Lesson Plan: Positive and Negative
Messages
Grade Level: 8th grade
Subject: English Language Arts
Duration: 50 minutes
Common Core Standards:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development,
organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.5: With some guidance and support from peers and adults,
develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a
new approach.
Objectives:
- Students will understand the difference between positive and negative messages.
- Students will learn how to effectively communicate positive and negative messages in writing.
- Students will practice writing positive and negative messages in different scenarios.
Materials:
- Whiteboard or blackboard
- Markers or chalk
- Handouts with scenarios for guided and independent practice
- Writing materials (pens or pencils)
Bell-Ringer Activity (5 minutes):
1. Write the following question on the board: "What is the impact of positive and negative
messages on our daily lives?"
2. Ask students to take a few minutes to think about the question and write down their thoughts.
3. After the time is up, ask a few students to share their responses with the class.
Introduction (5 minutes):
1. Begin by explaining to students that in our daily lives, we often need to communicate
messages to others.
2. Explain that messages can be either positive or negative, and it is important to understand
the impact of our words on others.
3. Discuss with students the difference between positive and negative messages, giving
examples of each.
4. Emphasize that positive messages can uplift and motivate others, while negative messages
can hurt and demotivate them.
Direct Instruction (10 minutes):
1. Explain to students that when writing positive and negative messages, it is important to
consider the purpose, audience, and tone.
2. Discuss the characteristics of effective positive messages, such as using a friendly tone,
expressing appreciation, and providing specific compliments or encouragement.
3. Discuss the characteristics of effective negative messages, such as using a respectful tone,
providing constructive criticism, and offering suggestions for improvement.
4. Provide examples of positive and negative messages in different contexts, such as giving
feedback to a friend, writing a thank-you note, or delivering bad news.
Guided Practice (15 minutes):
1. Divide the class into pairs or small groups.
2. Distribute handouts with different scenarios that require writing positive or negative
messages.
3. Instruct students to work together to write appropriate messages for each scenario,
considering the purpose, audience, and tone.
4. Circulate the classroom to provide guidance and support as needed.
5. After the allotted time, ask a few groups to share their messages and discuss the
effectiveness of their communication.
Independent Practice (10 minutes):
1. Ask students to individually choose one scenario from the handout or create their own
scenario.
2. Instruct them to write a positive or negative message based on the chosen scenario,
considering the purpose, audience, and tone.
3. Encourage students to be creative and thoughtful in their writing.
4. Collect the completed messages for assessment purposes.
Exit Ticket (3 minutes):
1. Distribute exit tickets to each student.
2. Ask students to briefly explain the importance of considering the impact of our messages on
others.
3. Collect the exit tickets before the end of the class.
Closure (2 minutes):
1. Recap the main points of the lesson, emphasizing the difference between positive and
negative messages and the importance of considering the impact of our words on others.
2. Encourage students to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in their daily
interactions with others.
3. Thank the students for their participation and effort in the lesson.
Note: This lesson plan can be modified and extended based on the needs and pace of the
class.
Positive and Negative Messages
Worksheets
Worksheet 1: Identifying Positive and Negative Messages
Instructions: Read each statement and determine whether it represents a positive or negative
message. Write "P" for positive or "N" for negative in the space provided.
1. ___________ You did a great job on your presentation!
2. ___________ I can't believe you made such a stupid mistake.
3. ___________ Thank you for helping me with my homework.
4. ___________ Your performance needs improvement.
5. ___________ Congratulations on winning the game!
6. ___________ I'm disappointed in your behavior.
7. ___________ I appreciate your hard work and dedication.
8. ___________ You're always messing things up.
9. ___________ I'm proud of your accomplishments.
10. ___________ Your idea is terrible.
Worksheet 2: Writing Positive Messages
Instructions: Choose one of the scenarios below and write a positive message based on the
given situation. Consider the purpose, audience, and tone of your message.
1. Scenario: Your best friend just won a scholarship. Write a message to congratulate them and
express your pride.
2. Scenario: Your classmate helped you study for a difficult test. Write a message to thank them
for their assistance and express your appreciation.
3. Scenario: Your younger sibling cleaned their room without being asked. Write a message to
acknowledge their effort and encourage them.
Worksheet 3: Writing Negative Messages
Instructions: Choose one of the scenarios below and write a negative message based on the
given situation. Remember to use a respectful tone, provide constructive criticism, and offer
suggestions for improvement.
1. Scenario: Your teammate consistently arrives late to practice. Write a message to address
this issue and discuss the impact it has on the team.
2. Scenario: Your friend borrowed your favorite book and returned it with pages torn. Write a
message to express your disappointment and discuss the importance of taking care of borrowed
items.
3. Scenario: Your classmate submitted a group project with incomplete work. Write a message
to provide feedback on their performance and suggest ways to improve for future projects.
Note: Feel free to create your own scenarios if you prefer.
Remember to proofread your messages for clarity and correctness before submitting them.
Happy writing!
