Introduction
As educators, one of the key skills we want to impart to our students is the ability to discern when it is appropriate to share their thoughts and when it is best to keep them to themselves. This important social-emotional learning skill, often referred to as “Think It or Say It,” helps students build positive relationships, foster empathy, and navigate social situations with grace. In this blog post, we will explore a no-prep activity designed for high school students that teaches the Think It or Say It skill, along with discussion questions and related skills to enhance their learning experience.
No-Prep Activity: Two Sides Game
In the Two Sides game, students will analyze various scenarios to determine whether it is appropriate to express their thoughts or to keep them to themselves. The objective is to help students understand the importance of considering the feelings and perspectives of others before speaking.
To play the game, divide the class into two teams. Present a series of hypothetical situations to the students, and ask each team to decide whether the character in the scenario should “Think It” or “Say It.” Encourage students to discuss their reasoning and consider the potential consequences of each choice. Award points to the team with the most accurate and thoughtful responses.
For example, consider the scenario in which a student named Rachel believes her teacher made a mistake about the date of an upcoming quiz. Should Rachel “Think It” or “Say It”? In this case, because Rachel uses indirect language and respectfully asks a question, it is appropriate for her to “Say It.”
Discussion Questions
- Why is it important to consider the feelings of others before speaking? How can this skill help build positive relationships?
- What are some examples of situations where it might be better to “Think It” rather than “Say It”? How can students practice this skill in their daily lives?
- How can using indirect language, like asking a question, make a potentially confrontational situation more respectful and productive?
- What are some strategies students can use to determine whether they should “Think It” or “Say It” in a given situation?
- How can educators encourage students to practice the Think It or Say It skill in a supportive and engaging classroom environment?
Related Skills
As students develop their Think It or Say It abilities, it is also beneficial to introduce them to related social-emotional learning skills. These complementary skills include:
- Active Listening: Encourage students to listen attentively to others and ask clarifying questions when necessary, fostering more meaningful conversations.
- Empathy: Teach students to put themselves in others’ shoes and understand their feelings, thus promoting compassionate and thoughtful communication.
- Assertiveness: Help students express their thoughts and feelings respectfully and confidently, while respecting the boundaries of others.
- Conflict Resolution: Provide students with tools and strategies for resolving disagreements in a constructive and respectful manner.
Next Steps
Teaching the Think It or Say It skill is a crucial component of social-emotional learning, and incorporating engaging activities like the Two Sides game can help students develop this ability in an interactive and enjoyable way. To further enhance your students’ learning experience, consider signing up for free sample materials that cover the Think It or Say It skill and other related topics. By providing a variety of resources, you can create a supportive and enriching environment that empowers students to become more empathetic and effective communicators.
