How to Disagree Appropriately

Planned Teaching Boys Town Social Skill Lesson Plan How to Disagree Appropriately

Introduce Skill	What is a disagreement? Is an argument or a fight a
What?	disagreement? How do you feel after a fight or argument?
When?	When might people disagree?
Who?	Who are some of the people with whom we might disagree?


Describe Skill Steps	1. Look at the person
	2. Use a pleasant voice.
	3. Say "I understand how you feel."
	4. Tell why you feel differently.
	5. Give a reason.
	6. Listen to the other person.


Rationale	When you disagree appropriately, you are more likely to get
Benefit	your way and less likely to need an adult to help. Others won't
Neg. Consequence	want to talk to you and you might lose friends if you disagree
Concern	inappropriately. Others will consider your opinions if you present
	them calmly; others will give you the respect you deserve.

Request for Acknowledgment	Repeat the steps. Does this make sense?


Practice	Role play a P.E. situation, game, or sport. Practice body
	language (how to stand, hand position, proximity). The teacher
	should demonstrate a variety of foice tones. Students practice
	correctly ("We can talk about this later.").

Feedback	You did a great job of practicing "Disagreeing Appropriately!"
	(Praise specific steps followed and give specific feedback for
	areas of improvement.)

Positive	Because you practiced so well, you have earned 10 minutes of
Consequence	extra free time. (Or other positive consequences that are
	appropriate for the time, like penny candy or playing a game.)

Follow-Up Practice	Let the class know that you will be observing the class to "catch
	them" using the skill "Disagreeing Appropriately." Continue to
	praise correct use of the skill and re-teach as needed.