Lesson Plan | Socioemotional Learning | Russian Revolution: Lenin and Stalin: Review

Objectives

Duration: 10 to 15 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to provide students with a clear view of the lesson objectives, allowing them to understand the historical context of the Russian Revolution, the importance of leaders Lenin and Stalin, and the global influence of events. These objectives help direct students' attention to the main topics, facilitating a deeper and more integrated understanding of the content to be covered throughout the lesson.

Main Goals

1. Understand the main events and figures of the Russian Revolution, specifically Lenin and Stalin, and the formation of the USSR.

2. Analyze the influence of the Russian Revolution outside the Soviet state, identifying the resulting social and political changes.

Introduction

Duration: 15 to 20 minutes

Emotional Warm-up Activity

Guided Deep Breathing

The emotional warm-up activity will be a session of Guided Deep Breathing. This practice aims to help students connect with the present moment, reducing stress and increasing concentration. Deep breathing is a simple yet effective technique that can be done anywhere and anytime, providing a sense of calm and mental clarity.

1. Ask students to sit comfortably in their chairs, with their feet firmly planted on the floor and their hands resting gently in their laps.

2. Instruct students to close their eyes or focus their gaze on a specific point in the room.

3. Guide students to inhale deeply through their nose for four seconds, feeling the air fill their lungs and expand their abdomen.

4. Ask students to hold their breath for four seconds.

5. Instruct students to exhale slowly and completely through their mouth for four seconds, feeling their abdomen contract as the air leaves their lungs.

6. Repeat this cycle of deep breathing for five minutes, encouraging students to focus on the sensation of air entering and leaving their bodies.

7. After the practice, ask students to slowly open their eyes and bring their attention back to the room, noticing how they feel calmer and more focused.

Content Contextualization

The Russian Revolution was one of the most significant events of the 20th century, provoking deep changes in the social and political structure of Russia and influencing movements around the world. To understand the magnitude of this transformation, it is essential to consider not only the historical facts but also the emotions and motivations of the people involved. Imagine living in a time of great uncertainty and turmoil, where your emotions could swing between hope and despair. As leaders, Lenin and Stalin not only made political decisions but also dealt with the complex emotions of a tumultuous population.

Moreover, it is important to reflect on how individual and collective decisions are shaped by emotions and social context. The Russian Revolution teaches us about the interplay between self-awareness, self-control, and social skills, as leaders and citizens had to navigate a landscape of intense emotional and social pressures. By connecting these historical events with our own feelings and decisions, we can develop a deeper and more empathetic understanding of the past and present.

Development

Duration: 60 to 75 minutes

Theoretical Framework

Duration: 20 to 25 minutes

1. Historical Context of the Russian Revolution: Explain the political, economic, and social scenario of Russia before the Revolution. Detail the fall of the czarist regime and the events that led to the February Revolution and the October Revolution of 1917.

2. Lenin: Introduce Vladimir Lenin as the leader of the Bolsheviks. Explain his Marxist ideas and his vision for Russia. Discuss Lenin's role in the October Revolution and the formation of the Soviet government. Provide examples of his policies, such as the New Economic Policy (NEP).

3. Stalin: Introduce Joseph Stalin and his rise to power after Lenin's death. Explain his policies of collectivization and industrialization. Discuss the impact of his policies on the population, including the Great Purge and Stalinist Terror. Use analogies to explain the change in leadership and how it affected the USSR.

4. Formation of the USSR: Describe the creation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) in 1922. Explain the political and administrative structure of the new state and how it was organized under the leadership of the Communist Party.

5. Global Influence: Analyze the influence of the Russian Revolution and the USSR outside the Soviet state. Discuss how the revolution inspired communist and socialist movements around the world and the impact of the USSR on global politics during the 20th century.

Socioemotional Feedback Activity

Duration: 30 to 35 minutes

Simulated Debate: Councils of the People

Students will participate in a simulated debate where they will represent different social groups in Russia during the Russian Revolution. The aim is for them to express the emotions and perspectives of these groups, understand the causes and consequences of their actions, and regulate their emotional responses during the debate.

1. Divide the class into groups, each representing a specific social group from revolutionary Russia, such as peasants, workers, Bolsheviks, and Mensheviks.

2. Each group must prepare arguments based on their historical perspectives, including the emotions and motivations of their group during the revolution.

3. Instruct students to recognize and name the emotions each social group may have felt during the revolutionary events.

4. Organize a simulated debate where each group will present their arguments and respond to questions from other groups.

5. Encourage students to express emotions appropriately and regulate their responses during the debate, maintaining respect and empathy.

Group Discussion

After the debate, gather the students for a group discussion using the RULER method. Recognize the emotions that arose during the debate, both positive and negative, and understand the causes of these emotions in relation to the historical contexts represented. Name the emotions correctly, helping students expand their emotional vocabulary.

Express emotions appropriately by discussing how different social groups may have felt during the Russian Revolution and how these emotions influenced their actions. Finally, regulate emotions by discussing strategies for dealing with intense feelings and maintaining emotional balance during conflict or debate situations.

Conclusion

Duration: 10 to 15 minutes

Emotional Reflection and Regulation

Suggest to students that they write a reflection or participate in a group discussion about the emotional challenges they faced during the lesson. Ask how they managed their emotions and what strategies they used to remain calm and focused. Encourage students to share their experiences and identify moments when they recognized, understood, named, expressed, and effectively regulated their emotions.

Objective: The goal of this subsection is to encourage self-assessment and emotional regulation among students. By reflecting on the challenges faced and the strategies used, students can identify effective ways to deal with challenging situations in the future. This practice promotes the development of self-awareness and self-control, which are essential for emotional maturity.

Closure and A Look Into The Future

Lead a discussion or ask students to write about personal and academic goals related to the lesson content. Explain the importance of setting clear and achievable goals for continuous growth. Encourage them to think about how to apply what they learned about the Russian Revolution, Lenin, and Stalin in their academic and personal lives, such as delving deeper into the global impact of the revolution or developing debate and argumentation skills.

Possible Goal Ideas:

1. Better understand the global impact of the Russian Revolution.

2. Enhance debate and argumentation skills.

3. Apply effective emotional regulation strategies in other academic and personal situations.

4. Develop a study plan to deepen knowledge about the history of the USSR.

5. Promote empathy and understanding of different social and historical perspectives. Objective: The goal of this subsection is to strengthen students' autonomy and the practical application of learning. Setting personal and academic goals related to the lesson content helps students direct their future efforts and continue their academic and personal development. This practice encourages responsibility and proactivity, which are essential for ongoing success.