Purpose: To compare and contrast information and opinions
Materials/Playing Space: A room that can be divided into 3 areas; no materials required. You could create 3 signs if desired for each area of the room: agree, not sure, and disagree.
Description: Clear a space in the room and designate three sections in the following order: I agree, I’m not sure, I disagree. Read out prepared statements such as: “I like to watch movies.” “I think people with money should share with those who are poor,” etc. Ask the students to vote with their feet by standing in the section that best expresses their opinion. Discuss.
The goal of this activity is to ask everyone to think about the subject matter in the statements, begin to feel comfortable sharing their point of view in the group, and earn about other people’s point of view.
Notes/Sidecoaching: This activity is about being nonjudgmental, listening, and agreeing to disagree. Support these behaviors.
This is not a debate. No one can respond to anyone else’s opinion. Make it very clear that you won’t tolerate a moment of the space feeling unsafe during this activity.
No one has to speak. People can say “pass” or “it’s been said.”
Always have the smallest group discuss their choice last.
Integration Ideas:
Language Arts: Connect this activity to themes from your readings. Challenge students to explore their own personal connections or opinions about the theme. Have students write about a time when they dealt with a similar issue.
Social Studies: Connect this activity to an issue in history. Challenge students to explore their own personal connections to or opinions about the issue.
Science: Connect this activity to ethical questions in science. Challenge students to explore their own personal connections or opinions about these questions.