by Beth Stringfield
on to warming up ideas --->
After round-up came check -in. The check-in is used to gage how the youth are feeling as well as to serve as a segue for the larger activity planned for the evening. At times, check-ins are very general. We would open the floor up for anyone to speak about experiences encountered during the week. What was shared was up to the individual. He/she might share a dream with us or discuss how he/she has noticed improvements within him/herself in dealing with conflict.
At times, we would direct the check-ins using leading statements of questions. The following is a partial list of some phrases used to guide check-ins...
- Describe any situation that has proved to be a challenge for you.
- Name someone or a couple of people you admire and explain why.
- What is one personal strength and one personal weakness that you have?
- Think of a time when you handled conflict well and a time when you could have dealt with the situation better.
- Where do you want to be in five years? ten years?
Opportunity House youth were somewhat sluggish about responding to check-ins initially. After they gained more trust for us and understood more about how check-ins related to the day's activities, they shared their experiences with us openly. More directed check-ins will definitely help to keep participants engaged when energy is low and/or when there tends to be an excessive amount of energy in the room.
on to warming up ideas --->
the YEP approach II what is popular theater? II great links II YEP central