Introduction

For students in Special Education, learning how to communicate effectively is crucial. One valuable skill is knowing when to share our thoughts and when to keep them to ourselves. The concept of Think It or Say It is a powerful tool that helps students distinguish between kind, helpful comments and hurtful, unhelpful ones. This skill not only enhances their social interactions but also fosters a positive environment for everyone.

No-Prep Activity

Here’s a simple no-prep activity to practice Think It or Say It with your students:

1. Have your students sit in a circle.
2. Take turns going around the circle, giving each student a chance to share a thought about a topic or situation.
3. Before each student speaks, remind them to pause and ask themselves: “Is this thought kind and helpful? Or is it hurtful and unhelpful?”
4. If the thought is kind and helpful, the student can say it out loud. If it’s hurtful or unhelpful, they should keep it to themselves and just think it.
5. After each round, discuss as a group how the shared thoughts made everyone feel.

This activity encourages students to reflect on their thoughts and practice making kind, helpful comments. It helps them develop empathy and understand the impact of their words on others.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions to stimulate further discussions with your students:

• How do you feel when someone makes a kind and helpful comment to you? How about when someone makes a hurtful or unhelpful comment?
• What are some examples of kind and helpful comments you can make in different situations? What about hurtful or unhelpful comments that you should avoid?
• Why is it important to think before we speak? How can practicing Think It or Say It help you in your daily life?

Related Skills

Beyond Think It or Say It, there are other relevant skills that can help students in Special Education improve their social interactions and emotional well-being:

• Active Listening: Encourages students to fully engage in conversations by paying attention, asking questions, and showing empathy.
• Emotion Regulation: Helps students identify, understand, and manage their emotions in a healthy way.
• Conflict Resolution: Teaches students to address disagreements and find solutions that work for everyone involved.

Next Steps

Now that you’ve learned about the importance of Think It or Say It and how to practice it with your students, why not explore more resources to help them develop crucial social-emotional skills? Sign up for free samples of Think It or Say It and other valuable materials at Everyday Speech. These resources can make a significant difference in the lives of your students and create a more inclusive, supportive learning environment for everyone.