Political Discussions

[Billy]

Hey Everyone,

I teach 5th grade and this seems to be the age to start talking about Politics. During Social Studies it is a big probelm. Haeve you ever had this problem and what did you do to fix it I have such a prolem I had to move the desks because they would fights and say things at each other the way I had them. (Tables) SO now they all have to site facing me with isles inbeetween them.

Thanks

 

[Mrs. G]

what I would do

I would address the reason they are having the arguments. They need to understand that everyone has the right to their own opinion and that it is OK to disagree. However, fighting about it is not OK in the classroom. Ask the students to brainstorm a list of ways they could handle this situation if it arises. Tell them they must be appropriate solutions. This will not only help with political debates, but everyday arguments as well.

 

[roo]

groundrules

I think it is important to set the groundrules for open debate of ideas. It's best to do this early in the year, but do it now, since it's become an issue. You have to establish that the classroom will provide for a free exchange of ideas but not a "free for all". Give them your basic expectations and then have them brainstorme some guidelines of what is acceptable/unacceptable. This will make everyone feel more willing to participate and they will learn that they are free to respectfully disagree.

 

[Bill]

Thanks Guys!

Obviousley fighting is wrong. but I will take A calss to do that and probably turn it into a writing lesson for Grammer.