In today’s world, it is crucial for students to develop the ability to share their opinions and accept differing viewpoints. This blog post will explore an effective, no-prep activity that educators can use to teach elementary students how to express their opinions while respecting the opinions of others. We will also provide discussion questions and highlight related skills to support the development of these important social-emotional competencies.
Introduction
The ability to share opinions and accept differences is a cornerstone of social-emotional learning. By teaching students to express their thoughts and feelings, we empower them to engage in meaningful conversations and develop strong relationships. Furthermore, learning to accept and respect differing viewpoints fosters empathy and understanding, skills that are essential for navigating the diverse world we live in.
No-Prep Activity: The Opinion Game
This activity requires no preparation or materials, making it an ideal choice for busy educators. To begin, have students form a circle. The teacher will start by stating a topic, such as “favorite color” or “favorite food.” Each student will then take turns sharing their opinion on the topic, using phrases like “I think” or “I feel” to express their thoughts.
As students share their opinions, remind them that it is okay for others to have different viewpoints. Encourage them to listen respectfully and try to understand why their peers might feel differently. After everyone has shared their opinion on the topic, the teacher can introduce a new topic and repeat the process.
This activity not only helps students practice sharing their opinions, but also promotes active listening and empathy as they learn to accept and respect the differing viewpoints of their peers.
Discussion Questions
- Why is it important to be able to share your opinion with others?
- How does it feel when someone disagrees with your opinion? How can you respond in a respectful way?
- What are some strategies for making sure you listen to and understand the opinions of others?
- Why is it important to accept and respect differing viewpoints?
- How can we use our opinions to have meaningful conversations with others?
Related Skills
In addition to sharing opinions and accepting differences, there are several other social-emotional skills that can enhance students’ ability to engage in meaningful conversations and build strong relationships. These include:
- Active listening: Paying full attention to the speaker and seeking to understand their perspective.
- Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, which promotes emotional connection and stronger relationships.
- Respect: Treating others with consideration and valuing their thoughts and feelings.
- Assertiveness: Expressing one’s needs, feelings, and opinions in a clear and respectful manner.
- Conflict resolution: Addressing disagreements in a constructive and respectful way, seeking to find a solution that benefits all parties.
Next Steps
Teaching elementary students to share their opinions and accept differing viewpoints is an important aspect of social-emotional learning. By incorporating the no-prep activity and discussion questions outlined in this blog post, educators can help students develop these essential skills and foster a classroom environment that promotes empathy, understanding, and respect.
To access free sample materials related to this skill and others, we encourage you to sign up at Everyday Speech. By doing so, you’ll gain access to a wealth of resources designed to support the social-emotional development of your students.
