Thursday, January 22, 2009

Teaching Idea—Where Do I Stand?

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This idea is not original* but I sure do love it and find it useful! It’s fun to use in classes, family home evening or any group activity. The first thing you need to do is to choose a subject matter and then choose five or six subtitles in the subject matter. Some examples include:
  • Woodland animals: Deer, Squirrel, Wolf, Moose, Bear
  • Continents: Asia, Africa, America, Antarctica, Oceania, Europe
  • Founding Fathers: Washington, Franklin, Jefferson, John Adams, Sam Adams
  • Vegetables: Broccoli, Potatoes, Corn, Lettuce, Green Beans, Peas
  • Transportation: Subway, Car, Bicycle, Airplane, Ferry
  • Scriptural Figures: Samson, Deborah, Jezebel, Gideon, Samuel
  • Tools: Hammer, Nail, Pliers, Saw, Duct tape
  • Character traits: Hard working, Kind, Stubborn, Selfish, Selfless
  • Zoo animals: Lion, Elephant, Monkey, Giraffe, Rhino

You get the idea. These could include anything you wish to focus on or are studying.

Write each word in large letters on a piece of paper and hang around the room.
Ask the participants to stand next to the word that best describes them when they are at home.
When everyone has chosen a word to stand next to, ask them to tell why they placed themselves where they did to those standing with them.
After everyone has had a few moments to discuss it, ask a spokesman from each group to share their findings with the entire group.
Continue the activity by repeating steps 2-4 with other situations:

What are you most like when you are with your friends?
What are you most like when you are with your family?
What are you most like when you are at work (school)?
What are you most like when you are by yourself?
What are you most like with people you don't know?
What are you most like when you are shopping?
What are you most like when working on a hobby?

Benefits of this learning strategy are it gets people thinking, moving and talking. It also allows them to apply the subject matter they have been studying to themselves. It also gives a safe environment for people to learn to stand alone.

I still remember watching some of our scrapbook ladies laughing and maneuvering about a packed little room when we played this at our very first retreat. The beginning of some friendships that still exist were born that day. How can you not feel camaraderie when you’re standing next to someone who feels the same as you in situations?

*adapted from TRIBES

5 comments:

kjirsti said...

Sister Payne! Wow. How fun to catch up via your blog. I feel inspired, energized, and more grateful blessed. Thanks! Tell Callie Congrats. That's wonderful. I found your blog via Becky Nelsons and it was a wonderful addition to my Saturday.

Marie said...

Interesting! Now, to chose my own answers....

Darla said...

Ditty Jane!!! I thank you.. if it wasn't for your ditties, we never would have developed those close friendships :)

Thank you!!

Kathy’s Korner said...

Thanks, just in time, I printed it out. Just this morning I prayed for something new to use with my Laurels!

Anonymous said...

Mya would love this- and her little friend who comes over on Wednesdays. I can just hear the giggles now. Thanks!