Word use matters for students, parents, and teachers. Particularly, a student’s use of words, both written and oral conversation matters. They have power. Therefore, students need to understand how to measure what they say and write.  Educators and parents need to teach students this important skill of communication. The way a student communicates can change someone’s life.

Words have the power to help heal, hinder, harm, humiliate, or humble a person. Thus, students need an appropriate vocabulary to support their oral and written communications. They need a proper vocabulary to empower them to speak with awareness and dignity. Therefore, they must learn to measure their words.

Word Use

It’s important to model the use of words that are positive and do not cause harm to others. To use words that are tactful and positive. Also, students can brainstorm positive words. In addition, students can create positive words to acronyms from various names.

Students use various communication skills. Thus, their communication skills create an impression. Teach them to speak clearly and directly in oral communication. Additionally, avoid negative words that present them as rude. Positivity helps students to connect with others. Words reflect how a student thinks about themselves. Messages are interpreted in how students speak and write. Words build and shape a student’s self-esteem.

The use of positive words helps to build empathy in students. Students must learn to stop and think before saying or writing something. Additionally, they need to learn not to use unkind words.

• Labels hurt. Teach children not to label others.
• Help students to imagine being in another’s position.
• Teach students that there are many kinds of people that contribute to their world.
• Model kindness and the use of positive and tactful words.

Words that hurt are not cool. Many students use the words they hear others speak. Thus, they use descriptive words such as dumb, crazy, and stupid. These words are most community used by adults. Therefore, students do not think of the impact they leave on someone.

Neuroscientist Andrew Newberg, MD, states, “a single word has the power to influence the expression of genes that regulate physical and emotional stress.”  Today, incivility grows and values are threatened. People are more vocal. Thus, words still matter.