Can We Agree to Disagree? Script

Warm-Up: Agree or Disagree? (5 minutes)

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! To kick things off today, we're going to play a quick 'Agree or Disagree' warm-up. I'm going to read a statement, and I want you to show me if you agree or disagree. If you agree, please move to the right side of the classroom. If you disagree, move to the left. If you're somewhere in the middle, you can stay in the center. There are no right or wrong answers, just your honest opinion!"

• "Pineapple belongs on pizza."
  
  
  
• "Summer is better than winter."
  
  
  
• "Reading a book is always better than watching the movie."
  
  
  

"Great! Take a look around. See how many different opinions we have just on these fun topics? It's completely normal for people to have different thoughts and feelings about things. Has anyone ever had a disagreement with a friend or family member that maybe didn't go so well? Keep that in mind as we move forward."

Introduction: Why Disagreement Matters (5 minutes)

"(Display Can We Agree to Disagree? Slide Deck - Slide 1: Can We Agree to Disagree?)"

"Today, we're going to talk about something really important for all of our relationships: the art of respectful disagreement and constructive debate. Think about it: every day, we encounter people with different ideas, tastes, and beliefs. Sometimes, these differences can lead to arguments or misunderstandings."

"(Display Can We Agree to Disagree? Slide Deck - Slide 2: Why Can't We All Just Get Along?)"

"So, why is it so important to learn how to disagree respectfully? Well, when we can share our different ideas and still be respectful, we actually gain a lot. We learn to understand other people better, even if we don't end up agreeing with them. This helps us solve problems, whether it's in a group project or just deciding what game to play. And most importantly, it helps us build stronger relationships because people feel heard and valued, even when there's a difference of opinion. It helps us avoid unnecessary conflict that can really hurt feelings."

Key Principles of Respectful Disagreement (10 minutes)

"Now, let's look at some key principles that will help us navigate these disagreements."

"(Display Can We Agree to Disagree? Slide Deck - Slide 3: Principle 1: Listen Actively)"

"Principle Number One: Listen Actively. This means giving the other person your full attention. Put away distractions, make eye contact, and truly try to understand what they are saying, not just waiting for your turn to speak. Don't interrupt them. Try to understand their perspective, even if you don't think you'll agree. Show them you're listening with nods or by saying things like 'I hear you.'"

"(Display Can We Agree to Disagree? Slide Deck - Slide 4: Principle 2: Stay Calm)"

"Principle Number Two: Stay Calm. When we get upset, it's really hard to think clearly. Have you ever noticed that when emotions rise, productive discussions go way down? If you feel yourself getting angry or frustrated, try taking a deep breath, counting to ten, or even asking for a quick break to cool off. It's okay to step away for a moment if you need to."

"(Display Can We Agree to Disagree? Slide Deck - Slide 5: Principle 3: Focus on the Issue, Not the Person)"

"Principle Number Three: Focus on the Issue, Not the Person. This is a big one. When we disagree, it can feel personal, but it's important to attack the problem, not the person. Avoid personal insults or saying things like, 'You're always wrong!' Instead, keep the conversation centered on the topic at hand. For example, if you're discussing a group project, focus on the strategy for the project, not on someone's personality."

"(Display Can We Agree to Disagree? Slide Deck - Slide 6: Principle 4: Use "I" Statements)"

"Principle Number Four: Use 'I' Statements. This ties into focusing on the issue. Instead of saying 'You always interrupt me,' which can sound like an accusation, try 'I feel unheard when I'm interrupted.' It focuses on your feelings and your experience, which is harder for the other person to argue with. For example, instead of, 'You never do your share of the work!', try 'I feel frustrated when the group doesn't share tasks equally.' See the difference?"

"(Display Can We Agree to Disagree? Slide Deck - Slide 7: Principle 5: Seek Understanding)"

"Principle Number Five: Seek Understanding. Even after active listening, you might still not fully get where the other person is coming from. It's okay to ask clarifying questions like, 'Can you explain what you mean by...?' or 'So, if I understand correctly, you're saying...?' This shows respect and helps make sure there are no misunderstandings. It's about ensuring you both are on the same page about what the disagreement actually is."

"(Display Can We Agree to Disagree? Slide Deck - Slide 8: Principle 6: Know When to "Agree to Disagree")"

"Principle Number Six: Know When to 'Agree to Disagree'. Sometimes, even after you've listened, stayed calm, focused on the issue, used 'I' statements, and sought understanding, you simply won't change each other's minds. And that's perfectly okay! The goal isn't always to get everyone to agree, but to have a respectful interaction. You can say something like, 'I hear your point, and I understand why you feel that way, even though my opinion is different.' Respect the other person's right to their own opinion, and move on. The goal is respectful interaction, even without full agreement."

"(Display Can We Agree to Disagree? Slide Deck - Slide 9: Let's Practice!)"

"These six principles are your tools for respectful disagreement. Now, let's put them into practice!"

Small Group Practice: Scenario Role-Play (15 minutes)

"I'm going to divide you into small groups. Each group will receive some Respectful Disagreement Scenario Cards. Your task is to choose one scenario and role-play it, practicing the principles we just discussed. Really try to incorporate active listening, staying calm, using 'I' statements, and focusing on the issue."

"You'll also get a Respectful Disagreement Rubric to help guide your practice. Use it to think about how well you're applying these skills. I'll be walking around to observe and offer guidance. Feel free to ask questions!"

(Circulate, listen to groups, provide feedback and support. Prompt students to refer to the rubric and principles.)

Whole Class Discussion & Reflection (8 minutes)

"Alright, let's bring it back together. How was that experience?"

(Facilitate discussion using the Respectful Disagreement Discussion Guide. Use prompts below.)

• "What was challenging about trying to disagree respectfully?"
• "What strategies did your group find worked really well?"
• "How did it feel when someone actively listened to you, even if they disagreed?"
• "Can you think of a real-life situation where you could use one of these principles?"

"It takes practice, just like any other skill. The more you try to use these principles, the easier and more natural they will become. Remember, respectful disagreement strengthens relationships and helps everyone feel heard."

Cool-Down: One Key Takeaway (2 minutes)

"For our cool-down today, on a piece of paper or in your journal, please write down one key thing you learned about respectful disagreement today. It could be one of the principles, a new idea, or something you plan to try. This is your One Key Takeaway Cool-Down."

"Thank you all for your thoughtful participation today!"

Agree or Disagree? Warm-Up

Instructions: Read each statement. If you agree, move to the right side of the room. If you disagree, move to the left side of the room. If you are neutral or unsure, stay in the middle.

1. Statement 1: "Pineapple belongs on pizza."
   
   
   

2. Statement 2: "Summer is the best season of the year."
   
   
   

3. Statement 3: "Reading a book is always better than watching the movie adaptation."
   
   
   

4. Statement 4: "It's okay to have a different opinion than your friends."
   
   
   

5. Statement 5: "Debates always have a winner and a loser."
   
   
   

Respectful Disagreement Scenario Cards

Instructions: In your small group, choose one scenario to role-play. Practice using the principles of respectful disagreement we discussed: Active Listening, Staying Calm, Focusing on the Issue, Using "I" Statements, Seeking Understanding, and Knowing When to "Agree to Disagree."

Scenario 1: Group Project Dilemma

Situation: You are working on a group presentation about historical events. Two members of your group want to focus on ancient Egypt, while you and another member strongly believe the class would be more interested in World War II. The deadline is approaching, and no one can agree on a topic.

Task: Role-play a discussion where you try to persuade your teammates to consider World War II, while they argue for ancient Egypt. Focus on listening to their points and calmly explaining yours.

Scenario 2: Lunch Table Debate

Situation: You and your friend are talking about a new movie that just came out. You thought it was amazing and are raving about it. Your friend, however, thought it was terrible and doesn't understand why anyone would like it. They start to make jokes about your taste in movies.

Task: Role-play this conversation. How do you express your opinion and defend your enjoyment of the movie without getting angry or attacking your friend? How do you encourage them to respect your opinion?

Scenario 3: Fair or Unfair?

Situation: Your teacher assigns a new rule about turning in homework: if it's even one minute late, you get a zero. You think this is unfair because sometimes technology issues or unexpected problems happen right before class. Another student in your class thinks it's perfectly fair and will teach responsibility.

Task: Role-play a discussion with the other student. Use "I" statements to express your concerns about the strictness of the rule, and listen to their reasons for thinking it's fair.

Respectful Disagreement Rubric

Instructions: Use this rubric to assess your group's role-play and your own participation. Be honest about your application of the skills.

Respectful Disagreement Discussion Guide

Instructions: Use these questions to guide a whole-class discussion after the small group role-play activity. Encourage students to share their experiences and insights.

Opening Questions:

1. What was one interesting thing you observed or experienced during your group's role-play scenario?
   
   
   
2. Was it easy or difficult to use the principles of respectful disagreement? Why or why not?
   
   
   

Reflecting on the Principles:

3. Which of the six principles (Active Listening, Staying Calm, Focus on the Issue, Using "I" Statements, Seeking Understanding, Agree to Disagree) did your group find most challenging to apply? Why?
   
   
   
4. Which principle did your group find most helpful or effective in navigating your scenario?
   
   
   
5. Can someone give an example of how they used an "I" statement in their role-play? How did it feel, and how did the other person respond?
   
   
   

Connecting to Real Life:

6. Can you think of a situation outside of this classroom (with friends, family, or online) where practicing these skills would be really useful?
   
   
   
7. What's one thing you might do differently next time you find yourself in a disagreement, based on what we learned today?
   
   
   
8. Why is it important for us, as a community (in school, in our city, in the world), to be able to disagree respectfully?
   
   
   

Closing Question:

9. What is one lasting thought or feeling you have about respectful disagreement after today's lesson?
   
   
   

One Key Takeaway Cool-Down

Instructions: On a piece of paper or in your journal, please write down one key thing you learned about respectful disagreement today. It could be:

• One of the principles you found most important.
• A new idea about how disagreements can be handled.
• Something you plan to try the next time you have a difference of opinion.