Embedded Files
Agreeing to Disagree - Building Respectful Communication Skills
Goals
Goals
Students will learn the importance of respectful communication and develop skills to agree to disagree, fostering the ability to keep communication headed in a positive outcome.
Materials
Materials
We can use the following items, or simple pieces of paper:
Whiteboard and markers
Chart paper and markers
Sticky notes
Small group activity sheets
Class rules poster
Introduction (15 Minutes)
Introduction (15 Minutes)
Begin with a brief discussion about the importance of communication and how people may have different opinions.
Introduce the concept of "agreeing to disagree" as a way to respect others' opinions even if we don't agree with them.
Discuss the benefits of having diverse opinions in a community and how it contributes to learning and growth
Activity 1 - Class Discussion (15 Minutes)
Activity 1 - Class Discussion (15 Minutes)
Use the whiteboard to draw a simple scenario where people might have different opinions (e.g., favorite colors, sports teams, etc.).
Ask students to share their opinions on the scenario.
Discuss how it's okay to have different opinions and that it adds richness to our discussions.
Activity 2 - Agreement and Disagreement Chart (20 Minutes)
Activity 2 - Agreement and Disagreement Chart (20 Minutes)
Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with chart paper and markers.
Assign each group a different topic to discuss and come up with both agreements and disagreements.
Have groups present their charts to the class and encourage respectful listening.
Ask 2 adult volunteers to come up with a situation where they might disagree. Volunteers will pause when the disagreement gets a little heated. Ask the students to help decide what the adults should do. How can they “agree to disagree”?
Volunteers continue the demonstration by agreeing to disagree
Activity 3 - Sticky Note Reflection (10 Minutes)
Activity 3 - Sticky Note Reflection (10 Minutes)
Distribute sticky notes to each student.
Ask students to write down one thing they learned about agreeing to disagree and one thing they will try to do to be respectful during disagreements.
Collect the sticky notes and read a few aloud (while keeping responses anonymous) to reinforce positive behaviors.
Conclusion (10 Minutes)
Conclusion (10 Minutes)
Summarize the importance of agreeing to disagree and maintaining respectful communication.
Review class rules for respectful communication.
Assign a small reflection homework where students can write about a time they disagreed with someone but handled it respectfully.
Assessment
Assessment
Observe students' participation in group activities, their contributions to class discussions, and the thoughtful reflections on sticky notes.
Extension Activity
Extension Activity
Encourage students to share their reflections with a partner or family member, fostering open communication outside the classroom.
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