Coward Punch - Silent Conversations

Australian Curriculum content descriptions: 

Year 9 English:

• Interpret and compare how representations of people and culture in literary texts are drawn from different historical, social and cultural contexts (ACELT1633)
• Explore and reflect on personal understanding of the world and significant human experience gained from interpreting various representations of life matters in texts (ACELT1635)
• Use comprehension strategies to interpret and analyse texts, comparing and evaluating representations of an event, issue, situation or character in different texts (ACELY1744)

Syllabus outcomes: EN5-2A, EN5-7D, EN5-8D

General capabilities: Literacy

Relevant parts of Year 9 achievement standards: 
Students evaluate and integrate ideas and information from texts to form their own interpretations. Students contribute actively to class and group discussions, comparing and evaluating responses to ideas and issues.

This lesson is part of the wider unit of work STOP the Coward Punch: English – Years 7 to 10

Time required: 60 mins

Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – teachers will need to ensure students are silent throughout the silent conversation and then lead a debrief discussion at the conclusion of the lesson

• Coloured pens or markers
• Device capable of presenting a screen to the class, if the optional online option is used
• Prompt Materials – one A3 copy per pair/small group
• Student Worksheets – one copy per student

This lesson is designed to build students’ competencies in the following skills:

• Communication
• Critical thinking
• Flexibility
• Social skills
• Collaboration

These resources have been designed in partnership with Danny Green's STOP the Coward's Punch campaign.

Danny Green’s STOP the Coward Punch campaign was started in 2012 with the aim of raising awareness of the devastating effects of the coward punch on the community, including the physical and mental scars survivors, families and friends are left with for life.

STOP the Coward Punch believes in the right of all people to enjoy themselves, safely and free from violence. With support from entertainers, athletes, community leaders, politicians and everyday Australians, the campaign aims to raise awareness of the simple precautions we – as a community and as individuals – can take to ensure safe and enjoyable outings and, ultimately, reduce the number of coward punch occurrences in our communities.