🧠 Teaching leadership through Social ATL skills in Unit 4 (How We Organize Ourselves)
In Unit 4, How We Organize Ourselves, we explored the conceptual theme of leadership through a very intentional focus on Social Skills (ATL), especially teamwork and group decision-making.
👥 I divided the class into 4 teams of 4 students. Each team was assigned a classroom cabinet where they stored their materials and kept their unit artifacts as they built their learning journey.
From day one, each team created their own group agreements to support collaboration. Some examples were:
When we make decisions, we vote. If there is a tie, we solve it with rock paper scissors
We share tasks fairly
Everyone contributes
We respect other people’s ideas
We listen to everyone
Before we act, we check with the team
🎯 Then, each team set a group goal for the unit. We framed them positively, focusing on what we wanted to see more of:
Stay focused on our task and reduce off-topic conversations
Use work time wisely and stay committed to the team
Collaborate more intentionally and support each other
Speak up more and make sure everyone participates
👤 On top of that, every student set an individual goal connected to teamwork, such as:
I will listen carefully to my teammates
I will participate more (meow 🐱)
I will stay organized
I will pay closer attention
We will avoid conflicts about who is the leader
At the end of the unit, students used these goals for reflection and self-assessment. They explained what went well, what was challenging, and what they want to improve next time.
For me, this is where ATL skills become real. They stop being a poster on the wall and start becoming a lived experience.
💬 How do you explicitly teach Social Skills ATL during your units?