Note to parent or teacher: “The Power of Your Words” is a 30- to 40-minute lesson plan on the topic of your words—how words can affect others both positively and negatively, why kind and helpful words are important, and other ways to be mindful of your communication with others.

Read “The Words You Speak.”

Recall together with the children something someone said to them that made them feel good or happy, such as a word of encouragement, a compliment, or appreciation.

Read “My Little Talks with Jesus: Your Words Have Power.”

Watch “Using Kind Words.”

Discuss why it might be better to not say anything if what you have to say might not be kind or helpful. Explain that kind words are a way that you can brighten someone’s day and make it better. Conversely, unkind or harsh words can make someone feel sad or discouraged, and this is why it’s important to be careful and think about what you say before you say it. (Note: It’s probably best to only explain this principle rather than giving examples, so as not to bring up past hurts. If examples are given, use positive ones.)

Read “Word Filled with Honey.”

Talk about how it’s not just unkind or ugly words that can hurt other people. If your words are used to make fun of someone else, boss other people around, be demanding, or accuse others, then those words can hurt or anger others, too.

Watch “Making Fun.”

Read “Little Bossy.”

Memorize Ephesians 4:29: “Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (NLT). Other verse options are Proverbs 16:24, Proverbs 18:20, Psalm 19:14, Proverbs 11:12 (on making fun of others), Proverbs 15:1 (on using kind words instead of angry ones).

Color “Coloring Page: Are You a Babbling Bug?”

Additional material:

• “How You Use Your Words”
• “Slow to Anger”
• “Are You a Babbling Bug?”
• “What Is Communication?”