Words can uplift others, but they can also cause harm. In this lesson, students will hear the story Desmond and the Very Mean Word, and they'll discuss the power of positive and negative words in friendships, school, and community.

Are you a bucket filler? Children with good social skills lift each other up with compliments and praise, instead of put downs and negative comments. Use this lesson to teach your students about bucket filling and how to compliment others.

In this lesson, students will create a paper chain based on their greatest strengths and attributes. They will also work with peers to share and identify each other's strengths.

Help your ELs practice identifying how their peers are feeling to develop emotions vocabulary and support comprehension. It can be used as a stand-alone lesson or a support lesson.