Counselora · Small Groups
Disagreeing without insulting someone: small-group series
Grades 6–8 · Ready-made original
Learning goal
Name a disagreement and suggest a fair way to decide.
Materials
These three story cards, the response page below, and pencils.
Write, draw, or say your answer. You may pass.
Session 1: Find a first response
Opening · 4 minutes
“What would help them decide without insults?”
Story · 6 minutes
A project group must choose between a comic and a short video. Alex wants the comic because it can be completed in class. Drew wants the video because the group has already filmed one scene. They begin saying the other idea is stupid. The deadline is tomorrow.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
“We have two ideas and one day. Which can we finish with the time and materials available?”
Practice · 10 minutes
One partner reads the story above. The other tries the words or actions in the supplied response. Switch readers if you want. Writing, drawing, watching, or passing is also a choice.
Student response · 3 minutes
What would help them decide without insults?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What would help them decide without insults?”
Session 2: Try a second situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“What would help them decide without insults?”
Story · 6 minutes
Two students want different poster designs. One calls the other design silly.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
“Let's compare what each design needs without insulting either idea.”
Practice · 10 minutes
Use the story above. Try a first response, then compare it with the supplied response. A partner can read the response instead of acting.
Student response · 3 minutes
What would help them decide without insults?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What would help them decide without insults?”
Session 3: Try a different situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“What would help them decide without insults?”
Story · 6 minutes
A group cannot agree because the assignment's format rule is unclear.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
“Before we decide, let's ask which formats are allowed.”
Practice · 10 minutes
Use the story above. Write or say a response before reading the supplied response. Compare them. Choose one word or action that makes the response clearer.
Student response · 3 minutes
What would help them decide without insults?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What would help them decide without insults?”
Session 4: Choose and use the skill
Opening · 4 minutes
“What would help them decide without insults?”
Story · 6 minutes
A project group must choose between a comic and a short video. Alex wants the comic because it can be completed in class. Drew wants the video because the group has already filmed one scene. They begin saying the other idea is stupid. The deadline is tomorrow.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
“We have two ideas and one day. Which can we finish with the time and materials available?”
Practice · 10 minutes
Choose story 1, 2, or 3 from the cards below. One partner reads it; the other gives a response. Switch readers if you want. Use the supplied responses to check whether the action fits the problem.
Student response · 3 minutes
What would help them decide without insults?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What would help them decide without insults?”
Story cards to print
Card 1
A project group must choose between a comic and a short video. Alex wants the comic because it can be completed in class. Drew wants the video because the group has already filmed one scene. They begin saying the other idea is stupid. The deadline is tomorrow.
What would help them decide without insults?
Card 2
Two students want different poster designs. One calls the other design silly.
What would help them decide without insults?
Card 3
A group cannot agree because the assignment's format rule is unclear.
What would help them decide without insults?