Middle Grades Civil Discourse Curriculum
Written as a partnership project between AMLE and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, this non-partisan curriculum helps middle school students build the skills of civil discourse—listening to understand, disagreeing respectfully, and engaging in constructive dialogue.
Designed for the advisory setting, it uses interactive, relationship-centered activities to foster empathy, strengthen communication, and prepare students to navigate diverse perspectives as engaged, thoughtful citizens.
All materials can be accessed free of charge through the Reagan Education portal.
COURSE OUTLINE:
In a democratic society, engaging in civil discourse is not just a skill—it’s a responsibility. It is about more than just voicing ideas; it’s about listening actively, disagreeing respectfully, and learning to communicate in ways that build understanding rather than deepen divides. As “The Great Communicator,” President Ronald Reagan once said, “Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with conflict by peaceful means.” This principle lies at the heart of civil discourse: it’s not about avoiding disagreement, but about learning how to approach it with respect, thoughtfulness, and an open mind. Throughout this unit, students will draw inspiration from President Reagan’s example, while developing skills needed to engage in thoughtful and impactful communication.
Effective communication isn’t just about speaking clearly—it’s also about truly listening. Active listening improves understanding and fosters more respectful and engaging conversation both in and outside the classroom. Through ready-made lessons and scenario-based activities, students will develop stronger listening skills, empowering them to better understand others and engage in meaningful, respectful communication.
Communication goes beyond words—our body language, facial expressions, and tone all play a powerful role in how messages are sent and received. Through ready-made lessons and scenario-based activities, students will learn how body language can either support or weaken a message, ensuring that what is NOT said still communicates the intended message.
Getting your point across doesn’t mean saying more—it means saying it well. Clear and concise expression that is accessible and meaningful to the audience helps students communicate ideas with purpose, precision, and confidence. Through ready-made lessons and scenario-based activities, students will learn skills to communicate their thoughts clearly, concisely, and with impact.
Strong arguments aren’t built on opinions alone—they’re grounded in logic and supported by evidence. Learning to reason clearly and back up claims with relevant facts helps students become more persuasive, thoughtful communicators. Through ready-made lessons and scenario-based activities, students will build the skills to analyze ideas, construct logical arguments, and use evidence effectively.
Persuasion isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how you say it. By understanding and utilizing various persuasive techniques, students will develop the ability to convey messages that influence their audience. Through ready-made lessons and scenario-based activities, students will explore key persuasive devices and learn to how to use them in order to sway others’ opinions.
Disagreeing doesn’t mean disrespecting—effective communication depends on the ability to navigate differing opinions with respect. Students will learn to engage in thoughtful discourse, focusing on the importance of challenging ideas rather than attacking individuals. Through ready-made lessons and scenario-based activities, students will develop the skills to respectfully express differing viewpoints and engage in constructive discussions, even when opinions clash.
In this final portion of the Civil Discourse Unit, students have the opportunity to apply the core competencies they’ve developed in a real-world, role-playing activity. Drawing inspiration from President Ronald Reagan’s legacy as “The Great Communicator,” they’ll demonstrate their ability to engage respectfully, communicate effectively, and navigate differing perspectives in a thoughtful, constructive way.
Access more resources and student opportunities available through the Ronald Reagan Civil Discourse Project.
These Materials were Created By and For Middle Level Educators
AMLE is grateful to the advisory committee members who oversaw the creation of these materials:
- Sarah Miziorko, AMLE School of Distinction Educator, Minnesota
- Marit Oberle, AMLE School of Distinction Educator, Minnesota
- Erin Phelps, Pasco Executive Director for Middle Schools, Pasco County Schools, Florida
- Lacey Ragin, AMLE School of Distinction Educator, Georgia
- Laurie Rigg, AMLE Teacher Leader Committee Chair, North Carolina
- Sean Uwaine, State Office Teacher, Hawaii
- Joe Welch, National Teacher of the Year Finalist, Pennsylvania