Our morning 'Sharing Circle' is a big part of our daily routine in grade 4/5. We pass the feather around the circle and share our ideas, being sure to only speak when we are holding the feather. We practise attentive listening and demonstrate our respect for each other by considering the ideas and opinions of others. Lately, we are starting to use the 'Sharing Circle' as an opportunity to debate various ideas and questions. As the teacher, I present the debate question to the students and any additional relevant facts that I think they will need. I give them a couple of minutes to ponder the question and then the circle begins. I ask that they choose only one side of the debate and provide reasons for their opinion. If they do not provide reasons, then I interject and prompt them for an extended response. By debating the questions presented we are practising formulating sensible responses with supporting details. This helps them when solving interpersonal issues insomuch as they are learning to clearly articulate their ideas. It also helps to develop the skill of identifying the key ideas of a given topic and outlining the pros and cons of making choices.
Some of the debate questions we have discussed so far have been:
Should we continue to have March Break or would it be better to take the five school days of the March Break and spread them out over the school year by creating several long weekends?
Should companies be able to bottle and sell water for profit?
Should it be mandatory for students to learn how to play a musical instrument at school before they graduate from high school?
Do you think it would be better to have a balanced day schedule (2- 45 minute breaks during the day. 25 minutes of each break would be spent outside and the other 20 minutes for eating) OR keep the current school day schedule (two short morning and afternoon recess and a long lunch recess)?
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