WS/FCS District Wide Rule #2
Choices, Choices
Students explore different opinions and perspectives while practicing respectful listening, discussion, and disagreement.
Aligned to WS/FCS District Rule #2
Respect and Value Everyone’s Dignity and Identity
Expectation: Treat everyone with kindness and respect. Make an effort to understand others. Accept that people may have different viewpoints. Refrain from harassment, discrimination, bias, and inequity.
Try to understand first.
No put-downs or shaming.
Different views are expected.
Activity
Choices, Choices
Time
10 minutes
Materials
No materials required
Purpose
Students will explore how people can have different opinions and perspectives while practicing respectful listening and discussion. The activity helps students understand that differences in viewpoints are normal and should be respected.
Teacher Opening Script
“Today we are going to do an activity called Choices, Choices. You will move to show your opinion on different statements. The goal is not to prove that you are right. The goal is to listen, understand, and notice that people can see the same question in different ways. We can disagree and still treat each other with dignity and respect.”
Room Setup: Opinion Spectrum
Designate one side of the room as Strongly Agree and the opposite side as Strongly Disagree. Students may stand anywhere between the two sides.
Reminder: Different positions are expected. Respectful listening is the goal.
Activity Directions
Step 1
Explain the opinion spectrum: one side is Strongly Agree and the opposite side is Strongly Disagree.
Step 2
Read one statement. Students move to the spot that best represents their opinion.
Step 3
Pause and invite volunteers to explain their reasoning.
Step 4
Encourage students to listen respectfully and consider perspectives that differ from their own.
Sample Statements
Choose one to three statements. Start with a lighter topic before moving to deeper discussion.
Respectful Discussion Norms
Listen First
Try to understand before responding.
No Put-Downs
Do not laugh at, insult, or shame someone’s opinion.
Speak from “I”
Use your own experience instead of attacking someone else’s view.
Discussion Questions
- Where would your parent, guardian, grandparent, or sibling stand on the spectrum?
- How might one of your friends answer differently? Why?
- Have you always felt this way? What experiences influenced your opinion?
- What did you learn from someone whose opinion differed from yours?
Learning Supports
Preview Vocabulary
Spectrum: A range between two opposite viewpoints.
Perspective: A person’s way of thinking about something.
Word Bank
Strongly agree, strongly disagree, opinion, perspective, experience, respect
Sentence Starters
10-Minute Timing Guide
2 Minutes
Explain the spectrum and respectful listening norms.
4 Minutes
Read statements and have students move.
3 Minutes
Invite students to explain their reasoning.
1 Minute
Close with reflection.
Teacher Facilitation Checklist
- Begin with a low-risk statement before deeper topics.
- Remind students that movement shows an opinion, not a correct answer.
- Invite volunteers without forcing students to explain.
- Stop and reset if comments become personal or disrespectful.
Educator Tip
Model respectful disagreement by sharing your own response and explaining your reasoning. Encourage students to focus on understanding others rather than trying to convince them to change their minds.
Reflection Questions
- How can we respectfully disagree with others?
- Why is it important to understand different viewpoints?
- How does listening to others help build a positive school community?
Closing Reminder
Respect means listening to understand, even when someone sees the world differently than you do.
Rooted in Excellence, Growing Toward Greatness!
Listen to understand. Disagree with dignity. Respect every perspective.
