Names are powerful.

Before we start a group session we remind each other to use our names. This prompts the children to connect and they often use a child's name before they speak to them.

Using someone's name validates their idea and provides evidence that you have heard and are thinking about what they were saying.

Some examples are:

Isaac, I didn't understand when you...

Divine, what did you mean when...

I agree with Sione's idea because...

I just want to talk about what Mea said.

Can I extend on Bailey's idea?

Have you had a conversation recently (today) with all your team members? More importantly in a one to one session, if this is not someone you usually hangout with and have regular conversations with it is important that you connect.

You can do this by greeting them and using their name. It can be as simple as 'Hey ________, let's work over here.'

Ask about how their day is going using a piece of information you know about them. 'Did you watch the basketball game at lunchtime?'

Mention something that you have shared or done similarly that day. 'Its so hot, did you get super hot at play time? Let's ask if we can work outside.'

You should by this time know your group members names, and have connected over something that you have done or need to do next in your project. Now its time to think about how to get the most out of your team time together.

Think about:

• What needs to be accomplished?

• How are we going to do this together?

Look at your team members:

• What questions could you ask them? 'We don't watch animal programs at home. Has anyone seen a program about elephants?'

• Who is likely to do the most talking? This means that after they talk you could check that you got the point of what they were saying by repeating or summarising. 'Did you just say that elephants don't sweat. Does this mean that they're not smelly?'

• What do you know that you could share. Could you ask someone else to respond to what you say after you have finished talking? 'I know that elephants don't actually sweat. What do you think about that!?'