Lesson Plan | Socioemotional Learning | China: Natural and Human Aspects

Objectives

Duration: 10 to 15 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to introduce students to the lesson topic, clearly outlining the learning objectives. This will help focus the students' attention on the specific skills and knowledge that will be developed during the lesson, while also promoting initial engagement with the content by relating it to their own emotions and perceptions.

Main Goals

1. Develop understanding of Chinese foreign policy and its influence on the global economy.

2. Analyze the changes in the Chinese internal scenario post-communist revolution and their socioeconomic implications.

Introduction

Duration: 15 to 20 minutes

Emotional Warm-up Activity

Guided Meditation for Focus and Concentration

The proposed emotional warm-up activity is Guided Meditation. This practice aims to promote focus, presence, and concentration among students, helping them to center themselves and prepare emotionally for the lesson. Guided Meditation involves guiding students to concentrate on their breathing and visualize relaxing images, which can reduce stress and increase mindfulness.

1. Preparation of the Environment: Ask students to sit comfortably in their chairs, with their backs straight and feet supported on the ground. Ensure that the environment is quiet and, if possible, dim the lights.

2. Introduction: Briefly explain to students the purpose of Guided Meditation, highlighting the importance of being present and focused.

3. Start of Meditation: Guide students to close their eyes and focus on their breathing. Ask them to breathe deeply through their noses and exhale slowly through their mouths.

4. Visualization: Begin to guide students through a relaxing visualization. It could be a natural setting, like a tranquil beach or a flowered field. Describe the details of the environment, encouraging them to imagine the colors, sounds, and sensations.

5. Duration and Closure: Maintain the visualization for about 5 to 7 minutes. Then, ask students to slowly refocus on the classroom, moving their fingers and toes, and opening their eyes when they feel ready.

6. Reflection: After the meditation, encourage students to briefly share how they feel and if they noticed any difference in their level of concentration and relaxation.

Content Contextualization

China, with its rich history and vast territory, plays a crucial role in the global economy. Its foreign policy and internal changes post-communist revolution are of great relevance in understanding the current global economic landscape. Imagine what it would be like to live in a country that has undergone such deep and rapid transformations. How would these changes affect the emotions, perceptions, and decisions of the people living there? The emotional connection to the content can help students better understand the complexities of Chinese foreign policy and its global influence. Additionally, by studying China, they can reflect on their own emotions and decisions, developing socio-emotional skills that are essential for their personal and academic growth.

Development

Duration: 60 to 75 minutes

Theoretical Framework

Duration: 20 to 25 minutes

1. Introduction to China: Detail the geographical location of China, mentioning its vast territory and climatic diversity. Explain how geography influences the economy and politics of the country.

2. Recent History: Address the Communist Revolution of 1949 and its immediate consequences. Explain how Mao Zedong's leadership impacted the social and economic structure.

3. Chinese Foreign Policy: Explain the evolution of Chinese foreign policy since the economic opening initiated by Deng Xiaoping in the 1980s. Highlight the 'Open Door' strategy and its importance for China's insertion into global trade.

4. Global Economic Influence: Discuss China's role in the global economic landscape, including its position as the second largest economy in the world. Highlight the 'Belt and Road' initiative and its impact on partner countries.

5. Internal Transformations: Address economic reforms and accelerated urbanization. Explain social changes, like the emergence of a middle class and challenges faced, such as social inequality and pollution.

6. International Relations: Provide examples of how China interacts with other world powers, especially the United States and the European Union. Explain the importance of these relations for global economic and political stability.

Socioemotional Feedback Activity

Duration: 40 to 50 minutes

Debate on Chinese Influence

Students will be divided into groups to discuss and debate China's influence on the world stage. Each group will have a specific aspect to explore, such as foreign policy, economy, social changes, and international relations. After group discussions, there will be a presentation and debate in the classroom.

1. Group Division: Divide the class into groups of 4 to 5 students.

2. Topic Distribution: Assign each group a specific topic related to China, such as foreign policy, economy, social changes, or international relations.

3. Research and Discussion: Give groups 10 minutes to research and discuss their assigned topic. Encourage students to use different sources and consider multiple perspectives.

4. Presentation: Each group will have 3 minutes to present their conclusions to the rest of the class.

5. General Debate: After the presentations, facilitate a general debate where all groups can ask questions and comment on each other's presentations. Encourage respectful and constructive dialogue.

Group Discussion

After the activity, use the RULER method to guide the group discussion. First, Recognize the emotions expressed during the debate, noting how students felt while discussing different viewpoints. Next, Understand the causes of those emotions by asking students why they felt a certain way and how the discussed information influenced their emotions.

Name the emotions accurately, helping students identify and label feelings such as frustration, enthusiasm, or curiosity. Express those emotions appropriately, encouraging students to share their experiences constructively and respectfully. Finally, help students Regulate their emotions by discussing strategies to cope with intense feelings and maintain a healthy and productive debate environment.

Conclusion

Duration: 15 to 20 minutes

Emotional Reflection and Regulation

To conduct a reflection on the challenges faced during the lesson and how students managed their emotions, suggest that students write a paragraph or participate in a group discussion. Ask students to reflect on what they learned about Chinese foreign policy and the internal changes post-communist revolution, and how this information made them feel. Inquire about the challenges they encountered while discussing these topics and how they dealt with their emotions. Encourage them to identify the strategies they used to remain calm and communicate effectively during the debate.

Objective: The objective of this subsection is to encourage self-assessment and emotional regulation, helping students identify effective strategies to deal with challenging situations. By reflecting on their emotions and actions, students can develop a better understanding of themselves and learn to manage their emotions more effectively in the future. This practice also promotes empathy when considering the perspectives and feelings of others during complex discussions.

Closure and A Look Into The Future

To conclude the lesson, ask students to set personal and academic goals related to the content studied. This can be done by writing a paragraph about how they plan to apply what they learned about China in their everyday lives and future studies. For example, they can commit to keeping up with the news about China, better understanding the global economy, or improving their debate skills.

Possible Goal Ideas:

1. Keep up with current news and events about China.

2. Better understand the dynamics of the global economy.

3. Improve debate and group discussion skills.

4. Deepen knowledge about Chinese history and culture.

5. Practice emotional regulation in challenging situations. Objective: The objective of this subsection is to strengthen student autonomy and the practical application of learning, aiming for continuity in academic and personal development. By setting personal and academic goals, students become more aware of their progress and commit to their own growth, both emotionally and intellectually.