As educators, we understand the importance of teaching our high school students valuable social skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. One such skill is knowing when to “think it” or “say it” – in other words, using a filter when communicating with others. In this blog post, we’ll cover an engaging no-prep activity to help students practice this skill, along with discussion questions and related skills to further enhance their understanding.
Introduction
Using a filter in communication is a crucial aspect of social-emotional learning that helps students become more mindful of their words and their impact on others. By learning to differentiate between thoughts that should be shared and those that should be kept to themselves, students can foster positive relationships, avoid conflicts, and develop empathy.
No-Prep Activity: Two Sides
Welcome to the “Two Sides” game, where students will observe and analyze how people act in different situations and decide if they should “think it” or “say it.” This activity will help students understand the concept of using a filter in their everyday conversations.
To begin, divide the class into small groups or pairs. Provide each group with a list of scenarios that involve different types of interactions between individuals. For each scenario, students will discuss whether the person should “think it” or “say it” and explain their reasoning.
Here’s an example scenario:
Lucas and Mia are discussing their favorite movies. Mia says she loves a particular movie that Lucas thinks is terrible.
Students will then discuss whether Lucas should “think it” (keep his negative opinion to himself) or “say it” (share his thoughts with Mia). Encourage them to consider the potential consequences of each choice and how it may affect their relationship.
As students work through the scenarios, they’ll develop a better understanding of when to use a filter in their own conversations.
Discussion Questions
After completing the activity, use these discussion questions to stimulate further conversations and deepen students’ understanding of the concept:
- Why is it important to use a filter when communicating with others?
- Can you think of a time when you chose to “think it” instead of “say it”? How did that decision impact the situation?
- What are some situations where it might be difficult to decide whether to “think it” or “say it”? How can you make the right choice in those situations?
- How can using a filter in communication help build stronger relationships?
- What are some strategies you can use to become more mindful of your thoughts and words?
Related Skills
Beyond using a filter, there are several other related skills that can help students improve their social interactions and emotional well-being:
- Active Listening: Paying close attention to what others are saying, showing empathy, and responding thoughtfully.
- Conflict Resolution: Identifying and addressing issues in a constructive manner to find a mutually beneficial solution.
- Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, which helps in fostering positive relationships.
- Assertiveness: Expressing oneself in a confident and respectful manner, while considering the feelings and opinions of others.
Next Steps
If you’re interested in exploring more activities like “Two Sides” and other valuable social-emotional learning resources, visit Everyday Speech’s sample materials and sign up for free samples. These resources will help you create engaging lesson plans that will empower your high school students to develop essential life skills and thrive in various social situations.
