Make efforts to use language and references that are not limited to only one gender, for example, “How are you guys doing today?” or “Firemen are so brave.” Strive to use language that is more inclusive and respectful of the many roles that both genders play, while also lessening the continuation of stereotypes.
Research shows that youth who have knowledge of their family history, events, challenges, and successes have more self-control, higher self-esteem, and handle difficulties better. This is due to youth feeling a strong sense of belonging and being part of something bigger than they are. Contributing to a family narrative involves telling family stories, following traditions, …
Plan meetings as a whole family (try for weekly) where members discuss the upcoming week. Identify where family members might need some help. Family Meetings are a safe space to talk about challenges each family member may be facing. Rotate who facilitates each week, using talking sticks or balls as a way of sharing equally. …
Identify cultural treasures from the families in your classroom. Have families come in and share their cultural traditions. Highlight ways of celebrating community through dance, art, music, and food. Crosswalk the experiences to highlight the sharing of humanity’s various cultures. Additionally, youth can find hybrid cultural forms of expression and food that show cultural collision, …
Includes active listening plus listening for the counter story. A counter story is one that will introduce possibilities of resolution or that will help you to identify underlying needs. Involves listening beyond facts and more deeply for values important to the speaker. The listener should make note of the speaker’s posture, tone, volume, demeanor, and …
This can be a very valuable and eye-opening exercise that can be done with all ages, child to adult. There are many definitions of peace in the world, some academic, others emotional, and many in between. The purpose of asking people their definition is to get them to reflect on the concept and what it …
Youth draw a map that identifies relationships people have with each other. From that map, they identify key decision-makers as well as people that might be missing or under-represented. They can take a look at where the power is held and discuss if all people identified have a voice. In an effort to more completely …
After exploring some of the many facets of representative democracy, including voting, representation, free speech, assembly etc., youth identify ways to: a) participate and connect with other voices and citizens in their community; b) challenge our democracy to grow in terms of equality, fairness, and social justice; and c) serve others in their community in …
Establish age appropriate shared jobs that rotate throughout the year and that will help build the classroom or home environment. Create a classroom or family chore chart that presents the chores as caring and leadership rather than a burden. Chores can contribute to self-sufficiency as well as community and harmony in the home or classroom. …
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 …
