How to Apologize

This lesson focuses on understanding and practicing sincere apologies as a key component of healthy relationships and conflict resolution. Through journal reflection, interactive brainstorming, and creative writing, students explore the qualities that make an apology meaningful and learn the five phases of a sincere apology: expressing remorse, naming the hurt/harm, acknowledging impact and inviting sharing, validating and taking responsibility, and committing to change. Students practice these concepts by creating rhythmic poetry and conclude with a reflective gratitude exercise mapping their relationships and identifying people to whom they owe appreciation.