This week’s provocation is inspired by this powerful video by Asger Leth (please note that this is not part of the intended provocation for your students as it may be unsuitable for children).
“There’s more that brings us together than we think.”
Whether you hope to address existing contention in your classroom or to proactively build a stronger sense of community, this provocation aims to unearth more empathy, respect, and common ground.
Resource #1: Step In the Box If…
This resource is an activity I learned from an adult team building exercise a couple years ago. It goes something like this:
1. The leader puts tape on the ground in the shape of a large box, with the participants standing around outside it.
2. The leader starts by asking participants to “Step in the box if…” for fairly innocuous topics, such as, “…if you are wearing jeans today.” “…if you like sports.” “…if you love chocolate.”
3. The leader then asks participants to “Step in the box if…” for more personal concepts: “…if you are nervous about school this year.” “…if you have ever felt like you don’t belong.” “…if you have ever felt afraid.” “…if you have big ideas to change the world.” “…if you are responsible to take care of a younger sibling.” “…if you love someone who has a disability.”
Resource #2: Shawn’s Paper from “Turkey Day,” Season 4, Episode 10 of Boy Meets World (in which Shawn’s and Cory’s families try to come together for Thanksgiving but find discomfort with their social class distinctions)
- Where does the phrase “common ground” come from?
- How do people find things they share in common?
- How does it impact communities when people search for what they have in common?
- How does it impact individuals when they search for what they have in common with others?
- What is the relationship between finding what you share in common with others and being true to makes you different?
- How is finding common ground connected to respect?
featured image: DeathToTheStockPhoto