What's in a Name? Activities About the Power of Words

Whoever created that whole "Sticks and stones...but words will never hurt me" idiom didn't know what they were talking about. We know that words can hurt. Bones heal, but, if we let it, the hurt of words can linger for years. Words also frame the way we think about other people, animals, and the earth. January 24-28 is No Name-Calling Week. In addition to the helpful resources there, at IHE, we have several activities that explore the power of names and words. Here's a sampling:

Two Apples (pdf)

In this icebreaker, participants learn just how important words and actions are when they explore their impact on two apples.
Recommended for All ages.
Time: 5-10 minutes

What’s in a Name? (pdf)

“You’re such a pig!” “She’s a total dog!” Help students examine our myths about and prejudices against animals, to explore why they exist, and to consider what we might want to change about our relationships with them.
Recommended for grades 6 and up.
Time: 45 minutes

Word Power (pdf)

Words have enormous power and often assign value. This activity explores sample words in context and what kinds of value those words imply.
Recommended for grades 4 and up.
Time: 15-30 minutes

~ Marsha

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