Respectful Riffs Script

Introduction & Warm-Up (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon everyone. Today, we're going to talk about something super important for school and life: how to handle disagreements, especially with your teachers, in a way that shows respect and helps everyone feel heard. We call this 'Respectful Riffs' because it's about making sure our conversations, even when they're about differences, are harmonious and productive."

"Let's start with a quick thought: What comes to mind when you hear the word 'respect' in the context of school? Think about how it applies to how we treat each other, and particularly how students and teachers interact."

Teacher: "Great ideas. Respect is about valuing others, even when you have different opinions or feelings. And disagreements, believe it or not, are a totally normal part of life! We won't always agree with everyone, and that includes your teachers. The key isn't to avoid disagreements, but to learn how to handle them respectfully."

"Take a look at our first few slides on the Respectful Riffs Slide Deck as we dive into 'Why This Matters'."

Understanding Respectful Disagreement (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Now, let's talk about the wrong way and the right way to approach a disagreement. First, let's consider what not to do. Look at our slide titled 'What NOT To Do (Disrespectful)'."

"Why do you think these actions or words are considered disrespectful? What happens when someone uses these methods to express disagreement?"

Teacher: "Exactly. Those actions can make a situation worse, shut down communication, and damage relationships. Our goal is to solve problems and be heard, not to create more problems."

"So, if that's what not to do, what should we do? Let's look at the next slide: 'What TO Do (Respectful)'. This slide gives us some powerful strategies."

"Let's brainstorm together. What are some specific phrases or actions you could use to respectfully express a different opinion or question something a teacher has said? For example, instead of saying, 'You're wrong!', what could you say?"

(Write student suggestions on the board/chart paper. Guide them towards phrases like:)

• "Excuse me, Mr./Ms. [Teacher's Last Name], I have a different perspective on that. Could I share it?"
• "I understand what you're saying, but I'm a little confused about..."
• "May I talk with you for a moment after class about this?"
• "I feel [frustrated/confused/concerned] when [this happens] because [reason]."

Teacher: "Notice how these phrases start with politeness, acknowledge the teacher, or use 'I' statements. 'I' statements are super powerful because they express your feelings without blaming others. Remember to keep your voice calm and clear, and focus on the issue at hand, not personal attacks."

Role-Playing Scenarios (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Alright, it's time to put these skills into practice! I'm going to give you some scenarios where a disagreement might arise with a teacher. I want you to work with a partner or in small groups."

"Your task is to choose one scenario from the Respectful Riffs Scenarios and role-play it. One of you will play the student, and the other will play the teacher. Focus on using the respectful communication strategies we just discussed. Really think about how you say things, not just what you say."

"I'll be walking around to listen in and offer some tips. After a few minutes, we'll have a couple of groups share their role-plays with us."

(Allow students to work for about 7 minutes. Circulate and provide feedback. Then, call on a couple of groups to share.)

Teacher: "Excellent job everyone! It's not always easy to do this in the moment, but practice helps a lot. What did you notice about the groups that demonstrated respectful communication? What made it effective?"

Wrap-Up & Cool-Down (5 minutes)

Teacher: "We're almost out of time, but before we go, I want each of you to think about one key takeaway from today's lesson. What's one thing you learned or were reminded of about respectful disagreement?"

(Call on 2-3 students to share.)

Teacher: "Fantastic. Remember, your voice matters, and it's important to know how to use it effectively and respectfully. These skills will serve you well, not just in this classroom, but throughout your life."

"Finally, I have a quick Respectful Riffs Cool Down for you to complete as an exit ticket. Please take a moment to fill it out before you leave. Thank you all for your thoughtful participation today!"

Respectful Riffs Scenarios

Choose one of the following scenarios to role-play with your partner or small group. Remember to use the respectful communication strategies we discussed!

Scenario 1: The Misunderstanding

You believe you turned in your history essay, but your teacher, Mr. Harrison, tells the class that several essays are missing, including yours. You know you submitted it online before the deadline, but Mr. Harrison insists it's not there. You're worried about getting a zero.

Your Goal: Respectfully explain your situation and work with Mr. Harrison to resolve the misunderstanding.

Scenario 2: The Unfair Grade

You received a C on your science project, but you feel you worked very hard and met all the requirements on the rubric. Your teacher, Ms. Jenkins, gave specific feedback you disagree with, and you think your grade should be higher.

Your Goal: Respectfully discuss your grade with Ms. Jenkins and present your reasoning for why you believe it should be re-evaluated.

Scenario 3: The Group Project Disagreement

During a group project, your teacher, Mrs. Davis, assigns you a specific role you don't feel is fair or utilizes your strengths. You believe another role would be better for you and the team, but Mrs. Davis seems set on her decision.

Your Goal: Respectfully express your concerns to Mrs. Davis and suggest an alternative, explaining your reasoning without being demanding.

Scenario 4: The Classroom Rule

Your teacher, Mr. Lee, implements a new classroom rule about cell phone usage that you and your friends find overly strict and disruptive to how you use technology for school-related tasks. You believe it will make it harder, not easier, to get work done.

Your Goal: Respectfully explain your concerns about the new rule to Mr. Lee and suggest a possible modification.

Respectful Riffs: Cool Down

Take a moment to reflect on today's lesson. Please answer the following questions:

1. What is one important thing you learned or were reminded of today about disagreeing respectfully with a teacher?
   
   
   
   
   

2. Write down one "I statement" you could use the next time you have a disagreement or want to express a different opinion.
   
   
   
   
   

3. How do you think using respectful communication helps your relationship with teachers and creates a better classroom environment?