Lesson Plan
Courageous Conversations Lesson Plan
Guide high school students in engaging, empathetic dialogues that explore personal values, societal norms, and current events.
This lesson empowers students to express themselves while learning to listen and appreciate diverse perspectives, fostering a supportive, respectful classroom community.
Audience
High School Students
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Structured dialogue with guided prompts and reflective activities.
Prep
Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Courageous Conversations Lesson Plan for full context and discussion strategies.
- Familiarize yourself with the Courageous Conversations Slide Deck to support key points.
- Prepare the Discussion Prompts Guide and set up the classroom to facilitate small group dialogues.
- Ensure materials are accessible and lines of communication are clear for maintaining a safe discussion space.
Step 1
Introduction & Context Setting
10 minutes
- Begin with a brief introduction of the session and its objectives.
- Establish ground rules for respectful dialogue to ensure a safe space for all opinions.
- Introduce key terms and concepts using the slide deck.
Step 2
Guided Discussion
30 minutes
- Divide the class into small discussion groups.
- Provide each group with discussion prompts from the Discussion Prompts Guide.
- Circulate between groups to facilitate conversation and ensure adherence to ground rules.
- Encourage students to share personal reflections and actively listen to peers.
Step 3
Reflection & Sharing
10 minutes
- Reconvene as a whole group and invite volunteers to share insights from their discussions.
- Summarize key themes and encourage reflections on how dialogue deepened understanding of diverse perspectives.
- Close by reinforcing the importance of empathy and continuous respectful engagement.
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Slide Deck
Courageous Conversations: Brave Spaces Dialogues
Welcome! Today we will explore perspectives, engage in meaningful dialogues, and build a supportive, respectful classroom community.
Welcome students to the session. Introduce the topic of 'Courageous Conversations' and set a positive, respectful tone for the dialogue. Explain that today's session will explore personal values and societal norms through guided discussion.
Session Objectives
● Engage in guided dialogues on personal values and societal norms
● Develop empathy and active listening skills
● Reflect on current events and diverse perspectives
Outline the objectives of the session. Remind students that the goal is not to 'win' an argument, but to understand diverse perspectives and reflect on personal values.
Ground Rules for Dialogue
- Respect all voices
- Practice active listening
- Speak from personal experience
- Seek to understand, not to debate
Review the ground rules for respectful dialogue. Emphasize that every opinion is valued and that the aim is to listen and reflect.
Discussion Time
In small groups, use the Discussion Prompts to:
• Share personal reflections
• Listen actively
• Explore diverse perspectives
Transition into small group practice. Explain how the discussion prompts will guide their conversation in groups. Encourage personal reflection and articulate listening.
Reflection & Sharing
• What did you learn about your own values?
• How did listening to others influence your perspective?
• How can we keep these conversations going?
Wrap up the session by inviting students to share key takeaways from their discussions. Summarize and reinforce the value of empathy and continuous respectful engagement.
Discussion
Discussion Prompts Guide
Welcome to the Discussion Prompts Guide! This guide is designed to help facilitate meaningful conversations that explore personal values, societal norms, and current events. The goal is to create a brave space where every student feels empowered to share their experiences and perspectives, all while practicing active listening and empathy.
Guidelines for Facilitators
- Establish a Safe Space: Begin by reminding students of the importance of respect, confidentiality, and active listening. Explain that every voice is valuable.
- Set Clear Expectations: Outline the session’s objectives and ensure that everyone understands the discussion rules (e.g., speaking from personal experience, allowing pauses, and using respectful language).
- Monitor Engagement: As students share, gently guide the conversation to ensure that all voices are heard and that the conversation remains balanced and respectful.
Primary Discussion Prompts
-
Personal Values:
- What are some values that are important to you? How do these values shape your actions in daily life?
Follow-Up: Can you share an experience where these values were challenged or affirmed?
- What are some values that are important to you? How do these values shape your actions in daily life?
-
Societal Norms:
- How do societal expectations and norms influence your decisions or behavior? Are there norms you agree with or challenge?
Follow-Up: In what ways can questioning these norms lead to positive change?
- How do societal expectations and norms influence your decisions or behavior? Are there norms you agree with or challenge?
-
Current Events:
- Think about a recent news event or societal issue. What are your thoughts on it, and how does it relate to your personal experiences or beliefs?
Follow-Up: How might this event or issue be interpreted differently by people with diverse backgrounds?
- Think about a recent news event or societal issue. What are your thoughts on it, and how does it relate to your personal experiences or beliefs?
Additional Inquiry Questions
- How can engaging in open dialogue help us better understand viewpoints different from our own?
- In what ways can our personal stories contribute to a broader conversation about community values and change?
- What strategies can we use to ensure that everyone’s perspective is acknowledged and valued during our discussions?
Reflection Activity
After the discussion, consider having students write a brief reflection addressing the following:
- Reflection Questions:
- What new perspective did you gain today?
- How has the conversation influenced your understanding of societal norms or current events?
- What is one action you can take to continue fostering respectful dialogue in your community?
- What new perspective did you gain today?
Thank you for using this guide to help nurture thoughtful and empathetic conversations in your classroom. Remember, every discussion is an opportunity to learn and grow together!