I Can Listen Even When I Disagree

6-8 years

Me with Others

20 min / 2x per week

Learning goal :

Developing My Ability to Communicate Harmoniously with Others

Pedagogical Intention :

Really Listening Without Interrupting

Target skills :

Listening under disagreement, Respectful opposition, Summary accuracy

Materials :

Disagreement scenario cards, listening evidence checklist

Detailed procedure :

1. Introduction: "Listening is hardest when you disagree. That's exactly when it matters most."
2. Pair debate: children take opposing positions on a low-stakes topic (e.g., best season, best school subject).
3. Rule: before stating your own view, you must summarize the other person's argument to their satisfaction.
4. Script: "You can disagree completely with someone and still listen completely. These are separate skills."
5. Debrief: how hard was it to summarize a view you disagree with?

Progress Indicators :

Accurately summarizes a disagreed-with position to the speaker's satisfaction. Separates understanding from agreement verbally. Maintains respectful tone when strongly disagreeing.

Research Foundations :

Rogers (1951); Rosenberg (2003); Kohlberg (1969)