Speak clearly and kindly
We are learning to speak up with an I-statement that carries no blame.
Learning Intention
We are learning to speak up with an I-statement that carries no blame.
Biblical Big Idea
Paul asks us to weigh words by whether they build a person up. An I-statement does that: it names the fact and the feeling honestly, without handing out a verdict about the other person.
CONNECT
Teacher Notes
ABOUT THIS LESSON
Saying what happened and what you need, without blaming the person. The lesson helps students speak up with an I-statement that carries no blame.
TEACHING INSIGHT
Paul asks us to weigh words by whether they build a person up. An I-statement does that: it names the fact and the feeling honestly, without handing out a verdict about the other person.
FACILITATION FOCUS
The main application is “I-statement builder”, where students move from discussing the idea to trying it in a concrete example. Keep returning to the takeaway: “Name the fact and the feeling; do not hand out a verdict.” Look for whether students name a feeling in neutral words rather than jumping to a motive or a judgement.
RESOURCES
Lesson Resources
Suggested Sequence
This is a suggested placement only. Schools can sequence lessons to suit their context.