Quick Connections Warm-Up

Time: 3 minutes

Instructions:

1. Find a partner, ideally someone you don't usually talk to much.
   
2. You each have 30 seconds to share one interesting thing about your past weekend or your day so far.
   
3. Your partner's job is to listen actively and ask one follow-up question to show they heard you.
   
4. After both partners have shared, be ready to briefly share one thing you learned about your partner with the class if called upon.

Two Sides, Same Coin

Time: 15 minutes

Objective: To practice active listening, empathy, and identifying common ground when faced with differing opinions.

Materials:

• List of neutral, age-appropriate topics with two clear, opposing viewpoints (provided below).

Instructions:

1. Form Pairs: Students will work in pairs. If there's an odd number, one group can be a trio, with one person acting as a mediator.
2. Assign Sides: Each pair will be given a topic from the list below. Within each pair, assign one student to argue Side A and the other to argue Side B. It doesn't matter if they genuinely agree with their assigned side; the goal is to argue it persuasively and then find common ground.
3. Initial Argument (3-4 minutes): Each student takes a turn presenting their assigned side's arguments. Focus on clear communication and respectful presentation. Side A presents, then Side B presents.
4. Active Listening & Clarification (3-4 minutes): Students then engage in active listening. They should paraphrase their partner's points to ensure they understand them correctly. They can ask clarifying questions but not challenge the points yet.
5. Finding Common Ground (5-6 minutes): This is the core of the game. The pair must now work together to find at least three points of common ground or shared values that underpin both sides of the argument. These aren't compromises, but underlying agreements or shared goals (e.g., "We both want what's best for students," or "We both value safety."). Write these points down.
   
6. Share Out (Optional): If time permits, have a few pairs share their topic and the common ground they found with the class.

Example Topics:

• Topic 1: School Start Times

  • Side A: School should start later to allow students more sleep and improve academic performance.
  • Side B: School should start earlier to allow for more after-school activities and sports, and to align with parent work schedules.
  • Possible Common Ground: Both sides value student well-being, both want students to succeed academically, both believe extracurriculars are important.

• Topic 2: Group Projects

  • Side A: Group projects are essential for learning teamwork and collaboration skills.
  • Side B: Group projects are often unfair, with some students doing all the work and others getting a free ride.
  • Possible Common Ground: Both sides want fair assessment, both value effective learning, both want to ensure everyone contributes.

• Topic 3: Social Media Use in Schools

  • Side A: Social media should be allowed in schools (with guidelines) as it's a key part of modern communication and can be used for educational purposes.
  • Side B: Social media should be banned in schools due to distractions, cyberbullying, and negative impacts on mental health.
  • Possible Common Ground: Both sides care about student safety, both want students to focus on learning, both recognize the importance of responsible digital citizenship.

One Word Wisdom Cool Down

Time: 2 minutes

Instructions:

1. Take a moment to reflect on today's activities and discussions about SEL games.
2. Think about one word that best describes your biggest takeaway from the lesson, how you feel right now, or something new you learned.
   
   
   
3. When called upon, share your word with the class. No need for a long explanation, just your word! (e.g., "Connected," "Insightful," "Challenged," "Fun")