Social Emotional Learning

Students  have very strong opinions about when to talk and when to remain silent.  Sometimes, students speak out of nervousness.  Other times, students speak because they have something  they have to say to the world.  Then there are other students who are  shy and never want to talk, or who remain silent because they are afraid  to look foolish.

Step One:  Claim

Here  Confucius is personifying silence and claiming that it is something  that we can rely on.  Silence is good.  It keeps us safe.

Step Two:  Counterclaim

But  there are also times when we should speak out about something we  believe in or make sure we communicate clearly so others won't  misunderstand us.  Being silent can hurt us.

Step Three:  Essential Question

How do we know when to be silent?