Virginia SOL S.USI.h

Social Studies5th Grade

The Standard

engaging and communicating as a civil and informed individual with persons with different perspectives

Virginia Standards of Learning for History and Social Science

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students listen to people whose views differ from their own. They respond politely, ask useful questions, and support their ideas with accurate information.
What Mastery Looks Like: Students can summarize another person’s view fairly before giving their own response. They use evidence, avoid insults, and identify points of agreement and disagreement.
Common Misconceptions: Students may think respectful discussion means agreeing with everyone or staying silent. They may attack the speaker, misstate another view, or present opinions as facts.
How to Assess It: Give students two opposing views about a new school rule. Ask them to summarize one view and write a respectful, evidence-based response.

Lesson moves

Give pairs viewpoint cards about a playground rule, then have students build a shared solution with craft sticks and labeled note cards.
Ask students to write: How can you disagree with someone while showing that you heard and understood the person?
Play Perspective Switch, where students draw a viewpoint card, summarize it accurately, and earn a point for one respectful question.
Hold a class meeting about a real classroom choice, such as seating or homework, and record evidence for each proposed option.

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