Prejudged Jamal helps children explore the importance of respecting differences and getting to know others before making judgments. Kids learn how empathy, kindness, and an open mind can help everyone feel valued and included.
POSITIVE SELF-TALK
“I look in the mirror before I JUDGE.”
How to Use This Lesson
1. Meet Prejudiced Jamal
Introduce Prejudiced Jamal and explore what it means to judge others.
Help children understand that we sometimes form opinions about people without knowing their stories. Jamal reminds us to look at ourselves first, recognize our own assumptions, and treat others with understanding and respect.
2. Practice Positive Self-Talk
Say Jamal's positive self-talk phrase together:
“I look in the mirror before I JUDGE.”
First, say it out loud. Then practice saying it silently in your mind.
Encourage children to use these words when they notice themselves making assumptions about someone or focusing on another person's differences.
3. Share the Skill Sign
Print and display Prejudiced Jamal's Reasons NOT to Judge Others where children will see it often.
Explore Jamal's five important reminders:
First, Look in the Mirror: Sometimes the things we notice or dislike in others are things we recognize in ourselves.
You Haven't Walked in Their Shoes: We don't always know the challenges or experiences someone else has faced.
We Are More Alike Than Different: We all have feelings, needs, hopes, and dreams.
There May Be Hidden Disabilities: Someone may be facing challenges we cannot see or fully understand.
Save Your Energy: Instead of spending energy judging others, focus on gratitude and understanding.
Invite children to choose one reminder to practice throughout the day.
4. Breathe and Stretch
Take a few minutes to breathe and move together.
Use the stretches from the Breathe and Stretch book or follow Prejudiced Jamal's movement video.
Encourage children to notice how their bodies and minds feel before and after moving.
5. Read the Story
Bring Prejudiced Jamal to life! Read his story from the Powerful You book with expression and enthusiasm.
Invite children to notice what Jamal learns about judging others, understanding differences, and looking at himself before forming opinions about someone else.
6. Reflect and Connect
Use Jamal's Reflect & Shine questions from the Powerful You book to encourage meaningful conversations.
Invite children to think about a time someone misunderstood them or made an assumption without knowing the whole story.
Talk about how it feels to be judged and how we can show more understanding toward others.
7. Explore Optional Activities
Choose an activity from the Powerful You book to reinforce Jamal's lesson.
You can also try a Walk in Their Shoes activity.
Present a simple everyday situation, such as a child sitting alone at lunch or someone having difficulty completing an assignment.
Invite children to imagine several possible reasons for the situation rather than jumping to conclusions.
Remind them that we don't always know what someone else is experiencing.
8. Lights, Camera, Action! — Role-Play
Bring the lesson to life with role-playing!
Use the Powerful You laminated scenario cards or create your own everyday situations.
Invite children to practice welcoming someone who seems different, responding kindly to someone who is struggling, or asking questions instead of making assumptions.
Encourage children to pause, consider another person's perspective, and choose understanding over judgment.
Keep it playful, encouraging, and fun!
Remember: “I look in the mirror before I JUDGE.”
