Social Scenario 7
Fur-ever Friend or Ruff Decision?
.png)
Introduction
This week’s lesson involves Mrs. Anderson’s scenario with her kids wanting to adopt a dog, designed to cultivate students’ ethical reasoning and critical thinking. It prompts students to weigh the long-term responsibilities of pet ownership against the immediate joy it brings, encouraging them to consider the consequences of their decisions empathetically and critically.
This exercise aims to deepen their understanding of commitment and care within a real-world context.
This week, we’ve got a real-life puzzle for you to solve about Mrs. Anderson and her kids who are super keen on getting a dog.
The kids have their hearts set on a cute dog they’ve seen at the local shelter, and they can’t stop talking about how amazing it would be to have a pet to play with. They’ve promised to take care of it and everything!
But here’s the deal: Mrs. Anderson knows that a dog is a lot more than just fun and games. Dogs need walks every day, they have to go to the vet, and they need lots of love. We’re talking about a commitment that could last around 20 years! She’s not sure if the kids really get how big of a promise this is.
On the flip side, having a dog could be a great way for the kids to learn some pretty important stuff like responsibility, caring, and what it means to have a furry friend.
So, what do you think Mrs. Anderson should do? Watch the video we’ve put together for you to get the full story. Chat with your classmates to figure out the best choice and then share your ideas with everyone. Think about how everyone will be affected by the decision, and remember, responsibility is key when you’re making these big choices.
Quote of the week - Immanuel Kant
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 world 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.
.png)
Reading Activity - The Scenario
In today’s session, students will engage in an exercise designed to enhance their problem-solving and decision-making abilities through a collaborative activity. They’ll explore a social situation and deliberate for an hour to identify the most favorable outcome before presenting their conclusions for class discussion.
The exercise is structured to cultivate their analytical abilities, encouraging them to embrace diverse viewpoints and ideas. Active listening, constructive questioning, and respect for varied opinions will be crucial as they seek consensus on the optimal resolution.
This lesson’s goal is to furnish students with the competencies necessary for informed decision-making that impacts both their personal and communal spheres. Collaborative practice in this setting aims to better prepare them for future real-world challenges requiring thoughtful problem-solving and decision-making.
n our activity today, we’ll join together to solve a social scenario as a team. We have one hour to think about the best choice we can make, and then we’ll explain our decision to the class for a group discussion.
Teamwork is important because it lets us hear different ideas and use our thinking skills to find the best answer. We need to listen to each other, ask good questions, and respect everyone’s opinions.
Learning to make decisions is a big part of growing up. By practicing now, we’ll be ready for all kinds of situations in the future.
Let’s read the story, consider every point of view, work together, enjoy the process, and see what great ideas we come up with for this week’s challenge!
Group Analysis - What Do You Think? Let's Discuss.
In today’s lesson, students will collaboratively scrutinise the implications of certain decisions on various stakeholders by utilizing the provided booklet. They’ll debate as a team the pros and cons of these decisions, recording their insights along the way.
The class will then contemplate remedies or alternatives to mitigate any adverse outcomes for the stakeholders. For instance, should a decision negatively influence a stakeholder, students are to brainstorm protective strategies.
The exercise calls for their adept use of critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, urging them to assess the scenario from multiple angles and weigh the outcomes of their decisions on all parties concerned.
Effective communication and collaboration are also key. Students must articulate their thoughts and consider their peers’ viewpoints to forge the most effective resolution.
The objective is to foster students’ critical and empathetic thinking, nurturing their awareness of the broader repercussions of their choices.
Use the booklet provided to evaluate the impact of the decision on each stakeholder involved. Work with your team to discuss the positive and negative effects of the decision, and take notes on your findings.
Then, based on the impact, think about a solution or alternative to avoid the negative impact on stakeholders. For example, if sitting in the sun for too long can cause skin cancer, wearing sunscreen can help protect us from this hazard.
If the decision made has a negative impact on a stakeholder, consider alternative ways of protecting them from this danger.
Work together and discuss the situation from all perspectives, taking into account the needs and concerns of all stakeholders. Use your critical thinking and problem-solving skills to come up with the best solution possible.
Stand Up and Speak - Your 2 Minute Delivery
Students will follow the task card’s five steps to prepare a two-minute talk. They will decide what to say and who will say it. Students will also need to be prepared for questions that may arise during or after the presentation.
During the talk, students will explain their decision and its impact on everyone involved. It’s essential to speak clearly and use simple language to ensure that everyone understands. This will also help to ensure that everyone is on the same page and there is no confusion about the decision made.
Preparing for this talk is an excellent chance for students to practice their communication skills, including speaking clearly, actively listening to others, and responding thoughtfully to questions. Students will need to work collaboratively and practice active listening as they work together to prepare their presentation.
By sharing their decision confidently and respectfully, students will develop their confidence in public speaking and presentation skills, which are crucial for future success. This lesson will also emphasize the importance of respectful communication and active listening, essential skills that students will need throughout their academic and professional careers.
aand professional careers. and professional careers
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 its impact on everyone involved. Speak clearly and use simple language to help everyone understand.
Preparing for this talk is a chance to practice your public speaking and presentation skills. By sharing your decision confidently and respectfully, you can make sure that everyone is on the same page. 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 Dog Saves the Day
In this lesson, students will watch a video as a class and have a final discussion about the importance of animals in the lives of humans.
They will reflect on what they have learned throughout the week and discuss how they have been inspired to take action in the future.
This week we have been discussing the choice of getting a pet dog or not. As a class, watch the following video and have a final discussion about how you have been inspired this week and what today’s lesson has taught you about the decisions you may need to make in the future.
“The only constant in this world is change, and that change is you!”