ACTIVITIES

Friendly wishes for difficult people

Sit in a circle. Encourage participants to close their eyes. Have students think of a person they find difficult to be around, but would like to wish well. Use guided visualization: "imagine that you feel happy. Imagine that you're smiling, laughing, and having fun. Don't worry if you don't feel happy right now. Just picture yourself laughing, hanging out with friends, or doing something that you love to do. Then in your own words, silently say something like this: I want to be happy. I want to be healthy and strong. I want to be safe. I want to feel lots of love. I want to feel content and peaceful. Bring back the image of the person you find difficult, but whom you'd like to wish well. remember, you don't need to change your feelings toward them. In your own words, silently say something like this: I want you to be healthy and content. I hope that you're safe and feel peaceful. Choose words and good wishes that you're comfortable saying and repeat them silently." Process: How did you feel before this activity? How did you feel after?

Stadium Wave

Participants should stand in a circle. Explain that they will be working together to create a stadium wave. Show students which direction the wave will move. Choose a student who will start the wave. Demonstrate how they will create the wave by crouching down with knees bent and hands touching the floor. When you stand up wave your hands up into the air. This passes the wave to the next person. "When I say go, start the wave." Try speeding up. Try moving in the opposite direction. Offer another student the opportunity to start. Processing: What would happen if you didn't participate? Did you feel some pressure to participate? That's similar to peer pressure. Some peer pressure is helpful, some is harmful. How do you know which is which?