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Children & Youth Religious Leaders Families EducatorsACTIVITY: "Grab Bag Dramatics"

TIME: 30-60 MIN

FOCUS: Play Creatively ALSO: Act Courageously

 
STEP 1 – FORM SMALL GROUPS

Depending on the size of your total group, divide the group into smaller groups of 3 to 7 persons each. Since this is such a fun activity, it would be a good opportunity to put participants in groups where they don’t all know or hang out with one another.
 
STEP 2 – INTRODUCE AND MODEL THE ACTIVITY

Announce to the group – "Inside of these bags we have some tools to becoming peacemakers." Take a bag and pull out one item like a potato masher. Model using it; e.g., as a microphone to interview some of the participants. "Here we are at the Peacemakers Conference. Yes, ladies and gentleman, these are the people who are making a difference in our communities all over the world. Yes, that new day of peace is here! Tell us how this is happening in your community." (Ham it up!)
 
STEP 3 – DISTRIBUTE THE BAGS AND EXPLAIN THE TASK

Give each group a bag, each with several different kinds of interesting items such as chopsticks, plastic jar, artificial flowers, etc. The more diversified the better. Announce the basic rule – none of these items can be used for what they are; e.g., the potato masher can be a microphone, but not a potato masher.

Announce the two tasks—

  1. Each group is to discuss what could really make our world a better place and what would that look like.
  2. Then, using the items in your bag, each group is to create some kind of skit, song, poems, etc, that would demonstrate your group’s ideas for making the world a better place and present it to the whole group.
STEP 4 – GROUP PRESENTATIONS

After 10-15 minutes for groups to create their presentations, have them make their presentations, with lots of affirmation following each one.
 
STEP 5 – PROCESS THE EXPERIENCE

This is a great celebrating activity after the fears go away. Getting in front of others is an act of courage. Sharing our beliefs and peacemaking ideas even more so. Giving our kids many opportunities to do this in fun ways really will make a difference in their confidence to build a peaceful world. Explore these questions:

  • How did you feel about doing that activity?
  • Did anyone feel pressured into doing something that they didn’t want to do? Did you feel uncomfortable performing?
  • What made you do it? Did you feel okay about it after you were finished?
  • What makes the difference between stretching yourself to try something new as a positive learning and something that could be harmful or destructive? How can you tell the difference?
  • How can you make a peaceful decision?
 
CHECKLIST FOR THIS ACTIVITY
  • "Grab bags"
  • Assorted items for the "grab bags"

NOTE: This activity was developed by Judi Buchman in Grand Rapids, MI


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The Institute for Peace and Justice
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