Respectful Words Art

Making respectful language visible through art reinforces its importance and creates environmental reminders to use kind, respectful words.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Discuss what respect means: 'Respect is treating people in a way that shows they matter. One way we show respect is through the words we use!'

Brainstorm respectful words and phrases: please, thank you, excuse me, I'm sorry, you're welcome, may I, you did a great job, I appreciate you, that was kind of you, you're a good friend. Write these on an anchor chart.

Introduce the art project: 'We're going to create beautiful art using these respectful words! Each piece of art will remind us to use respectful language.'

Children choose a word or phrase to feature in their art. They can write it in creative fonts, surround it with decorations, illustrate it with pictures of people using the word. The word should be the centerpiece of the art.

As children create, discuss when to use each phrase: 'When would you say 'I appreciate you'? What would make someone deserve a 'You did a great job'?'

Display completed art around the classroom and school as visual reminders of respectful language. Reference the art when you hear respectful words: 'You just said something from our Respectful Words art!'

Educator tip

Include phrases beyond basic 'please' and 'thank you'—children are often ready for more sophisticated respectful language like 'I value your opinion' or 'Thank you for including me.'

Assessment

Observe and note: ability to follow two-step instructions, use of new vocabulary in context, early problem-solving strategies, and sustained shared thinking episodes. Assess against Development Matters age-band expectations. Evaluate artistic creativity, understanding of when to use respectful phrases, and transfer to daily language use.

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