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Building Bridges: Constructive Disagreement

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Tracy Bales

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Building Bridges: Constructive Disagreement Lesson Plan

Students will learn and apply strategies for engaging in constructive disagreements, fostering respectful communication and effective problem-solving.

Mastering constructive disagreement helps students maintain positive relationships, resolve conflicts peacefully, and contribute meaningfully to group discussions.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

50 minutes

Approach

Interactive instruction and guided practice.

Materials

  • Constructive Disagreement Slide Deck, - Constructive Disagreement Worksheet, and - Disagreement Scenario Cards Activity

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

  • Review the Constructive Disagreement Lesson Plan, Constructive Disagreement Slide Deck, Constructive Disagreement Worksheet, and Disagreement Scenario Cards Activity.
    - Print enough copies of the Constructive Disagreement Worksheet for each student.
    - Prepare or print out the Disagreement Scenario Cards for the Disagreement Scenario Cards Activity (one set per small group).
    - Ensure projector and computer are set up for the slide deck presentation.

Step 1

Warm-Up: What's Your Take?

5 minutes

  • Project the warm-up slide (Slide 2 of Constructive Disagreement Slide Deck).
    - Ask students: "Think about a time you disagreed with someone. How did it make you feel? How did you handle it?"
    - Facilitate a brief class share-out, emphasizing that disagreements are normal.

Step 2

Introduction to Constructive Disagreement

10 minutes

  • Present slides 3-5 of the Constructive Disagreement Slide Deck.
    - Define constructive disagreement and explain its importance.
    - Introduce the key strategies: 'I' statements, active listening, finding common ground, and focusing on the issue, not the person.

Step 3

Understanding the Strategies: Guided Discussion

15 minutes

  • Use slides 6-9 of the Constructive Disagreement Slide Deck to delve deeper into each strategy.
    - For each strategy, provide an example and ask students for their own examples or interpretations.
    - Encourage open discussion and answer any questions.
    - Distribute the Constructive Disagreement Worksheet and have students fill in the key strategies as you discuss them.

Step 4

Practice Scenarios: Disagreement Scenario Cards

15 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups (3-4 students).
    - Explain the Disagreement Scenario Cards Activity and distribute scenario cards to each group.
    - Instruct groups to read each scenario and use the strategies discussed to role-play a constructive disagreement.
    - Circulate among groups, providing guidance and feedback.

Step 5

Wrap-Up: Reflection and Review

5 minutes

  • Bring the class back together.
    - Ask groups to share one key takeaway or a challenging moment from their role-playing.
    - Review the main strategies for constructive disagreement (Slide 10 of Constructive Disagreement Slide Deck).
    - Assign the remaining questions on the Constructive Disagreement Worksheet as homework or an exit ticket.
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Slide Deck

Building Bridges: Mastering Constructive Disagreement

Navigating differences with respect and understanding.

Today, we'll learn how to disagree without being disagreeable!

Welcome students and introduce the topic. Emphasize that disagreements are a natural part of life and learning.

Warm-Up: Your Disagreement Experience

Think about a time you disagreed with someone.

  • How did it make you feel?
  • How did you handle it?

Be ready to share one thought with the class!

Give students a moment to think or jot down their thoughts before sharing. Encourage them to be honest about their feelings and initial reactions.

What is Constructive Disagreement?

Disagreement: When people have different opinions or perspectives.

Constructive Disagreement: Discussing differences in a way that is respectful, productive, and aims to find understanding or solutions, not just to "win."

Why is this important?

  • Stronger relationships
  • Better solutions
  • Personal growth

Explain that disagreements aren't necessarily bad. They can lead to new ideas and stronger relationships if handled well.

4 Keys to Constructive Disagreement

  1. "I" Statements: Express your feelings and needs.
  2. Active Listening: Truly hear what others are saying.
  3. Find Common Ground: Look for shared interests or goals.
  4. Focus on the Issue, Not the Person: Attack the problem, not your friend.

Introduce the four key strategies that will be explored in more detail. This is an overview slide.

Key 1: "I" Statements

Instead of:
"You always hog the ball!"

Try:
"I feel frustrated when I don't get a chance to play, because I want to be part of the game too."

"I" Statements focus on your feelings and needs without blaming others. They help others understand your perspective.

Elaborate on "I" statements. Provide an example and ask students for input on how these can change a conversation.

Key 2: Active Listening

What does it mean to truly listen?

  • Pay attention: Make eye contact, nod.
  • Don't interrupt: Let them finish their thoughts.
  • Ask clarifying questions: "Can you explain more about...?"
  • Paraphrase: "So, what I hear you saying is... Is that right?"

Active listening shows respect and helps prevent misunderstandings.

Discuss active listening. Emphasize non-verbal cues and paraphrasing.

Key 3: Find Common Ground

Even when you disagree, you might share some goals or values.

Example: You disagree on what movie to watch, but you both want to have fun together.

  • "We both want this project to be good."
  • "We both care about our team winning."

Finding common ground can be the first step towards a compromise or solution.

Explain finding common ground. Even in strong disagreements, there's often something you can agree on.

Key 4: Focus on the Issue, Not the Person

When you disagree, keep the conversation about the topic, not about personal attacks.

Instead of:
"That's a dumb idea, you're always wrong!"

Try:
"I see your point about that, but I have a different idea for the project that I think might work better. Could we discuss both?"

Respectful language keeps the conversation productive.

Highlight the difference between disagreeing with an idea and attacking a person. Stress the importance of respect.

Time to Practice! Role-Playing Scenarios

Now, let's put these strategies into action!

  • You will work in small groups.
  • Each group will get scenario cards.
  • Role-play the scenarios, practicing the 4 keys to constructive disagreement.

Remember to listen, use "I" statements, and be respectful!

Transition to the activity. Explain that students will get to practice these skills.

Review & Reflection

Let's quickly recap our 4 keys:

  1. "I" Statements
  2. Active Listening
  3. Find Common Ground
  4. Focus on the Issue, Not the Person

How will you use these skills this week?

Conclude the lesson by reviewing the key points and encouraging students to use these strategies in their daily lives.

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Activity

Disagreement Scenario Cards Activity

Objective: To practice using constructive disagreement strategies in realistic scenarios.

Instructions:

  1. Work in your small groups (3-4 students).
  2. Each group will receive a set of scenario cards.
  3. For each card:
    • Read the scenario aloud.
    • Choose roles (e.g., who is Person A, who is Person B, who is an observer/referee).
    • Role-play the scenario, attempting to use the 4 keys to constructive disagreement:
      • "I" Statements
      • Active Listening
      • Find Common Ground
      • Focus on the Issue, Not the Person
    • Discuss how the conversation went. What worked well? What was challenging?
  4. Try to resolve the disagreement constructively in each scenario.

Scenario Card 1: Group Project Troubles

Situation: You and a classmate, Alex, are working on a history project together. You've noticed Alex isn't contributing much, and the deadline is approaching. You're starting to get worried about your grade.

Your Goal: Address Alex's lack of participation constructively.













Scenario Card 2: Lunch Table Seating

Situation: You and your best friend, Jamie, always sit at a particular table during lunch. Today, Jamie wants to invite a new student to sit with you, but you were really looking forward to just talking with Jamie and feel a bit uncomfortable with someone new.

Your Goal: Express your feelings about the new student joining and find a solution that works for both of you.













Scenario Card 3: Borrowed Item

Situation: You lent your favorite graphic novel to a friend, Sam, a week ago. You asked for it back yesterday, and Sam said they forgot it. Today, Sam still doesn't have it, and you really want to reread it.

Your Goal: Get your graphic novel back while maintaining your friendship with Sam.













Scenario Card 4: Game Rules Dispute

Situation: You and a couple of friends are playing a board game. A dispute arises over a rule interpretation. You are convinced you are right, but your friend, Chris, has a different interpretation and insists on playing their way.

Your Goal: Discuss the rule difference and come to an agreement to continue playing fairly.













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Worksheet

Constructive Disagreement Worksheet

Name: _________________________ Date: _________________________

Part 1: Understanding Constructive Disagreement

  1. In your own words, what does it mean to have a disagreement?





  2. What is constructive disagreement? How is it different from just arguing?





  3. Why is it important to learn how to disagree constructively?





Part 2: The 4 Keys to Constructive Disagreement

Fill in the blanks with the four key strategies we discussed in class:

  1. "____" Statements: Express your feelings and needs clearly without blaming.

    • Example: Instead of "You never listen!", try "___________________________________________".

  2. ____________________: Truly hear and understand what the other person is saying.

    • How can you show someone you are actively listening? (List 2 ways)
      1. _____________________________________________
      2. _____________________________________________

  3. Find ____________________: Look for shared interests or goals that you both care about.

    • Why is finding common ground helpful when you disagree?


  4. Focus on the Issue, Not the ____________________: Attack the problem, not the person.

    • Give an example of focusing on the issue instead of attacking the person:


Part 3: Reflection & Application

  1. Think about the role-playing activity we did in class (or another disagreement you've had). Describe one challenging moment and how you tried to apply one of the strategies.










  2. What is one strategy you want to get better at using when you disagree with someone?





  3. How can practicing constructive disagreement help you outside of school, with your family or friends?





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