Desert Island Relationship Skills Lesson Plan

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Standards Addressed

• Responsible Decision-Making: learning how to make decisions after analyzing information, data, and facts
• Relationship Skills: practicing teamwork and collaborative problem-solving

‍Objectives

Students will:

• Communicate effectively and listen actively to others during group discussions.
• Work collaboratively to make decisions on essential survival items.
• Present their choices and reasoning, demonstrating their ability to articulate and justify decisions.

Assessment

• Cooperation and participation in team deliberations
• Communication and justification of item choices during a group presentation

Materials

• Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides, etc.)
• Access to computers or tablets
• Optional: list of possible survival options (for brainstorming)

Vocabulary

• Effective Communication: The importance of sharing ideas clearly and listening to others.
• Cooperation: Working together to reach a common goal.
• Decision-Making: Evaluating options and making choices based on discussions.

Activating Prior Knowledge

Facilitate a discussion by asking questions such as, "What items could you not live without?" and “What qualities help you work well in a group?” Allow a few students to share their thoughts. Discuss the importance of communication and cooperation in group settings. Use real-life examples where teamwork is essential. Emphasize that one common misconception is that everyone should agree; however, disagreement can lead to better solutions if handled respectfully. Encourage students to express their ideas and listen to others.

Lesson Steps

1) Divide students into small groups. Introduce the lesson by explaining that they will work in groups to decide which five items they would take to a deserted island. Set behavioral expectations by stating that all voices should be heard and respected.

2) Prompt students to consider different needs they might have on a deserted island (food, water, shelter, etc.). Example prompts include: “What items would help with water?” and “How will you handle food and cooking?”

3) Have groups finalize their lists and create a presentation explaining the reasoning behind their decisions.

4) Facilitate group presentations, ensuring that all students participate and communicate the rationale for the chosen items.

Reflection

Ask students to write a journal entry that answers the following questions:

• What was the best part of working in your group?
• How did your group handle disagreements?
• Are you a good team member? Why?

Here is the printable version of Desert Island Relationship Building Lesson Plan.

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