Helping students speak with kindness, clarity, and purpose

Introduction

The “Supporting Students with Gossip?” tool is a reflective poster designed to help students pause before speaking about others. Whether they’re navigating rumors, venting frustrations, or feeling unsure about what’s okay to share, this tool offers a gentle framework for emotional awareness and respectful communication. It’s especially helpful for students who feel conflicted after a conversation or who want to build trust in their peer relationships.

By guiding students through questions like “Is it true?” and “Would I say this if the person were here?”, the tool encourages self-awareness, empathy, and accountability—key skills for navigating social dynamics with integrity.

How to Use It

This tool works best when introduced as part of a conversation about communication, trust, or peer conflict. Here’s how to use it in different settings:

In the Classroom

• Morning Meeting Prompt: Ask students to reflect on one question from the poster before starting group work or recess.
• Literature Connection: Use the tool to analyze character dialogue in stories—what would they say if the person were present?

In Counseling Sessions

• Role Play: Invite students to practice saying something kind or true about a peer, then reflect using the tool’s questions.
• Journaling Prompt: “Think of a time you said something about someone. What impact did it have? What would you do differently?”

At Home

• Dinner Table Check-In: Use one question from the tool to spark conversation about how words affect others.
• Sibling Conflict Support: Help children pause and ask, “Is this kind?” before sharing frustrations.

 Benefits

Using this tool regularly helps students develop:

• Self-awareness: They learn to recognize when their words are driven by emotion, impulse, or peer pressure.
• Empathy: Reflecting on how words impact others builds compassion and emotional intelligence.
• Integrity: Students begin to speak in ways that align with their values, even when no one is watching.
• Trust-building: By choosing words carefully, students strengthen relationships and create safer social spaces.

Call to Action

Download the “Supporting Students with Gossip?” tool as a printable poster and hang it in your classroom, counseling office, or home. It’s a simple, powerful way to help students pause, reflect, and speak with purpose. Every question on the poster is a chance to build trust, deepen connection, and grow into a thoughtful communicator.