For this activity, students will take part in a classroom democracy that allows each student an opportunity to voice their opinions on the world that they live in. This activity can serve as an introduction to the unit, as it allows them to participate in a democratic process without necessarily using the complex topics and vocabulary that will be introduced further on.
Students will create a spider map that includes four issues, topics, or problems in our society and their proposed ideas or solutions to the issue, topic, or problem. Below are a list of topics or questions that teachers can either allow students to choose from or specifically assign to the class, groups, or individual students. Teachers could also allow students to choose their own topic or idea that they wish to change in the classroom, school, town, city, state, or even country!
Extended Activity:
Following this activity, students will be able to share their spider maps with the rest of their class. Teachers can create stations around their room where students can interact with the creators of each spider map and cast a vote or opinion on each issue. This activity will allow students to not only take part in a democratic process, but also be able to voice their opinions with their peers. Teachers can facilitate this activity by tallying the votes for each station and closing the activity with a summary of how the class voted. For a more advanced course, students can take this voting process to the next level by analyzing the demographics of each voter and describe the voting trends of each demographic.
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Student Instructions
Create a spider map proposing four ideas or solutions for different issues, topics, or problems.
Encourage students to share and defend their spider map solutions in a structured debate. This process helps students practice respectful discussion and critical thinking. Guide them to use evidence and listen actively to peers as they explain their positions.
Establish simple rules for the debate, such as taking turns, listening respectfully, and using evidence to support ideas. Clear guidelines keep the discussion positive and on-topic.
Designate who will present, respond, and moderate. Assigning roles helps all students participate and ensures a fair process.
Demonstrate how to disagree politely by using sentence starters like, "I see your point, but..." Modeling respectful language builds a safe environment for discussion.
Guide students to share what new perspectives they gained and how their views may have changed. Reflection deepens understanding of democratic values and respectful citizenship.
A classroom democracy activity is a lesson where students participate in decision-making processes, voice their opinions, and experience democratic principles firsthand within a classroom setting.
Start by having students pick or are assigned real-world issues, create spider maps with solutions, and then share and vote on ideas, allowing everyone to engage in a democratic process and reflect on the outcomes together.
Engaging topics include desk arrangements, homework policies, cell phone rules, voting age, and school schedules. Allowing students to choose topics relevant to their lives increases participation and interest.
A spider map helps students visually organize multiple issues and solutions, making it easier to present ideas, foster discussion, and support democratic decision-making in the classroom.
Teachers can simplify topics for younger students or introduce more complex issues and demographic analysis for older or advanced students, tailoring instructions and support as needed.