Oops! Apologize, and Show You Mean It - Social Skills for Strong Relationships
In this one-session class, students will learn what to say (and just as importantly, what NOT to say), when they want to apologize.
Patricia Saylor
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(5)
What's included
1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hoursHomework
Students may write an apology letter, or use the provided checklist to practice making a sincere apology in their own lives.Class Experience
Have you ever done something you wish you had not done? You are not alone! Everyone makes a mistake from time to time. Sometimes we do things accidentally, and sometimes we even do things out of carelessness or anger, and then feel bad about it later. If your actions have upset or hurt someone else, you might want to apologize for what you did and try to make things right. You can’t change what happened, but you can try to make amends. And you will probably feel better if you do. In this single-session class, through story telling, discussion and optional role play, you will learn all the parts of a sincere apology. It's not hard if you know what to include! We will also learn things that are *not* helpful when seeking forgiveness. Making excuses, engaging in "whataboutism," and demanding forgiveness actually make an apology weaker and less effective. At the end of the class, all students will have an opportunity to write or dictate an apology. You may craft an apology to someone in your own life, about a real event, or write a message from one fictional character to another. Some students even choose to write an apology that they wish someone else would give to them!
Learning Goals
Students will craft an apology either out loud or in writing, which includes all the components they have learned in the class.
Accept responsibility
Acknowledge the impact.
Express regret.
Apologize
Make a commitment to change.
Offer restitution.
Ask for forgiveness
Other Details
Parental Guidance
These topics are sometimes difficult for sensitive children. I will teach them that they are not alone in making mistakes or doing things they regret. I will help them develop both tools to apologize and realistic expectations around the way their apologies might be received. If they bring up a sensitive situation, I will direct them to discuss it with a trusted adult outside of the class.
This is the message I share with children:
Apologizing can be hard! No one likes to make a mistake. Admitting you have done something wrong, or that you have hurt or upset someone can feel embarrassing.
You might be afraid the other person will still be angry with you, even if you apologize. They might be! You can’t control how someone else responds to your apology, but you can still apologize.
Although you can’t force another person to forgive you, if the other person believes you are truly sorry, they are more likely to accept your apology. Offering a sincere apology usually improves things, and it will probably make you feel better.
Supply List
Students should have their preferred writing utensils and paper available in case there is time to write an apology at the end of class. Parents may want to download the handout for students to reference when they are writing.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined November, 2022
5.0
5reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Teaching Certificates
North Carolina Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
North Carolina Teaching Certificate in Mathematics
I taught this lesson every year in my Montessori lower elementary class with great success. I have been teaching communication skills and writing in the classroom and to private students for more than 30 years. I'm also a kind, older teacher who understands the value of good manners! Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$15
per classMeets once
45 min
Completed by 5 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-12
2-9 learners per class
