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Suggested pacing and order for Can We Talk? exercises

To spark a conversation among students about the pros and cons of the community where they live, one which will reveal how people can view the same set of facts in multiple ways. To help them see that exploring multiple perspectives on a situation is a great way to gain insights and develop solutions.

This exercise fits well near the launch of a Can We Talk? unit or initiative. It's a good way for students to get to know each other better while practicing the skills of active listening. It's also a relatively low-stress way for students to begin experiencing dialogue. Also, if you plan on using the lesson plan that digs into active listening, more explicitly teaches the skills and habits involved, this exercise is good preparation for that.

by Rob Sanders

To help student understand the underlying nature of difficult conversations, and to give them tools to turn difficult conversations into productive ones, and even into opportunities for learning.

Presented to the State Democratic Policy Committee

Philadelphia Board of Ethics

Senate State Government Committee

Written Testimony on Redistricting Reform | House State Government Committee Hearing