As educators, it’s essential to help students develop skills to express their opinions and respect differing viewpoints. By incorporating principles of Social-Emotional Learning, we can create an inclusive environment that fosters open discussions. This blog post will guide you through an easy-to-implement activity, discussion questions, related skills, and next steps to help your students navigate the world of opinions.

Introduction

High school students often encounter situations where they are asked to share their opinions, whether in class, with friends, or during group projects. It’s crucial for them to learn how to express their thoughts and feelings effectively while respecting the opinions of others. This skill not only helps them become more open-minded but also enhances their communication abilities.

No-Prep Activity

The “Opinion Roundtable” is a simple activity that requires no preparation or materials from the educator. Here’s how it works:

1. Divide your students into small groups of 4-5 participants.
2. Present a topic or question to the class, such as “What’s your favorite season?” or “Should students be required to wear uniforms?”
3. Ask each group to discuss the topic for a few minutes, with each student in the group sharing their opinion.
4. Remind students that it’s okay for people to have different opinions, and they should listen respectfully to each other’s viewpoints.
5. After the discussion, have each group share a summary of their conversation with the class, highlighting the different opinions and any common ground they found.

This activity encourages students to practice expressing their opinions and actively listen to their peers, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding.

Discussion Questions

After the activity, use these discussion questions to stimulate further conversations about opinions and respecting others’ viewpoints:

1. How did it feel to share your opinion with your group? Were you nervous, excited, or somewhere in between?
2. How did you react when you heard an opinion different from your own? What strategies can you use to stay open-minded in future discussions?
3. Why is it important to respect others’ opinions, even if we don’t agree with them?
4. How can we create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone to express their opinions?
5. What role does empathy play in understanding and accepting different viewpoints?

Related Skills

Beyond expressing opinions and respecting differing viewpoints, there are other crucial skills high school students can benefit from developing:

• Active Listening: Paying full attention to the speaker, showing interest, and providing verbal and non-verbal feedback.
• Conflict Resolution: Identifying strategies to address disagreements and find mutually agreeable solutions.
• Assertiveness: Communicating one’s thoughts, feelings, and needs directly and respectfully.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, fostering a sense of compassion and connection.

Next Steps

Now that you have learned about the “Opinion Roundtable” activity and its benefits, it’s time to put it into practice with your students. To access even more free sample materials related to Social-Emotional Learning, visit Everyday Speech and sign up for a variety of valuable resources that will help you enhance your students’ skills and foster a more inclusive learning environment.