Introduction
Respect is a vital skill that helps students build strong relationships and create a positive learning environment. It involves treating others in a way that makes them feel valued and appreciated. This blog post will discuss how to teach students about respectful language, known as Put-Ups, and disrespectful language, known as Put-Downs. Additionally, we will explore activities and discussion questions to help students understand the importance of respectful behavior.
No-Prep Activity: The Put-Up, Put-Down Game
This activity is designed to help students identify and differentiate between Put-Ups and Put-Downs. It requires no preparation or materials from the educator.
- Ask students to form a circle.
- Explain the concept of Put-Ups and Put-Downs. Put-Ups are phrases that make someone feel valuable, while Put-Downs are phrases that make someone feel less valued or less important.
- Start by giving an example of a Put-Up or a Put-Down, and ask the students to identify whether it is a Put-Up or a Put-Down.
- Go around the circle, with each student providing an example of a Put-Up or a Put-Down and the rest of the group identifying it.
- After each student has given an example, discuss the impact of using Put-Ups and Put-Downs in daily interactions.
Discussion Questions
Use these questions to stimulate further discussion about respectful language and behavior:
- Why is it important to use Put-Ups instead of Put-Downs in our communication?
- How does using respectful language and behavior contribute to a positive learning environment?
- Can you think of a time when someone used a Put-Up or a Put-Down with you? How did it make you feel?
- What strategies can we use to replace Put-Downs with Put-Ups in our everyday conversations?
- How can we encourage others to use respectful language and behavior?
Related Skills
Teaching students about respectful language and behavior is just one aspect of Social-Emotional Learning. Other related skills include:
- Active listening
- Empathy
- Conflict resolution
- Assertiveness
- Collaboration and teamwork
Next Steps
Incorporating principles of Social-Emotional Learning into your teaching can significantly impact your students’ emotional well-being and academic success. To explore more activities and materials related to respectful language, behavior, and other essential skills, sign up for free sample materials at Everyday Speech. These resources will provide you with valuable tools to help your students develop the skills they need to thrive in school and beyond.
