Power of Words

We are working on building classroom community and having conversations about making good behavior choices.  This is a fantastic groups of students that understand how important it is to show our PRIDE words in all we do.

Today, I read the book, Mr. Peabody's Apples, written by Madonna.  The story tells about a boy that spreads a nasty rumor about the school's history teacher.  The boy soon realizes that he can't take back the words he has spoken and how damaging they can be.  After reading the story, we discussed the power of our words and realized that once our words are spoken, they can never be forgotten, just forgiven.   To help this stick, I gave each group of students a paper plate and a travel bottle of toothpaste. The groups worked together to get all of the toothpaste out of the tube and onto the plate.  Once all the toothpaste was out, I gave each student a toothpick and they had to work together to get all the toothpaste back into the tube. Once it's obvious that this impossible, I related how the toothpaste is like our words.  Once the toothpaste is out of the tube, all of it will never go back in.  Much like our words, once we say something, it can't be taken back.  So if we say something hurtful, we can only hope to be forgiven.  I hope this lesson has sticking power and students will remember to only say things that are true, helpful, inspiring, necessary, and kind.