This versatile lesson plan teaches early elementary students the essential social skills of demonstrating self-control, following instructions and listening. Through interactive discussions and a variety of practice options, students will develop these foundational skills. By implementing this lesson, educators will help their students build critical listening and instruction-following skills, laying the foundation for academic success and positive social interactions.

Listening & Following Instructions – Elementary

<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Discuss common disagreements that come up at school.</li>
<li>Invite students to identify words and actions that are inappropriate or unhelpful when disagreeing with someone. Then have them identify words and actions that are helpful.</li>
<li>Name the skill, identify the steps and provide reasons to use it.</li>
<li>Model or demonstrate the skill.</li>
<li>Practice the skill independently or use role-play scenarios.</li>
</ul>

Monday

<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Review the steps of the skill as well as the reasons for using it.</li>
<li>Watch a video such as Disagreeing Respectfully (9:00) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVIqIyjOl20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVIqIyjOl20</a>.</li>
<li>Share examples you&rsquo;ve seen in the classroom.</li>
<li>Identify people, areas and/or situations where students might use the skill at school.</li>
<li>Discuss and brainstorm answers to the following questions: What are examples of &ldquo;blaming&rdquo; words? How can you check your tone of voice? What tone is respectful? What tone is disrespectful?</li>
</ul>

Tuesday

<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Review the steps of the skill as well as the reasons for using it.</li>
<li>Share examples you&rsquo;ve witnessed around school of students using the skill.</li>
<li>Identify people, areas and/or situations where students might use the skill at home or with other adults.</li>
<li>Watch a video such as the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6EPw2FOEZA" title="" target="_blank" rel="noopener">5 Ways to Respectfully Disagree-How to Disagree Politely</a> (3:22) <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6EPw2FOEZA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6EPw2FOEZA</a>.</li>
</ul>

Wednesday

<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Review the steps of the skill as well as the reasons for using it.</li>
<li>Students share examples of how they have used the skill at home or with other adults/peers.</li>
<li>Identify people, areas and/or situations (store, restaurant, etc.) where students might use the skill in the community.</li>
<li>Extend the learning by introducing the skill of Resolving Conflicts and its behavioral steps. Explain how this skill complements the skill of Disagreeing Appropriately and how both skills can be used in school, at home and in the community.
<ol>
<li>Take a deep breath and remain calm.</li>
<li>Listen to the other person&rsquo;s point of view.</li>
<li>Explain why you feel differently in a calm, clear voice and share your reasons.</li>
<li>Be flexible and willing to compromise.</li>
<li>Listen and discuss the situation until you find a solution.</li>
<li>If you are unable to reach an agreement, thank the person for trying to work with you.</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ul>

Thursday

<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Review the steps of the skill as well as the reasons for using it.</li>
<li>Share examples of how students have or can use the skill in their community.</li>
<li>Watch a video such as Kid President How to Disagree video (4:19) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG5fkAgJmqc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG5fkAgJmqc</a>.</li>
<li>Engage students in a discussion about how using the skill has helped them, or in what situations it was difficult.</li>
<li>Encourage students to think about how the skill might be used in a future job/career, hobby or other area of interest.</li>
</ul>

Friday

Teach your students the art of disagreeing appropriately and resolving conflicts peacefully.

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