No Gossip (Grades 6-12)

Character Education Objective:

• Students will discuss the impact of gossip on individuals, teams, friend groups, and families.

Content Objective:

•  Students will commit to a No Gossip challenge to show respect.

Language Objective:

• Students will share ideas about spreading the #NoGossip

Purpose:

Gossip is a toxic cloud that spreads darkness around the globe and runs rampant in schools and communities. Creating a culture of respect is vital to ensure learners feel safe and like they belong. So, let’s build a 40 Day No Gossip Campaign to empower students, teachers, administrators and families to stand for respect.

Lesson:

• Independent (3 mins)
  • Write about a time you have heard, been part of, or were gossiped about in school or on social media.
    • How did it make you feel?
  • Write one feeling on a sticky note and add it to the whiteboard or post on social media: Instagram/Twitter/Facebook #NoGossip #CHARACTERCOUNTS

• Vocabulary (2mins): What do these words mean? (Optional)
  • Gossip
  • Maim
  • Tarnish
  • Elusive

• Productive Group Work (10mins):
  • Read the poem (or print image of poem below)
  • List the attributes and impact of gossip you find?
  • What are some respectful statements you can use to stop gossip you might hear?
  • Make a plan about how your group will spread the #NoGossip

• Whole Group Discussion (3 mins):
  • How can showing respect to others stop gossiping behavior?
  • What will your group do to spread the #NoGossip?

• Reflection Journal (Independent task 2 mins)
  • Post on social media and/or in planner
    • #NoGossip #CHARACTERCOUNTS! #Respect

Family Connection

• Tech Support
  • Friend your child and follow their social media profiles
  • Share out a social media post as a family with #NoGossip #CHARACTERCOUNTS!
• Pillar Time
  • Share ways to stop gossip in your household
  • Practice ways to lovingly hold one another accountable to no gossip
  • Invite extended family to join your family in the #NoGossip #CHARACTERCOUNTS!
• Dinner Discussion
  • What is harmful about gossip?
  • How is gossip disrespectful?
  • What feelings do you associate with gossip?

Learn more about character education.