Words Hurt Character Lesson & Label Freebie

Hey guys.  I hope you are enjoying your summer and soaking up the sun.  My principal emailed me last week asking for a type up of a character lesson I love to use in my classroom for the national character site.  Of course I had no trouble coming up with a lesson and I wanted to share it with you.  If you don’t have the book Mr. Peabody’s Apples I highly recommend it.  It can be used in ANY elementary classroom and it can be used for more then just character. 

This is one of my all time favorite lessons to use in the first few weeks of school when we are trying to set our classroom community expectations.  I loved using this book when I taught 5th grade but I have also used it with my first graders too.  This book is perfect for teaching how words can be powerful and hurtful.  This book is also available online through You Tube to watch on your smart boards. 

Watch Video Link

 After completing the lesson below I do a classroom activity with “warm fuzzies” that last through the year.  I had a teacher that had warm fuzzies when I was little kid and I have always remembered them.  I figured I would put a spin on them and use them in my classroom.  Thanks Mrs. Smith!  I have a large jar on my desk throughout the year and after I read the book Mr. Peabody’s Apples I introduce the warm fuzzy jar.  I tell my kids when I hear them use words that make others feel warm and fuzzy inside (you’re a good friend, I’m sorry, thank you) I will add a warm fuzzy to the jar.  When I hear words that are hurtful I will take a warm fuzzy from the jar.  When the jar is full of warm fuzzies we do a fun activity together as a class. 

Click on the pictures below to download the lesson and ideas to go with the book. 

 Here is an example of a warm fuzzy jar that Kristin uses over at My Sweetheart Moments.  I am not in my classroom and don’t have a picture of mine on hand, so hopefully this helps with the idea a bit. 

I will be heading to my classroom tomorrow to organize my closet and label away.  I will be posting pictures of my final organized closet and freebies of my labels.  Here is a sneak peek of some of the labels.  Let me know if you would like a copy and if there are other labels you need besides what I have.  I can customize them for you and email them to you!  

 Click on the picture to printout label pages.