Courtesy in Communication wellbeing lesson plan
A primary wellbeing lesson for Years 5 and 6 that helps Australian teachers introduce respectful, courteous communication through a structured, ready-to-teach lesson. Students learn how tone, word choice and manners shape everyday conversations, and practise using respectful, considerate language in classroom, friendship and online interactions.
Healthy Relationships & Communication
Snapshot
Courtesy in Communication
The lesson gives teachers a structured way to introduce courteous communication habits students can use across classroom, friendship and online conversations. Feedback: 4.2/5 average rating from 35 teacher and student responses
Prep time:
5 to 10 minutes
Lesson length:
45 to 50 minutes
Key Focus
Communicating with respect, manners and consideration for others
Lesson Format
Teacher-led discussion and structured activities
What students will learn
By the end of the lesson, students will be supported to:
Recognise
Recognise the difference between respectful and disrespectful communication
Recognise how tone, word choice and body language affect how a message is received
Recognise examples of courteous behaviour in classroom, friendship and online conversations
Understand
Understand why manners and consideration matter in everyday communication
Understand how disrespectful language can affect relationships, even when unintended
Practise
Practise using polite, respectful language in conversations and written messages
Practise active listening, such as waiting for a turn to speak
Practise responding to disagreement or feedback in a respectful way
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for Year 5 and 6 students who are building their communication skills and learning how tone, word choice and manners shape everyday interactions.
It is suitable for:
upper primary wellbeing lessons
Health or PDHPE teaching
pastoral care, circle time or advisory sessions
classroom culture and communication expectations work
respectful relationships programmes
Suitability should be based on more than age alone. Teachers should consider the lesson focus, student maturity, cohort needs, classroom culture, existing discussion norms and available support pathways.
Best used when
Use this lesson when students need clear, practical language for recognising unkind behaviour and knowing what to do next.
Introducing respectful communication expectations Use when students need a shared understanding of what courteous communication looks like.
Revisiting classroom communication norms Use when reinforcing expectations around listening, tone and respectful language.
Building group work and collaboration skills Use when students are learning to communicate respectfully during discussions or teamwork.
Supporting online communication skills Use when students need language for keeping messages respectful in online or written conversations.
Preparing for transition Use when students are moving into new peer groups or year levels and need clear communication expectations.
Creating a structured wellbeing discussion Use when you want a calm, teacher-led discussion about respectful, courteous communication.
The lesson can be used proactively with the whole class. It does not need to follow a specific incident.
Why this lesson matters
Respectful communication is a skill students use every day, in classroom discussions, friendships and online conversations. Learning to communicate with courtesy and manners helps students navigate everyday interactions with more confidence and consideration for others. Courtesy in communication is not only about being polite. It also helps students recognise how their words and tone affect the people around them, and gives them practical language for expressing disagreement or feedback respectfully. This lesson supports a positive classroom culture by helping students understand that respectful communication is an active choice. Students learn that considerate language and active listening can support stronger relationships and a more inclusive classroom environment.
How this lesson supports wellbeing
This lesson supports student wellbeing by building practical social and emotional skills students can use in everyday school life. It helps students develop:
Capability How the lesson supports it
Respectful communication Students practise using polite, considerate language in everyday conversations.
Active listening Students practise waiting for a turn to speak and listening to understand others.
Self-awareness Students consider how their tone and word choice affect the people around them.
Empathy Students think about how disrespectful language can affect someone else's feelings.
Conflict resolution Students practise responding to disagreement or feedback without being disrespectful.
Relationship skills Students build habits that support positive, respectful classroom and online relationships.
For teachers and school leaders, the lesson contributes to broader wellbeing, respectful relationships, child safety and pastoral care goals in Australian primary schools.
Teaching notes & Delivery Considerations
This lesson includes content about unkind behaviour, exclusion and asking adults for help. It should be taught with calm, clear discussion norms.
Before teaching
Remind students not to name classmates or share personal stories about other people
Frame discussion around general examples and scenarios, not individual students
Make clear the lesson is about building communication skills, not identifying who has been rude
Identify trusted adults students can speak to if a conversation at school has felt disrespectful or unsafe
During delivery
Use everyday examples such as interrupting, dismissive language or messages that come across as rude
Give students time to practise polite phrasing aloud or in writing
Reinforce that respectful communication applies to disagreement as well as agreement
Allow students to respond through discussion, writing or paired reflection depending on confidence and maturity
Supporting safe discussion
Keep examples general rather than based on real classroom incidents
Reinforce that respectful communication does not mean avoiding disagreement
Be prepared to follow your school's child safety, wellbeing or child protection procedures if a student discloses harm or says they feel unsafe.
Adaptation options
Use written reflection for quieter students
Use paired discussion for confident groups
Spend more time on online communication examples if relevant to your cohort
