Social Issues

We are moving into our last unit in writing: Social Issues. I am really excited about this unit as students love to share their opinions. They become extremely passionate about topics and participate in debates with other students on important matters. This unit is geared towards my students’ interests and strengths.

I began by telling students we would learn about social issues. Normally I preface with a definition, but I wanted to see what response my students would give me. I provided a one minute think time for student reflection and then had them tune in to a read aloud from Storyline Online called “Thank You Mr. Falker.” Afterwards students’ interest was piqued and predictions of what a social issue was began. I finally told students that a social issue is a troubling problem that bothers a large population of people (generally in how they relate to one another).

They immediately nailed the social issue in “Thank You Mr. Falker” (bullying) and were eager to point out other issues found in their environment. So, we began brainstorming a list. Here goes:

1. debt
2. animal cruelty
3. traffic
4. pollution
5. obesity
6. teenage pregnancy
7. homelessness
8. social media
9. bullying
10. child abuse/kidnapping
11. distribution of drugs and alcohol
12. natural disasters
13. smoking
14. immigration
15. smuggling/stealing/mugging
16. food poisoning
17. jail sentences
18. gun control
19. seat belt laws
20. texting and driving
21. drunk driving
22. racism

23. robbery

24. wars
25. car wreck- falling asleep

I am so excited to see the amount of ideas students came up with. We recently talked about pet peeves so I thought they might get stuck in personal problems and not think globally. But, no worries here! I had to actually cut them off so that the lesson could continue!

I then had students choose 3 of the topics from the list that they felt resonated with them the most. I allowed them to then narrow further and star the one they felt the most passionate about; the one they could really get fired up about. I explained they would be writing a convincing piece to get the community on board with the support of finding a solution to this social issue.

Earlier this year we utilized an “Oreo” format to write a convincing argument. So I had students follow the familiar format and state their opinion on the social issue (the top of the oreo cookie), provide 3 reasons (the filling) of why this is a social issue and should be fixed, and a concluding statement supporting their cause (the bottom of the oreo cookie).

I was excited to see that students wrote about multiple issues and were able to really show me how much they cared about a  particular issue and why it important to get on board to finding a solution. These kids are ingenious. I am so proud to be their teacher- I learn from them every day!

Requiring a background check prior to employment

Child Neglect

Co-ed Sports Teams

Animal Abuse

Unhealthy Cafeteria Food Options

How do you encourage students to take a stand for issues they believe in?

About the author, Gretchen

I am a teacher trainer and coach. Working elbow to elbow with teachers and teacher leaders to ensure instructional proficiency and student achievement soar lights me up. We have a real need in our nation for strong educators to remain in the field. My blog, book, podcast, courses and instructional materials are geared towards empowering teachers (and those that lead them) to receive the support needed to grow and thrive today, tomorrow and always.

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