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Think It Through

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Lauren Wisse

Tier 2
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Pros & Cons Workshop Plan

Students will collaboratively analyze a controversial topic by listing pros and cons, engage in a structured debate, and recommend a responsible solution, strengthening critical thinking and respectful decision-making.

This lesson builds students’ responsible decision-making skills by guiding them to weigh evidence, hear diverse viewpoints, and reach a group consensus—key 21st-century competencies.

Audience

5th Grade Small Group

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Pros-and-cons listing and guided debate

Materials

Pros & Cons Workshop Plan, Debate Organizer Slides, Pros/Cons Posters, Group Consensus Prompts, and One-Minute Reflection

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

  • Review the Debate Organizer Slides
  • Print or display the Pros/Cons Posters
  • Familiarize yourself with the Group Consensus Prompts
  • Select an age-appropriate controversial topic for discussion
  • Ensure projector or chart paper is set up for group work

Step 1

Introduction & Ground Rules

5 minutes

  • Introduce the chosen topic and its relevance
  • Display and explain ground rules for respectful listening and speaking
  • Share objectives: list pros/cons, debate, and reach consensus using the Debate Organizer Slides

Step 2

Pros & Cons Brainstorm

10 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups of 3–4
  • Provide each group with a Pros/Cons Poster and markers
  • Instruct groups to list as many pros on one side and cons on the other
  • Circulate to prompt deeper thinking and ensure balance

Step 3

Structured Debate & Consensus

10 minutes

  • Use the Debate Organizer Slides to guide turn-taking
  • Encourage each group member to advocate for one pro or con
  • After debate, use Group Consensus Prompts to help groups agree on the strongest arguments and recommend a solution
  • Groups record their consensus on chart paper

Step 4

One-Minute Reflection

5 minutes

  • Distribute the One-Minute Reflection prompt
  • Students individually write what they learned about weighing options and making responsible decisions
  • Invite a few volunteers to share key takeaways
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Slide Deck

Debate Organizer

Use this slide deck to:

  • Review ground rules
  • Structure pros & cons sharing
  • Guide turn-taking
  • Reach group consensus and decide on a solution

Introduce the purpose of this organizer. Explain that it will guide turn-taking, keep discussion focused, and help the group reach a respectful decision.

Ground Rules for Respectful Debate

  • Listen when others speak
  • Speak kindly and without interruption
  • Use facts or examples to support your points
  • Keep an open mind and be willing to change your view

Read each rule aloud and invite students to share why it’s important. Emphasize kindness, listening, and evidence-based contributions.

Pros & Cons Chart

On your poster:

  • Left column: List all Pros (reasons in favor)
  • Right column: List all Cons (reasons against)

Be as specific as you can and balance both sides.

Point students to their Pros/Cons Posters. Show how to divide their chart into two columns and list ideas.

Structured Debate Steps

  1. Group Member A shares one Pro
  2. Group Member B shares one Con
  3. Continue rotating until all ideas are shared

Raise your hand to speak and wait to be called on.

Explain the step-by-step speaking order. Encourage students to reference their bullet points and keep contributions concise.

Reaching Group Consensus

Use the Group Consensus Prompts:

  • Which argument do we agree is strongest?
  • Why does it matter most?
  • What solution or recommendation will we propose?

Record your group’s consensus on chart paper.

Direct students to use the linked prompts to guide their decision-making. Remind them to find common ground and support their final choice with the best evidence.

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Activity

Pros/Cons Poster Template

Topic: ________________________________

Pros (Reasons For)Cons (Reasons Against)

Prompts to Guide Your Thinking:

  • Who benefits from this decision? Who might be hurt?
  • What are immediate effects? What could happen later?
  • Are there any costs (time, money, effort)? What are the benefits?

Use the blank space to add as many ideas as you can! Feel free to draw or sketch examples.






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Discussion

Group Consensus Prompts

Use these questions to guide your group toward a shared decision:

  1. Which Pro do we all agree is the strongest? Why is it the most convincing?
  2. Which Con do we all agree is the strongest? Why does it matter?
  3. Considering these key points, what recommendation can our group make?
  4. Who will be affected by our recommendation, and in what ways?
  5. Are there any potential drawbacks or concerns about our solution? How might we address them?
  6. Write your final consensus statement or action plan:

Consensus Record

  • Strongest Pro: ________________________________
  • Strongest Con: ________________________________
  • Our Recommendation: ___________________________







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Cool Down

One-Minute Reflection

Take one minute to think about today’s discussion and write brief responses to the prompts below:

  1. What did you learn about making responsible decisions by weighing pros and cons?






  2. How could you use this pros-and-cons approach when faced with a real-life decision?






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