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Voices and Choices

Lesson Plan

Voices and Choices

Explore feelings about the election

This lesson focuses on helping middle school students explore and express their internal feelings related to the upcoming presidential election. Through a guided discussion and experiential activity, students will have the opportunity to bring their emotions to the surface and understand how these feelings impact their mental health. This lesson is important as it provides a safe space for students to voice their thoughts and learn coping strategies for managing election-related stress.

Audience

Middle School Health and Wellness

Time

40 minutes

Approach

Inquiry-Based Learning, Experiential Learning

Materials

Discussion Questions, Feelings Worksheet, Pens and Paper, Voting Slips, and Ballot Box

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

  • Welcome students and introduce the topic of the presidential election.
  • Explain the importance of understanding and expressing our feelings about current events.
  • Set the tone for a respectful and open discussion.

Step 2

Guided Discussion

10 minutes

  • Use the provided discussion questions to facilitate a conversation about the election.
  • Encourage students to share their thoughts and feelings in a safe environment.
  • Highlight the importance of listening to others and respecting diverse opinions.

Step 3

Interactive Voting Activity

10 minutes

  • Distribute voting slips to each student and explain the anonymous voting process.
  • Present a list of issues related to the election for students to vote on.
  • Collect the votes in a ballot box and tally the results.
  • Display the results and discuss how students' views align or differ.

Step 4

Experiential Activity

10 minutes

  • Distribute the 'Feelings Worksheet' to each student.
  • Ask students to reflect on their emotions related to the election and write them down.
  • Encourage students to think about how these feelings affect their mental health and daily life.

Step 5

Sharing and Reflection

5 minutes

  • Invite students to share their reflections from the worksheet with the class or in small groups.
  • Discuss common themes and feelings that emerged during the activity.
  • Reinforce the importance of acknowledging and managing emotions.

Step 6

Closure

5 minutes

  • Summarize the key points discussed in the lesson.
  • Encourage students to continue reflecting on their feelings and to seek support if needed.
  • Thank students for their participation and openness.
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Discussion

Discussion Questions: Election Feelings

This discussion will help students articulate their feelings about the upcoming presidential election and its impact on their mental health.

How do you feel about the upcoming presidential election?

Encourage students to share their honest feelings, whether they are excited, anxious, or indifferent.







Why do you think it's important to talk about our feelings related to the election?

Discuss the benefits of expressing emotions and how it can help in understanding and managing stress.







How can we support each other in dealing with election-related stress?

Explore ideas for peer support, such as listening, sharing experiences, and offering encouragement.







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Worksheet

Feelings Worksheet

This worksheet will guide students in reflecting on their emotions related to the presidential election and how these feelings impact their mental health.

List three emotions you feel when you think about the election.

Consider both positive and negative emotions.







How do these emotions affect your daily life and mental health?

Think about changes in mood, behavior, or stress levels.







What strategies can you use to manage these feelings?

Consider activities like talking to someone, journaling, or practicing mindfulness.







How are you currently using your voice to express your feelings about the election?

Think about conversations, social media, or other forms of expression.







What are some ways you could use your voice to express your feelings about the election?

Consider writing a letter, participating in a discussion, or creating art.







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Worksheet

Voting Questions

These cards contain controversial questions for students to vote on during the interactive voting activity. They are designed to provoke thought and discussion among middle school students.




Should students have more say in school rules or should it be left to adults?







Is it better to have a longer school year with more breaks or a shorter school year with fewer breaks?







Should schools focus more on academic subjects or on life skills like cooking and budgeting?







Is it more important to have a strong sports program or a strong arts program in schools?







Should students be graded on effort or on results?







Is it better to have a uniform dress code or allow students to express themselves through their clothing?







Should schools prioritize technology in the classroom or traditional teaching methods?







Is it more beneficial for students to learn a second language or focus on improving their English skills?







Should schools have more field trips or more guest speakers?







Is it more important for schools to focus on preparing students for college or for the workforce?







Should social media be allowed in schools for educational purposes?







Is it fair to have different rules for different age groups in school?







Should students be involved in the hiring process of teachers?







Is it better to have a school start later in the day to allow more sleep?







Should schools implement more project-based learning instead of traditional exams?




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