Lesson Plan

Respect Detectives Lesson Plan

Students will identify respectful behaviors toward teachers and classmates and practice demonstrating respect through scenario activities and personal reflections.

Teaching respect fosters a positive classroom culture, improves peer relationships, reduces conflicts, and helps students develop empathy and cooperation. Establishing respectful habits early supports academic and social success.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction: Defining Respect

5 minutes

Step 2

Respect Detective Scenarios

15 minutes

Step 3

Reflection and Classroom Pledge

10 minutes

Slide Deck

Respect Detectives!

Welcome everyone! Introduce yourself and explain that today we are going to be Respect Detectives. Tell students they will learn what respect looks like and practice showing respect to teachers and classmates. Encourage excitement.

What Is Respect?

Ask students: “What does respect mean?” Call on volunteers. Record answers on chart paper under “Respect Means…” Summarize shared ideas and add any you like, such as listening, kind words, following directions.

Why Does Respect Matter?

Explain why respect matters: It helps everyone feel safe, valued, and happy. Ask: “How do you feel when someone listens to you?” Use student responses to reinforce the importance.

Become Respect Detectives

Tell students they are now Respect Detectives. Describe their mission: investigate behaviors in scenarios, decide if they are respectful, and suggest ways to show respect.

Example Scenarios

Model two scenarios. Example 1: A student waits quietly for their turn to speak. (Respectful) Example 2: A student interrupts while someone else is talking. (Not respectful – a better choice is to raise a hand.)

Your Turn: Scenario Activity

Distribute Respect Scenarios Cards. Set a timer for 5 minutes. Circulate to support each group. After time is up, have groups pass cards to see new ones. Repeat until time for reflection.

Reflection & Classroom Pledge

Hand out Respect Reflection Worksheets. Ask students to draw or write one way they will show respect this week. Invite a few volunteers to share. Collect all worksheets and explain you will display them on the bulletin board as Our Respect Pledges. End with the pledge chant.