Cross the Line

Rationale: This lesson allows students to explore the concept of competition versus collaboration and to begin to understand that conflicts are easier to manage when the people in conflict work t...

Communicating to Understand Using Drawings

Rationale: This exercise is designed to illustrate the necessity of clear and open communication. After each drawing exercise, the participants will begin to realize that open lines of communicat...

What is Active Listening?

Rationale: Effective communication consists of both speaking and listening. Active listening is a way of listening and responding to another person that improves mutual understanding. It is an im...

Speaking Without Words

Rationale: An individual’s body language can significantly impact how people interact with him or her. In a conflict situation, it is important to be very aware of what one communicates through n...

Breaking the Code

Rationale: Often conflicts exist between “insider” and “outsider” groups. This activity allows students to explore the dynamics of keeping people on the” outside”, which often occurs through the...

Birthday Timeline

Rationale: Research indicates that about 80% of our communication is non-verbal. Being able to communicate effectively includes both verbal and non-verbal interactions. In this activity participa...

View from the Window

Rationale: We each have a unique perspective of people and events. This activity explores how very different perceptions can be and questions what happens when people experience things differentl...

Draw Your Own Symbol

Rationale: This activity allows students to begin to explore questions of self-identity and enables them to see what they have in common with others. Objectives: To identify similarities an...

Have You Ever?

Rationale: This activity provides participants with the opportunity to explore differences and similarities in identity within the group. Objectives: To identify similarities in the group. T...

The Name Game

Rationale: This activity gives participants an opportunity to learn about themselves and about each other. The activity immediately introduces the concepts of self-identity and awareness of one’s...