5th Grade Lesson - Rumor Has It

This lesson entitled Rumor Has It focuses on encouraging our students to stop and T.H.I.N.K...

So many times, students speak without stopping to think about the consequences of their words.  In this lesson, students watched a video entitled "Buzz, Buzz, Buzz, Did You Hear About...?"  The video is comprised of several different segments in which students learn how rumors often start. Students are shown that things are not always how they appear and that they should always have their facts straight before talking about something. We focus on the fact that it's best not to talk about other people...period. The objectives for this lesson are as follows:

• Understand the meaning of rumors and gossip
• Recognize how rumors and gossip start and are spread
• Be aware of the reasons people might spread rumors and gossip
• Understand the dangers of spreading rumors and gossip
• Learn how to defend against rumors and gossip

By the end of the lesson, students have a greater understanding of how rumors start and what to do if they find themselves involved with rumors and gossip.

Students are encouraged to try the strategies above if they are dealing with rumors and gossip. They may also make an appointment with me to discuss other strategies and to get help if this is an issue they are dealing with. We want our students to learn to solve their own problems, but also to be happy each day when they come to school!