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Courageous Conversations

Lesson Plan

Courageous Conversations Lesson Plan

Students will learn to engage in respectful, empathetic dialogues about challenging topics while building skills in active listening and debate.

This lesson empowers students to value diverse perspectives, fostering a classroom culture of inclusivity and critical thinking.

Audience

Middle and High School Students

Time

60-90 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussions and structured activities.

Materials

Courageous Conversations Lesson Plan, Slide Deck for Courageous Conversations, and Discussion Prompts for Courageous Conversations

Prep

Preparation for Courageous Conversations

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Setting Expectations

10 minutes

  • Begin with an introduction explaining the purpose of courageous conversations.
  • Discuss classroom norms and expectations for respectful dialogue.
  • Emphasize the importance of active listening and empathy throughout the activity.

Step 2

Guided Discussion Activity

35 minutes

  • Present a series of discussion prompts using the Discussion Prompts for Courageous Conversations.
  • Facilitate small group discussions to allow students to share diverse perspectives.
  • Rotate among groups to observe and provide support while promoting inclusive dialogue.

Step 3

Debrief and Reflection

15 minutes

  • Bring the class together to share insights and learning moments.
  • Encourage students to reflect on how the discussion challenged their views and enhanced their understanding.
  • Summarize key points and revisit the classroom norms established at the beginning.
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Slide Deck

Courageous Conversations

Engaging in respectful and empathetic dialogue on challenging topics

Welcome the students and introduce the concept of courageous conversations. Emphasize that it's about engaging in open dialogue about challenging topics with respect and empathy.

Lesson Objective

Learn to engage in respectful, empathetic dialogues while building skills in active listening and debate.

Explain the objective of the lesson. Highlight that the aim is not to debate who is right or wrong, but to understand diverse perspectives.

Classroom Norms

  • Listen actively
  • Speak respectfully
  • Embrace diverse perspectives
  • No interruption while someone is speaking

Outline classroom norms and expectations. This slide grounds students in the values of openness, respect, and active listening.

Discussion Prompts

Present discussion prompts and encourage students to explore challenging topics thoughtfully. Remind students these prompts are designed to encourage a deeper understanding.

Debrief and Reflection

Reflect on how the conversation challenged your views and deepened your understanding.

Guide students to reflect on the discussion. Ask them questions about what they learned and how their perspectives may have shifted.

Thank You

Keep the conversation going outside the classroom.

Thank students for their participation and encourage them to take what they've learned into other discussions in life.

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Discussion

Discussion Prompts for Courageous Conversations

Below are open-ended prompts designed to help students explore challenging topics with respect and empathy. These prompts encourage diverse perspectives and thoughtful dialogue. Teachers can use these questions to guide discussions, and feel free to adapt or add follow-up points as needed.





1. What Does Courage Look Like in Everyday Life?

  • Prompt: Think about a time when you or someone you know stood up for what was right, even if it was difficult. What motivated that action?










  • Follow-Up: How can recognizing everyday acts of courage help create a more empathetic community?

2. How Do Our Backgrounds Influence Our Perspectives?

  • Prompt: Consider how your personal experiences shape your opinions on sensitive issues. Can you share an example?










  • Follow-Up: In what ways can listening to others with different backgrounds expand our understanding?

3. What Does Respectful Debate Look Like?

  • Prompt: Describe a time when a challenging conversation was handled respectfully and constructively. What strategies were used to keep the dialogue positive?










  • Follow-Up: What role does active listening play in ensuring a respectful conversation?

4. How Can We Create a Safe Space for Difficult Conversations?

  • Prompt: Discuss what a “safe space” means to you in a classroom setting. What are some guidelines or behaviors that contribute to this environment?










  • Follow-Up: How can we as students and teachers work together to maintain a safe space during challenging discussions?

These prompts are designed to help each student reflect personally while also learning from their peers. They are meant to inspire honest and respectful dialogue that challenges preconceptions and builds empathy.

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Courageous Conversations • Lenny Learning