Lesson Plan
Courageous Conversations Lesson Plan
Students will learn to express themselves respectfully, actively listen to others, and navigate disagreements constructively.
Learning to communicate effectively and respectfully is a crucial life skill. It helps students build stronger relationships, stand up for themselves, and resolve conflicts peacefully, leading to increased self-confidence and healthier interactions both in and out of the classroom.
Audience
3rd-6th Grade Students
Time
45-60 minutes
Approach
Interactive scenarios, guided practice, and group discussions.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Courageous Conversations Slide Deck, Markers or pens, Paper or notebooks, Role-Play Activity, My Assertive Voice Worksheet, and Discussion Prompts
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review all generated materials: Courageous Conversations Lesson Plan, Courageous Conversations Slide Deck, Role-Play Activity, My Assertive Voice Worksheet, and Discussion Prompts.
- Ensure projector or whiteboard is ready for the slide deck.
- Print copies of the Role-Play Activity and My Assertive Voice Worksheet for each student or group.
Step 1
Introduction: What are Courageous Conversations?
10 minutes
- Begin with a warm-up question: "Think about a time you wanted to say something important, but felt nervous. What happened?" Allow a few students to share.
- Introduce the concept of "Courageous Conversations" using Courageous Conversations Slide Deck (Slide 1-3). Emphasize that it's about speaking kindly but clearly.
- Define active listening and assertive communication simply for their age group.
Step 2
Active Listening Practice
10 minutes
- Use Courageous Conversations Slide Deck (Slide 4) to explain active listening. Provide examples like making eye contact, nodding, and asking clarifying questions.
- Pair students up. Give them a simple topic (e.g., "My favorite animal and why") and instruct one student to speak while the other practices active listening. After 2 minutes, have them switch roles.
Step 3
Assertive Communication: Role-Play Scenarios
15 minutes
- Introduce the idea of "speaking our truth" using Courageous Conversations Slide Deck (Slide 5-6). Explain the difference between aggressive, passive, and assertive communication.
- Distribute the Role-Play Activity worksheet. Divide students into small groups (3-4 students).
- Each group will choose one scenario from the Role-Play Activity and practice an assertive response. Circulate to provide guidance and feedback.
Step 4
Reflection and Worksheet
10 minutes
- Bring the class back together. Ask groups to briefly share one assertive technique they used.
- Distribute the My Assertive Voice Worksheet. Have students complete the prompts individually, reflecting on what they learned about speaking their truth.
- Encourage them to think about how they can apply these skills in their daily lives.
Step 5
Wrap-Up & Discussion
5-10 minutes
- Use Courageous Conversations Slide Deck (Slide 7) to review key takeaways.
- Facilitate a class discussion using the Discussion Prompts. Focus on how practicing courageous conversations can make their school and personal lives better.
- End by reiterating that courageous conversations are about respect for ourselves and others.
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
Courageous Conversations: Speaking Our Truth
How do we share our thoughts and feelings clearly and kindly?
Welcome students and introduce the topic. Ask them to think about times they wanted to say something important but felt nervous. Encourage sharing if they feel comfortable.
Why Are They Important?
- To share our ideas and needs
- To understand others better
- To solve problems together
- To feel good about ourselves
Explain that courageous conversations aren't about being mean, but about being brave enough to share what we truly think and feel, while also respecting others. It's about being honest with kindness.
What is Active Listening?
It's not just hearing, it's really listening to understand!
How to be an active listener:
- Look at the person speaking
- Nod your head to show you're listening
- Don't interrupt
- Ask questions to understand more (e.g., "Can you tell me more about that?")
Introduce the idea that before we speak, we need to listen. Emphasize that listening is a big part of being courageous because it shows respect.
Let's Practice Listening!
Pair up with a classmate.
Partner A: Share about your favorite animal for 2 minutes.
Partner B: Practice active listening!
Then switch roles!
Set up the paired activity. Give students a simple topic to discuss (e.g., "My favorite hobby and why"). One speaks, one listens actively. Then switch.
Speaking Our Truth Assertively
How can we share what we think and feel in a brave, kind, and clear way?
- Passive: Staying quiet, not sharing your feelings.
- Aggressive: Shouting, being mean, not listening to others.
- Assertive: Speaking clearly and respectfully, sharing your feelings, and listening to others.
Explain that 'speaking our truth' means sharing what we think and feel. Introduce the three types of communication using simple language and examples. Emphasize assertive as the goal.
Time for Courageous Role-Play!
We're going to practice being assertive using some everyday situations.
Work in small groups to act out how you would have a courageous conversation!
Transition to the role-play activity. Explain that they will get a worksheet with scenarios and practice being assertive.
Courageous Takeaways!
- Listen Actively: Truly hear what others are saying.
- Speak Assertively: Share your thoughts and feelings clearly and kindly.
- Respect Yourself & Others: Everyone's voice is important!
Conclude the lesson by summarizing the main points and encouraging students to use these skills. Ask them to think about how these skills will help them in their daily lives.
Activity
Role-Play Activity: Speak Your Truth!
Instructions:
Work with your group. Read the scenarios below. Choose one scenario and decide how you would have a courageous conversation using assertive communication.
Remember to:
- Listen actively to each other.
- Use "I" statements to express your feelings (e.g., "I feel upset when...").
- Be respectful even when you disagree.
Scenarios:
Scenario 1: Sharing Supplies
Your friend keeps borrowing your pencils without asking and sometimes they don't give them back. You feel frustrated because you need your pencils for your work.
How would you tell your friend how you feel and what you need them to do?
Scenario 2: Playground Game
You and your friends are playing a game at recess, but one friend keeps changing the rules without telling anyone. You feel confused and a little left out.
How would you talk to your friend about playing fairly?
Scenario 3: Group Project Idea
Your group is working on a project, and you have a great idea, but your teammates keep interrupting you and won't let you finish explaining it. You feel unheard.
How would you assertively share your idea and ask for a chance to speak?
Scenario 4: Feeling Excluded
You notice that a few of your classmates are always playing together and they never invite you to join them. You feel a little sad and wish you could play too.
How would you courageously ask if you could join their game?
Worksheet
My Assertive Voice Worksheet
Name: ____________________________
Date: ____________________________
Part 1: What I Learned
-
What is one new thing you learned about active listening today?
-
In your own words, what does it mean to be "assertive"?
-
What is the difference between being assertive and being aggressive?
Part 2: Practicing My Voice
- Think of a time you wished you had spoken up for yourself or others, but didn't. What would you say now, using an "I" statement?
I feel ______________________________________ when ______________________________________.
Next time, I will try to say ____________________________________________________________________.
- Imagine a situation where you need to disagree with a friend respectfully. What are some things you could say?
Part 3: My Courageous Commitment
- How will you try to use your "assertive voice" this week at home or at school? Give one specific example.
Discussion
Discussion Prompts: Courageous Conversations
Instructions: Let's discuss what we've learned today about having courageous conversations. Share your thoughts respectfully with your classmates.
-
What was the most challenging part of practicing active listening or assertive communication?
-
Why is it important to use "I" statements when you are trying to share your feelings?
-
Can you think of a real-life situation (either from school or home) where having a courageous conversation could help make things better?
-
What does it feel like when someone actively listens to you? How does that change how you feel about sharing?
-
What is one thing you will try to remember when you need to have a courageous conversation in the future?