Introduction
Welcome to Two Sides, a game designed to help students develop their social-emotional learning skills by comparing the two sides of one behavior. This activity focuses on the concept of deciding whether to Think It or Say It in various situations. By encouraging students to think before they speak, they can better understand the impact of their words on others and make more thoughtful choices in their communication.
No-Prep Activity
Two Sides is an easy-to-implement, no-prep activity that requires no additional materials from the educator. Simply introduce the concept of deciding whether to Think It or Say It to your students. Explain that they should only think about things that could hurt someone else or might be better left unsaid. On the other hand, if their thoughts are kind and helpful, they can share them out loud.
Present various scenarios to your students, allowing them to decide if the character should think or say the statement. Pause after each scenario to discuss what happened, how everyone feels, and why. This will give students the opportunity to practice their decision-making and empathy skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Discussion Questions
- Why is it important to think before you speak?
- Can you think of a time when you chose to keep a thought to yourself? How did that impact the situation?
- How can we determine if a thought is better left unsaid or if it should be shared?
- What are some strategies you can use to express your thoughts in a respectful and kind way?
- How can practicing this skill help improve our relationships with others?
Related Skills
Two Sides is just one way to help students develop their social-emotional learning skills. Other related skills that can be explored and practiced in the classroom include:
- Active listening
- Empathy and understanding
- Conflict resolution
- Assertive communication
- Respect for others’ feelings and perspectives
Next Steps
If you’re interested in exploring more social-emotional learning activities like Two Sides, we invite you to sign up for free sample materials at Everyday Speech. You’ll find a variety of resources designed to support students’ growth and development in the areas of communication, empathy, and decision-making. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your students’ social-emotional learning journey!
