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Agree to Disagree!

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Kathleen Limbach

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Agree to Disagree Lesson Plan

Students will be able to identify the importance of respecting diverse perspectives and apply strategies for responding constructively when they disagree with others.

Understanding and respecting different perspectives is vital for healthy relationships, effective communication, and a positive learning environment. This lesson equips students with practical skills to navigate disagreements without causing conflict, fostering empathy and resilience.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Through discussion and scenarios, students will learn and practice respectful disagreement.

Materials

Agree to Disagree Slide Deck, Respectful Disagreement Scenarios Worksheet, Respectful Disagreement Answer Key, and Respectful Debate Challenge Game

Prep

Teacher Preparation

5 minutes

  • Review the Agree to Disagree Slide Deck content.
    - Print copies of the Respectful Disagreement Scenarios Worksheet (one per student or small group).
    - Review the Respectful Disagreement Answer Key.
    - Prepare a few low-stakes debate topics for the Respectful Debate Challenge Game.

Step 1

Introduction: What's Your Take?

3 minutes

  • Begin with a quick warm-up using Agree to Disagree Slide Deck (Slide 1-2).
    - Ask students to share their initial thoughts on the question: 'Can two people look at the same thing and see something different?'
    - Briefly discuss how different experiences and backgrounds shape perspectives.

Step 2

Understanding Perspectives

5 minutes

  • Present Agree to Disagree Slide Deck (Slides 3-5).
    - Explain what 'perspective' means and why it's important to respect that others might see things differently.
    - Introduce the concept of

Step 3

How to Disagree Respectfully

5 minutes

  • Present Agree to Disagree Slide Deck (Slides 6-9).
    - Introduce key strategies for respectful disagreement: listen actively, use 'I' statements, focus on the idea (not the person), and know when to 'agree to disagree.'
    - Briefly explain each strategy and provide simple examples.

Step 4

Scenario Practice (Quick)

2 minutes

  • Distribute the Respectful Disagreement Scenarios Worksheet.
    - Have students quickly read one or two scenarios and briefly discuss with a partner how they would apply the strategies learned.
    - Conclude by emphasizing that practicing these skills helps build stronger relationships and a more positive environment.

Step 5

Respectful Debate Challenge (Optional)

5 minutes

  • If time allows, introduce the Respectful Debate Challenge Game.
    - Divide students into small groups and have them play for 3-4 minutes, with referees ensuring respectful communication.
    - Briefly debrief as a class about the experience of disagreeing respectfully.
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Slide Deck

Agree to Disagree!

Navigating Different Perspectives and Respectful Disagreement

Welcome students and introduce the topic of perspectives and disagreements. This is a quick hook to get them thinking.

Quick Question!

Can two people look at the same thing and see something totally different? How does that happen?

Ask students to consider this question. Encourage a few quick verbal responses. 'Can two people look at the same thing and see something different? Think about optical illusions, or even just what someone enjoys vs. what someone else dislikes.'

What is 'Perspective'?

  • Your unique way of seeing and understanding the world.
    - Influenced by your experiences, background, and beliefs.
    - Everyone has a different one!

Define perspective. Emphasize that everyone has one, and it's shaped by unique experiences. 'Our perspective is like our personal lens through which we see the world. It’s colored by everything that’s happened to us, what we’ve learned, and who we are.'

Why Does it Matter?

  • Different perspectives lead to different ideas and opinions.
    - It’s normal to disagree! It doesn't mean someone is wrong.
    - Respecting others' views helps us understand the world better.

Illustrate with a simple example. 'Imagine you and a friend are watching the same movie. You might think it's the funniest movie ever, while your friend finds it boring. You both saw the same movie, but your perspectives made your experiences different.'

The Golden Rule of Perspectives

Always remember: Respecting someone's perspective doesn't mean you have to agree with it. It means you acknowledge their right to see things their way.

Explain the importance of respecting these differences. 'When we respect someone's perspective, even if we don't agree with it, we show that we value them as a person. This is key to building strong friendships and a positive community.'

But What If I Disagree?

It's okay! Disagreements are a natural part of life. The key is how you disagree.

Transition to constructive disagreement. 'So, if it’s normal to disagree, how do we do it without causing problems or hurting feelings?'

Strategy 1: Listen Actively

  • Really hear what the other person is saying.
    - Try to understand why they hold their view.
    - Don't just wait for your turn to speak.

Explain active listening. 'Before you jump in with your own thoughts, truly listen to what the other person is saying. Try to understand their point of view, even if it's different from yours. You can say things like, 'So, if I understand correctly, you're saying...?'

Strategy 2: Use 'I' Statements

  • Focus on your feelings and thoughts, not on what the other person did wrong.
    - Example: Instead of 'You never listen!', try 'I feel unheard when I'm interrupted.'

Introduce 'I' statements. 'Instead of saying 'You're wrong,' which can make someone feel attacked, try 'I see it differently,' or 'I feel that...' This keeps the focus on your feelings and thoughts, not on blaming the other person.'

Strategy 3: Focus on the Idea, Not the Person

  • Keep the conversation respectful and on topic.
    - Avoid personal attacks or insults.
    - Sometimes, you just need to Agree to Disagree!

Emphasize focusing on the issue. 'Keep the discussion about the topic, not about personal attacks. It’s about the idea, not about who is smarter or 'better.'' Also, introduce 'agree to disagree' as a valid outcome. 'Sometimes, after a good discussion, you still won't agree, and that's perfectly fine! It means you've both expressed yourselves, listened, and now understand each other's views, even if they remain different.'

Be a Perspective Pro!

By listening, using 'I' statements, and respecting others, you can navigate disagreements like a pro and build stronger connections!

Conclude with a summary. 'Practicing these skills makes us better communicators, better friends, and helps create a more understanding and kind community.'

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Worksheet

Respectful Disagreement Scenarios

Instructions: Read each scenario. Then, in the space provided, briefly describe how you would respond respectfully, using the strategies we discussed (listen actively, use 'I' statements, focus on the idea, agree to disagree).

Scenario 1

Your friend thinks a new school rule about phone usage is unfair and says, "This rule is stupid, and the teachers are just trying to control us!" You actually think the rule has some good points.

How do you respond respectfully?






Scenario 2

In a group project, your classmate insists on using an idea that you think won't work and will make the project difficult. They are very passionate about their idea.

How do you voice your concern respectfully?






Scenario 3

You and your sibling are debating which movie to watch. Your sibling wants to watch an action film, but you're really in the mood for a comedy. Neither of you wants to budge.

How can you handle this disagreement respectfully?






Scenario 4

During a class discussion about a historical event, a classmate shares an opinion that you strongly disagree with and find to be misinformed.

How do you respond respectfully and share your perspective?






Scenario 5

Your parent tells you that you can't go to a friend's house because you haven't finished your chores, but you believe you did everything you were asked to do.

How do you discuss this disagreement respectfully with your parent?






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Answer Key

Respectful Disagreement Scenarios Answer Key

Note to Teacher: These are sample responses. Encourage students to think critically and apply the strategies in their own words. The goal is to demonstrate understanding of the principles.

Scenario 1

Your friend thinks a new school rule about phone usage is unfair and says, "This rule is stupid, and the teachers are just trying to control us!" You actually think the rule has some good points.

Sample Response Thought Process:

  1. Listen Actively: Acknowledge your friend's frustration first. They feel controlled or that the rule is unfair.
  2. Use 'I' Statements: Share your perspective without invalidating theirs.
  3. Focus on the Idea, Not the Person: Discuss the rule itself, not your friend's intelligence or emotional response.

Possible Student Response: "I hear you, it's really frustrating when you feel controlled. I can see why you might feel that way about the new phone rule. I actually see some of the good points, like how it might help us focus more in class, but I understand why you're upset about it." (Or, if after discussion, they still disagree:

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Game

Respectful Debate Challenge!

Goal: Practice respectfully disagreeing and understanding different perspectives.

Players: Small groups (3-4 students per group)

Time: 5-7 minutes

Materials: None needed besides your excellent communication skills!

How to Play:

  1. Choose a Topic: Each group will receive a common, low-stakes topic where people might have different opinions (e.g., "Which is better: summer break or winter break?", "Is pineapple on pizza acceptable?", "Should school start later?").

  2. Take a Stance: Within your group, two students will pick opposing sides of the topic. The other one or two students will act as "Referees" and "Active Listeners."

  3. The Debate (Respectfully!): The two debaters will take turns stating their perspective and providing one reason. Each debater must:

    • Listen Actively: Truly listen to the other person's point before responding.
    • Use "I" Statements: Frame their points using "I think..." or "I believe..." instead of "You are wrong."
    • Focus on the Idea: Keep comments about the topic, not about the person.

  4. Referee/Active Listener Role: The referee(s) will watch for respectful communication. If a debater interrupts, uses a "you" statement to blame, or makes a personal attack, the referee will gently remind them to use a respectful disagreement strategy.

  5. Agree to Disagree: After a few rounds (or when time is called), the goal is NOT to convince the other person, but to understand their perspective. The group should conclude by acknowledging the different viewpoints and, if necessary, agreeing to disagree.

Discussion Points After the Game (Teacher Led):

  • What felt easy about disagreeing respectfully? What felt challenging?
  • How did it feel when someone actively listened to your point of view?
  • When did you find yourself wanting to interrupt or use a "you" statement? How did you stop yourself (or how did the referee help you)?
  • What did "agreeing to disagree" look like in your group?
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