• To have students identify their core values so that they can use those values during the deliberation process. 

• Students will think deeply about what they personally value.
• Students will recognize that individuals hold differing and sometimes opposing views, most often with solid and valid reasons. 
• Students will understand that their participation is indispensable and every contribution is important in the deliberation process. 

• 45 – 60 minutes 

• Regular seating 

• Values Cards Worksheet (1 per student)
• Scissors (class set or enough to share)
• Envelopes (1 per student)
• Spiral notebooks for journaling (1 per student)
• Blue, red, and yellow sticky notes (or any 3 colors)
• Chalkboard, whiteboard, or other flat, vertical, visible surface
• Worksheet: Values Cards (1 per student) 

• State the goals of the activity. 
• Explain that the students will be engaging in an exercise which will require them to prioritize nine values cards: Competition, Cooperation, Democracy, Equality, Freedom, Justice, Security, Self-Reliance, and Stability. 

  Extension: Use the blank card on the “Values Cards Worksheet” to allow each student to write her/his own value. 

Role of the Teacher 

• Beyond providing clear instructions to students and then letting them talk, question, and share with each other, it is important that the teacher allow long periods of wait-time when and if necessary, especially if this is the opening class activity. It is crucial to establish from the beginning a deliberative environment in which the teacher does not become the pivotal member of the discussion. It is vital for students to realize, from the first day, that this is their classroom and an environment is being fostered in which they can safely question and explore their beliefs. For deliberation to be effective, students must be responsible for sharing and questioning. 

• Early on, it might be necessary to “play devil’s advocate” and argue for a value that no one else has supported (e.g., argue the value of Competition from an economic stand point or ask if competition for business produces better products and services). Eventually, the deliberation process will eliminate this teacher role.