Making Assumptions

Making assumptions about others can hinder our ability to build relationships. When we keep an open mind, we can learn about and respect other’s differences and build stronger relationships.

Grade Level: 6-12

Character Skills

Respect

SEL Skills

Self-Awareness
Relationship Skills

Academic Skills

Effective Problem-Solving

Definitions

Respect

Follow the Golden Rule.
Be accepting of differences.
Be courteous to others.
Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements.
Be considerate of others’ feelings.

Self-Awareness

Identify and understand emotions, values, attitudes, motivations, mindsets, and personal attributes.

Relationship Skills

Create positive relationships and meaningful connections with family members, classmates, and teachers.

Effective Problem-Solving

Make rational, ethical, and effective decisions to find the best solutions to problems.

Share This Activity

After watching a video about respecting differences in others, students will discuss how to recognize and respect each other’s differences, reflect on times when they made assumptions, and consider how making assumptions impact our ability to respect differences.

Instructions

“We do not see the world as it is, we see the world as we are.” – Andy Stanley

Share this quote from Andy Stanley and then ask:

What does this quote mean to you?
When we look at the world from only our own perspective, who or what can we make unfair assumptions about?
How do our assumptions impact the way we treat others?
How do our assumptions affect relationships?

Watch Video

Discussion

How were these two people different from each other? You? Me?
How did their differences impact their relationship in the beginning?
What did they learn about one another’s differences?
How can changing your perception help you to respect differences?
In what ways can you show someone that you respect their differences?
How can respecting someone’s differences help you develop stronger relationships?

Reflection

Write about a time when you made an assumption about someone. Describe how you discovered that your perception of them was wrong once you got to know them.