Introduction

As educators, it’s essential to teach students the importance of mindful communication. The concept of “Think It or Say It” is a valuable tool for students to learn the difference between kind and helpful comments and those that are hurtful or unhelpful. By practicing this skill, students can build stronger relationships, avoid conflicts, and contribute to a positive learning environment.

No-Prep Activity

Here’s a simple, no-prep activity to help students practice the “Think It or Say It” concept:

1. Divide the class into pairs or small groups.
2. Tell the students that they will be taking turns sharing thoughts about a given topic or situation. They should practice “Think It or Say It” before sharing their thoughts.
3. Provide a list of topics or situations (e.g., someone wearing a unique outfit, a classmate struggling with an assignment, or a new student joining the class).
4. Ask each student to think about their thoughts on the given topic or situation and decide if their thoughts are kind and helpful or hurtful and unhelpful.
5. If the thought is kind and helpful, the student should share it with their partner or group. If the thought is hurtful or unhelpful, the student should keep it to themselves.
6. After each round, encourage students to reflect on their thought process and discuss how practicing “Think It or Say It” can benefit their relationships with others.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions to facilitate further discussions about the “Think It or Say It” concept:

1. Why is it important to think before we speak?
2. How can hurtful or unhelpful comments affect others and our relationships with them?
3. Can you think of a situation where practicing “Think It or Say It” could have made a difference in the outcome?
4. How can “Think It or Say It” help prevent misunderstandings and conflicts?
5. What are some strategies you can use to remember to practice “Think It or Say It” in your daily life?

Related Skills

Beyond “Think It or Say It,” there are other valuable skills that can help students enhance their social-emotional learning journey:

• Active listening: Paying full attention to the speaker and responding thoughtfully to their message.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
• Conflict resolution: Addressing and resolving disagreements in a healthy and constructive manner.
• Assertiveness: Expressing one’s thoughts, feelings, and needs in a confident and respectful way.
• Respect for others: Treating others with kindness and understanding, regardless of their background, beliefs, or opinions.

Next Steps

Practicing “Think It or Say It” is a crucial step in fostering positive communication and building strong relationships. To support your students’ social-emotional learning journey, consider signing up for free samples of related skills and activities at Everyday Speech. These resources can help you create a nurturing and supportive learning environment that encourages students to grow both personally and academically.