Time: 5-7 minutes
Overview:
Participants reflect on a statement, image, or prompt and move to a "corner" that matches their choice. There they share their rationale for choosing that corner with others before the whole group reconvenes.
When and Why: “Corners” is helpful in promoting the importance of divergent perspectives and the value of having all voices heard. Participants have the opportunity to connect with others, while hearing a variety of reasons for being drawn to the common category. The activity also incorporates movement and injects energy into the room.
SEL Focus: Participants will be practicing the Responsible Decision-Making skills of Situation Analysis and Evaluating as they choose and discuss their “corner” choice, and are developing the Social Awareness skills of Perspective-Taking and Empathy as they listen to understand each other’s choices and reasoning.
Steps:
1. Before the activity, mark four to five areas in the room with a large image, number, or word that corresponds to the choices you will be giving.
2. Ask participants to silently reflect on a statement or question prompt that is aligned to the content of the engagement.
3. Share response choices with the group on a poster/slide (quotes, pictures, etc.).
4. Instruct participants to choose one of the responses, then ask them to move to that designated "corner" of the room, find a partner or trio within the group that forms in that area, and share what drew them to that choice.
5. NOTE: If you end up with a solo participant in a “corner,” join that person to hear their thoughts, using a timer to keep on track. Debrief by inviting two or three participants to share their choice and rationale with the whole group (or one person from each “corner” area, if time permits). You may also ask what they notice about the size and composition of the groups and/or what SEL skills and competencies came into play during the activity.