Communication and conversation starters
Lesson length
30 min
Aim
To build their communication skills
My checklist
- Get S.E.T booklet pages 46-48
- Pens
Starter
Instructions
Revisit page 41 from the previous session, without sharing more than they are comfortable with, ask the girls if they discovered there are some things about themselves from the statements that they would like to build on.
Tips
If any specific areas are highlighted, allow discussion over how this could be improved/changed over time.
Task 1: Manifesto (20 minutes)
Instructions
[Pages 46–48] Read through Gem & Hannah’s story asking the girls to reflect on the experiences in the case studies.
Ask they girls to reflect on a time when they have refrained from saying or asking something because of other people’s reactions.
Tips
To generate discussion, use the example of putting their hand up in class. If there are times when they know the answer and do not raise their hand, explore the reasons behind this e.g. – other pupil’s reactions, the teacher’s reaction, being worried about mixing up the words when speaking in front of others etc.
The following points can be used to generate further discussion –
- What impact can holding back have on how you feel?
- At the time, which thoughts held you back?
- If you had asked/said what you wanted to, what could have been an alternative outcome?
Highlight to the group that it is often negative self-talk that stops people from speaking up when they want to.
Plenary (5 minutes)
Instructions
Bring the session to a close by asking the pupils if there is anything they would like to say that they have not had a chance to say in previous sessions.
Tips
This closing task can be used as an opportunity to practice speaking up/out!
Example of discussions
Below you will find examples of role play scenarios for the group to act out.
Top Tip
During this session, some girls may express that communication is difficult in some circumstances. Why not ask the girls to work through some of the scenarios below. They can then create their own scenarios to act out with each other.
For each of the scenarios allow the girls to practice expressing themselves in a positive way.
“My homework is piling up and I am avoiding completing tasks as my mood is very low right now. I am very concerned that my teacher is going to give me in to trouble when she realises that I have not completed the work.”
“One of my friends is talking about another person in a negative way. One of my key values is to be nice towards others. We don’t know what is going on in the other girl’s life and my friend’s comments are not very nice.”
“One of my family members has a very different view about the world than me, I do not want to agree with them, and I do not want to cause an argument by expressing my views.”