Instead of “Don’t hit,” try “Touch nicely” and demonstrate. Reinforce by asking, “How do you touch nicely?” Instead of “Don’t touch the lamp,” say, “You can touch and play with the pans.” Instead of “Don’t run,” say “Please use your walking feet.” Instead of “Don’t speak that way,” say, “Please speak respectfully, like this…,” and …
Have children sit or stand in a circle. The group counts from one to ten. Anyone can say a number, but if two people say a number at the same time, everyone has to start again from the beginning. This can be difficult, but it is worth persisting. It builds concentration, togetherness and awareness of …
Research shows that practicing pro-social behaviors is essential to internalizing these dispositions. Have youth form small groups of two to four. Hand out a sample age-typical conflict. Tell them they must create two skits. One skit will demonstrate how not to solve a conflict through the incorporation of words that utilize anger and blame, …
Includes four steps: 1) Connect, 2) Ground, 3) Practice, and 4) Reflect. Group members must be as diverse as possible, there must be a shared purpose and expected outcome, and all decision-making must be mutual (avoidance of hierarchies).
While doing creative writing, have youth investigate the people involved in their storyboards. What types of people were involved? What do you think they were thinking and feeling? Encourage the identification of at least three divergent perspectives and interests. Young people can do the same with poetry, prose, or film. What are additional perspectives that …
Revisit an event that ended with a less than desirable outcome. Encourage youth to create their own alternative endings. Why did they make the choices that they made? How have the outcomes changed positively as a result of those choices? What was difficult about those choices?
It is really important to celebrate both small and large successes, honor the people involved, maintain momentum, and continue to inspire improvement. Remember to build celebrations into your budget and calendar, and make them fun and engaging.
A collaborative outdoor activity in which youth are challenged to build a shelter with a limited number and type of materials (ie. no more than 20 items) and within a designated amount of time. They must work in small groups, and all opinions are welcome and encouraged. The shelter does not need to be “attractive” …
The brain alternates between various cycles (high and low) and hemispheres (left and right) throughout the day. To boost energy, enhance wellness, or get youth unstuck, provide brain breaks such as: physical activity, stretching, creative body movements, team-building exercises, sports, games, and free time. Brain breaks have the ability to reduce errors and stimulate learning; …
This is a fun game that emphasizes clear communication, listening skills, and teamwork. Choose a large indoor or outdoor area and divide youth into two groups. You will need blindfolds for every person except for two. Place the groups at opposite ends of the space, and all people wear a blindfold except for one on …
