Lesson plan · Opinions and argument
Think it through
Teenagers test old sayings against their own views in a kind, structured debate.
- 55 minutes
- Ages 12+
- 3 activities
Big question: Are old sayings still true?
The session
- 15 min
Warm up: the line
Stand on the agree or disagree line for statements built from sayings. Hear a reason from each end.
Activity: Agree or disagree line (wall signs)
- 35 min
Debate
Hold a short, kind debate on one of the better-than sayings, with a vote before and after.
Activity: Saying debate (planning sheet)
- 5 min
Close
Ask: did anyone change their mind? What reason changed it?
To take home
Persuasive paragraph: skill or gold?: Agree or disagree that a handful of skill is better than a bagful of gold, and argue your side in one strong paragraph.
The sayings
Each saying page has its meaning, source and audio to play to the group.
By the end
- Give a reason for and against a statement
- Listen to and respond to a different view
- Change or keep their view and say why
Before you start
- Print: Agree or disagree line (wall signs)
- Print: Saying debate (planning sheet)
- Print: Persuasive paragraph: skill or gold? (writing page)
Preview edition. Not yet tried with a class. Timings are estimates; adjust to your group.