Social Scenario 2
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Introduction
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This lesson requires the students to step into the shoes of Samantha, the principal of a middle school, who must make a decision about the dress code policy. We emphasise the importance of compromise and encourage the students to consider all stakeholders’ perspectives, including the school’s academic goals, parents, and students.
After watching a video that explains the scenario, the students will work in teams to come up with a decision that takes into account the needs and perspectives of all stakeholders involved. We expect the students to demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. They will need to listen to each other’s ideas and opinions, respectfully share their own, and work collaboratively to make a decision that benefits everyone.
Moreover, we expect the students to demonstrate empathy, an important life skill that allows them to understand and share the feelings of others. By using empathy, they can become compassionate and responsible members of society.
This week, we want you to put yourself in the shoes of Samantha, the principal of a middle school, who is faced with a tough decision regarding the school’s dress code policy. As the principal of the school, Samantha has to make a decision that balances the needs and opinions of parents, students, and the school’s academic goals.
In this lesson, we will be discussing the importance of compromise and how it can help Samantha make the right decision when faced with this dilemma. We will explore how Samantha can think like an adult and consider the perspectives of everyone involved, while also keeping in mind the school’s academic goals.
We will watch a video that provides a scenario for this week and work together as a team to come up with a decision. We will then present our ideas to the class for discussion and debate. Remember, it’s crucial to consider how our decision will affect everyone involved and to use compromise to help guide our choices. So, let’s put on our Principal hats and get ready to make some tough decisions!
Quote of the Week - Maya Angelou
Each week we will start by reading a quote, talking about what it means to further understand how we can use these words as lessons to learn from.
Read the following quote and discuss it with your class. You may even want to print it out and collate the quotes over the weeks to create a wall of discussion for future research projects.
Read this week’s quote and think about what it means and what we can learn from it to make the world a better place!
You may want to note it down in your notebook and draw a nice picture next to it! Each week we will visit a quote from a famous figure in the wolrd and try to read between the lines of what they mean.
Quotes can be very powerful tools for change and a wonderful way to get your message out to the world.
Stick this one on the classroom wall and maybe discuss it each day before you go home from school.
Reading Activity - The Scenario
Today’s lesson focuses on developing problem-solving and decision-making skills through a group activity. The children will be presented with a social scenario and will have an hour to determine the optimal solution. Afterwards, they will share their decision with the class for a debate.
During this exercise, the children will enhance their critical thinking abilities by considering various perspectives and ideas. Actively listening, asking questions, and respecting divergent opinions are key factors in reaching the best possible outcome.
The significance of this lesson is to impart valuable skills necessary for making decisions affecting themselves and others in daily life. By collaborating and practicing these abilities now, they will be better prepared to tackle future situations requiring problem-solving and decision-making.
In this group activity, we’ll practice our problem-solving and decision-making skills by tackling a social scenario. Within an hour, we will work together to determine the best option, and then share our decision with the class for further discussion.
By collaborating, we can explore diverse perspectives and ideas, and apply our critical thinking skills to identify the most effective solution. Listening attentively, asking questions, and respecting divergent opinions are crucial to success.This skill is essential as we’ll encounter numerous situations in life that require us to make decisions impacting ourselves and others. Developing this ability now will equip us to navigate future challenges confidently.Read the provided scenario, consider all perspectives, and work together to generate innovative ideas to resolve this week’s social scenario. Let’s have fun and see what creative solutions we can generate!
Group Analysis - What Do You Think? Let's Discuss.
Use the task card to evaluate the impact of our decision on each person involved. Work together with your team to identify the advantages and disadvantages of the decision, and write down your observations.
Then, depending on the impact, let’s explore a solution or alternative to avoid negative consequences for those involved. For example, if eating unhealthy food causes you to feel slow and sluggish, maybe choosing healthier foods could help?
If the decision has a negative impact on someone, let’s consider other ways to protect them from harm.
Let’s work together and think about the situation from all perspectives, taking into account everyone’s needs and concerns. Use your critical thinking and problem-solving skills to come up with the best possible solution.
Use the task card to evaluate the impact of our decision on each person involved. Work together with your team to identify the advantages and disadvantages of the decision, and write down your observations.
Then, depending on the impact, let’s explore a solution or alternative to avoid negative consequences for those involved. For example, if eating unhealthy food causes you to feel slow and sluggish, maybe choosing healthier foods could help?
If the decision has a negative impact on someone, let’s consider other ways to protect them from harm.
Let’s work together and think about the situation from all perspectives, taking into account everyone’s needs and concerns. Use your critical thinking and problem-solving skills to come up with the best possible solution.
Stand Up and Speak - Your 2 Minute Delivery
To prepare for a two-minute talk, students must follow five steps. They should research and understand their audience to tailor their speech to their interests and needs.
During the talk, students should speak clearly and use simple language to ensure comprehension. This activity helps improve communication skills and emphasizes respectful communication and active listening. By respectfully conveying their decision, students develop confidence in public speaking and presentation skills.
Now that your team has made a decision, it’s important to share it with the rest of the community. Follow the task card’s five steps to prepare a two-minute talk. Decide what to say and who will say it, and be ready for questions.
During your talk, explain your decision and how it will affect everyone involved. Speak clearly and use simple words to help everyone understand.Getting ready for this talk is an excellent opportunity to practice your public speaking and presentation skills. By sharing your decision confidently and politely, you can make sure that everyone is informed. Good luck!
Practicing Democracy - Let's Vote!
In this lesson, students will participate in a simulation of a democratic process. The teacher’s role is to facilitate the discussion and encourage students to engage in critical thinking and analysis of issues.
First, students will engage in a discussion about the importance of democracy and how public opinion can affect decisions made in society. They will learn about the power of their vote and how it can make a difference in the world.
Next, students will have the opportunity to practice their decision-making skills by casting an anonymous vote on a fictional issue. They will write their decision on a piece of paper, and after everyone has voted, the teacher will tally the totals and announce the decision to the class.
During the lesson, the teacher’s role is to facilitate the discussion, encourage respectful communication and active listening, and help students understand the importance of their voice and vote.
Once all groups have delivered their speeches, it’s time for an anonymous class vote to see the public opinion. This is like how democratic nations vote in new leaders or make decisions on how the country should be run. This is your chance to use your voice to make a difference and save the world.
Although this scenario is fictional, one day you will be asked to cast your vote on a real issue that will affect people you have never met. This week, we will practice these essential skills.
As a class, write your decision on a piece of paper, and after everyone has voted, tally the totals and announce the decision to the class. Everyone deserves a voice, and this is your chance to use yours.
Weekly Inspiration - The Power of Voice
In this lesson, students will learn that their voice matters and how to speak up about things that are important to them. They will watch a video and discuss how protecting nature is more important than money and profits. They will also reflect on what they’ve learned and how they can take action in the future.
This week, we’ve talked about the importance of making decisions with others in mind. We have learned how powerful our voice can be. Together as a class, we’ll watch a video and have a final chat about how we feel inspired and what we’ve learned.
We’ll talk about the decisions we might need to make in the future. Remember, you have the power to make a difference.
“Your voice is your power. Use it to make the world a better place.”