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How to Use This Workbook
Lesson Introduction Page
The first page of each lesson contains an outline of information for the facilitator. This page includes lesson objectives, links to Character Education, the activity challenge and setup procedures.
An Activity Plan box on this page includes information regarding group size and time requirements. Mental and physical intensities are rated on a scale of 1 to 3 (with 1 being the least intense and 3 being the most intense). Also, space requirements can be clarified as follows:
- Minimal: activity can be conducted in the front of the room
- Medium: a few desks may need to be moved
- Lots: clear all desks or relocate to the gym or an outdoor area
Safety Reminders
This section contains specific safety reminders for each activity. Please be sure to read the “Safety” section in the beginning of this guide, and always follow general safety precautions for each activity.
Helpful Hints
This section provides the facilitator with suggestions that will help to guide the participants. Also, tips are offered to avoid some possible obstacles during the activity.
Activity Instructions
This section provides step-by-step instructions for the facilitator to follow.
- Risk Taking Notes – The Risk Taking Notes are quotes or stories to inspire taking a positive risk. You can use these cards to inspire the group, start a conversation or debrief an experience by asking how this quote or story relates to the experience. Risk Taking Notes are available in Appendix B.
- Storyline – Use the storyline to motivate participants for the activity.
- Activity Challenge Box – Each activity includes an Activity Challenge Box which presents the specific challenge to the participants, as well as the guidelines that must be followed for each activity. Be sure to read this box to the group and clarify their understanding of the guidelines.
- Problem Solving Sequence – Before actually beginning the activity, have the participants work through the Problem Solving Sequence. The steps for this sequence are also located in Appendix A for reference. These steps are:
- Circle up
- Know and understand the challenge and the guidelines
- Brainstorm
- Make a plan
- Do the plan
- Evaluate results and adjust as necessary
Activity Variations
This section provides variations of easier or more challenging versions of the activity for the group’s use.
Notes
Space is provided for the facilitator’s notes on the activity.
Debriefing the Activity
Debriefing questions are provided for the facilitator to guide discussions following the activity. The facilitator may use as many of the suggested questions he or she feels is appropriate for the group, and it is not required that all the questions be used. A master list of debriefing questions is available in Appendix D.
Close on a Positive Note
This section reminds the facilitator to end the activity by reviewing all the learning experiences of the group during the activity. The facilitator should always end by summarizing the positive teamwork experiences learned by the group.
Connection Cards:
These cards (located in Appendix C of the Activity Guide) provide fun and meaningful ways to bring quick teambuilding experiences back to your everyday work with children, teens or adults. They are great sharing starters for getting a group to share their ideas, feelings, or thoughts about a particular experience or about the day in general.
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