Words that Can Hurt, Help and Heal

GRADE LEVEL: Elementary, Middle School

COMMON CORE STANDARDS: Reading, Speaking & Listening, Language

SEL STANDARDS*: Self Awareness, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, Responsible Decision-Making

Words have power. We see biased words and language all around us—on the street, in our classrooms, online, in workplaces, on walls and buildings, in the media and among celebrities and politicians. Biased words, even when unintended, can cause hurt, pain and harm to young people and can also lead to more consequential impacts like bullying and other acts of bias and discrimination. Therefore, it is important to address this language with students, helping them explore what biased language looks like, its impact and how to address it when faced with or witnessing it.

This lesson provides an opportunity for students to explore biased language, reflect on the reasons why people use it, and consider how they can address and challenge biased words and language.  

Learning Objectives: 

• Students will understand that there are different ways we convey biased language.  

• Students will reflect on examples of biased language.  

• Students will explore why people use biased language. 

• Students will consider the impact of biased language and what they can do about it. 

* Based on CASEL's SEL Framework