encouraging students to recognize and understand their own emotions and how they affect their behavior.

Next Steps

As educators, it is our responsibility to help our students develop the skills they need to show respect to adults and their peers. By incorporating the principles of Social-Emotional Learning into our teaching practices, we can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all. To further explore these skills and access free sample materials, sign up at Everyday Speech.