Civil Discourse Toolkit for Middle School Teachers: Lesson Plans

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Civil Discourse Lesson Plans

An illustration of two middle school children having a debate in the classroom, surrounded by other students eagerly listening, with a rounded, airy feeling incorporating colors of light blue and periwinkle and strong outlines. The image is surrounded by a white circular border.
  1. Importance of SEL in Civil Discourse: 5 Mini‐​Lessons
    1. SAME‑O/DIFFERENT‑O Game Cards
    2. Trigger Warning Student Activity
    3. Choices Handout
  2. Middle School Lesson 1: What Does Civility Look Like?
    1. Class Presentation: Civil Discourse Essential Question
  3. Middle School Lesson 2: What Does Civility Look Like?
    1. Quiz Explainer: How Civil Are YOU?
      1. Quiz: How Civil Are YOU?
      2. Quiz Google Form: How Civil Are YOU?
    2. Class Slide Presentation: “What Does Civility Look Like?” Gallery Walk
    3. Gallery Walk/​Summative Task Worksheet
      1. Civics Station Instructions
      2. History Station Instructions
      3. Geography Station Instructions
      4. Economics Station Instructions
Middle School Toolkit - Student Writing
  1. Middle School Lesson 3: Empathy and Shared Values through Art and Poetry
    1. How to Write an “I Am” Poem
    2. Class Presentation: Empathy and Shared Values
    3. My Perspective and Values Poem Worksheet
    4. Oral Performance and Class Discussion Rubric
    5. Self‐​Portrait Rubric
    6. Bell‐​Ringer Figma: Can People Who Disagree Find Common Ground?
    7. Class Discussion Tally Grader
  2. Middle School Lesson 4: Connecting and Building with Reason and Logic
    1. Class Presentation: Connecting and Building with Reason and Logic
    2. Civil Discourse—Student Self‐​Evaluation
      1. Google Form: Civil Discourse—Student Self‐​Evaluation