PK-3 Lesson Plan Format 

 
Mentor Teacher’s Initials: BM 
 
Name: Abby Miller                                                 Grade: Level
First grade               Date: 4/1/23                         Group
Size: Whole group
 
Subject/Lesson Topic: Current Event Debate/Should children
wear uniforms?
 
Objectives:  (TLW:) 
 To use argumentation.. skills to persuade others of why or
why not children should wear uniforms
 To learn how to defend both sides of the pros and cons of
uniforms in schools
 To participate in collaborative conservation while debating
on the topic should children wear uniforms
 
Standards/GLEs:

Writing Standards
Text Types and Purposes
1. Write opinion pieces in which they introduce the topic or book
they are writing about, state an opinion, supply reasons that
support the opinion, use linking words (e.g., because, and, also) to
connect opinion and reasons, and provide a concluding statement
or section.

K-2.SP3. Construct and express claims that are supported with relevant
evidence from primary and/or secondary sources, content knowledge,
and clear reasoning.
Standard SLS 1: Participate in collaborative conversation with diverse
partners about grade 1 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and
larger groups

Contextual Factors:
School name: Rollins Place
Parish: Zachary
Age: 7 and 8
Gender: 10 Females, 10 Males
Race: African American and White
Teacher Materials/Resources: white board, video, marker, chart
paper
 
Student Materials/Resources: markers, sticky notes, pencil,
notebook paper

Technology Integration: (https://youtu.be/RBG1VYggbSE)

Family/Community Connection or Extension: Students will be

sent home with a blank chart labeled pros and cons of wearing
uniforms of in schools. They will be encouraged to sit down with
their families and fill out the chart. This will allow me to make
those connection as I will be able to see the opinions of family
members as well. (Part of closure)

Pre-Assessment: The introductory part of the lesson will be the

children discussing whether or not they like uniforms in schools.
This will be a small discussion. I will ask the students to state their
reasonings why and as they do this I will take note of the students
that successfully participated.

Lesson Procedure and Activities:

 Introduction:
Teacher: Good morning everyone, today we are going to
having a bit of a competition amongst ourselves. Who in here
has ever gotten into an argument or a debate with someone?
And how did this make you feel?(Allow students to share)

Teacher: Tell children that today we are going to be debating

whether or not uniforms should be worn in schools.
Discussion: Ask students to discuss whether or not they like
wearing uniforms to school. Encourage them to explain their
reasonings why.

Activities: 
1. Show children the short video on debating
2. https://www.britannica.com/story/pro-and-con-school-
uniforms. Read the pros and cons from this list (keep this up
for the children to see
Part 1: Split children into 2 groups of 10. (These groups will be
split into claims. Group 1 will be required to come up with 3
claims as to why uniforms should be worn. Group 2 will be
required to come up with 3 claims as to why uniforms should
not be worn in school) (Ask students to write these claims on
sticky note and stick these claims onto a why or why not chart)
Discuss any questions as a class

Part 2: Choose volunteers from the 2 groups to come to the

front of the classroom and tell them to persuade the rest of the
class whether or not why uniforms should be worn at schools or
why uniforms should not be worn at schools. Start with group 1.
(Why uniforms should be worn) Remind students that they
must support their claim with a strong opinion. Then, students
should clap their hands and the opposing side will start their
argument. (Why uniforms should not be worn) Repeat this
process as desired with various of volunteers.
 Part 3: Divide students into pairs. Students will be paired with a
person from the opposing side. Just like part 2 students will be
arguing one side and switch to defending the opposing view.
(Students should take turns being arguers and listeners)

Part 4: Students will be given a graphic organizer. Explain to

them that this will help them organize their thoughts and
prepare to write a short response for the question, “Should
uniforms in schools worn or not?” (Tell students to use the
claims from their groups discussion as a reference) As they
finish, they can begin writing.

Closure: Encourage children to fill out the pros and cons chart of

wearing uniforms with their families. (Pass this sheet out) Tell
them to talk to their families and friends about what they think
about uniforms being worn in schools. Dare them to try and
change the mind’s of these people. Then, ask the children what
skills have they learned today and why is important for people to
be able to strongly back up their opinions?

Differentiation: 
 Ability level: The students in this group range from high,
medium, and low. For the students who struggled with
debating I will work through the process with them.
 Behavioral needs: If behavior problems occur, the student
will be redirected.
 A teacher writing sample will be shown to student before
they beginning their writing response.
 The teacher will define any words that seem unfamiliar to
the students.
 
Formative Assessment/Evaluation: A informative assessment
will be completed at the end of this lesson as the students will be
required to write a short essay response making a claim that
supports their opinions about uniforms in schools. This will allow
me to see if the students are able to successfully back up their
opinions or not. I will make a yes or no check list for the students
who did this completed their response.