THINK before you speak

I'm doing a mini unit on body image and respectful/kind communication with my students right now since we're dealing with a rash of bullying and name calling.

Basically the concept behind THINK is to consider if what you are about to say is:

....true? (Fact or opinion)

....helpful? (Helpful or harmful?)

....inspiring? (Encouraging or discouraging?)

....necessary? (Right time, right place, right person?)

....kind? (Would you want it said to you?)

I was really impressed with what the kids had to say today. We considered some of the most common insults they'd had used against them (stupid, ugly, fat, weirdo, short, gay, retarded) and what would have been better word choices. As one of my 2nd graders proclaimed, "words have power, yo" and a 4th grader stated that "even when you try to ignore them, it still hurts".

Perhaps we in Controversy Corner could stand to keep THINK in mind when we post replies and consider if we're really using the most effective communication skills, or if we're stuck in school bully mentality.