Playground Trends Lesson Plan

The VotesforSchools lesson plan for Primary 5-7 pupils delves into the topic of playground trends, prompting students to explore the impact these trends have within their social environment. The learning objectives are twofold: firstly, to encourage students to consider the advantages and disadvantages of playground trends, and secondly, to guide them in reflecting on how to participate in these trends positively. The lesson plan is designed to be inclusive, with supporting materials available for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) learners, as well as challenge tasks to extend engagement.

The lesson commences with a brief look back at the previous week's topic, followed by an introduction to the current VoteTopic, asking the question: "Are playground trends a good thing?" Activities include a nostalgic 'In my day...' segment where students compare past trends with current ones, expressing their preferences through physical movement and discussion. They then examine scenarios in 'Trends taking over', contemplating the potential benefits or drawbacks of trend involvement. In 'Thinking it through', students work individually or in pairs to evaluate different strategies for participating in trends. The lesson concludes with a democratic exercise where the whole class reviews the arguments and casts their votes on the topic, thereby practising critical thinking and decision-making skills.