Download - Building community a process
Communication Can be
Threatening t0 Y0Uth
• Move from non threatening to threatening
• Mover from non verbal to verbal
• Move from superficial to personal
• Move from silly to serious
Reasons for Icebreakers:
• kids from totally different backgrounds, schools, social groups.
• not comfortable with one another
• break<down barriers
• sound barrier - multiple fears about speaking –
• open lines of communication. ·
• mixers - interaction with one another
• set a relaxed atmosphere
Oops…
Resources
1. Cards (Discussion,
Conversation starters,
Questions)
2. Ask the 'kids for
icebreaker ideas (They'll
tell you the ones they
like)·
3. Icebreakers don't require
communication.
15 hours in a van may break
the ice
Running interaction activities
1.get them speaking to
one another.
2.Superficial sharing
3.Surface level
conversation
4.Okay if they go off
topic
3. BOND BUILDING
• problem solving activities.
• force youth to work side by side.
• co-operation is the main goal
• develop a team spirit
• put aside agenda.
Examples:
• Sports teams (positive
competition - not to
bring contempt)
• Obstacle course.
• Puzzles, problem
solving
How to Run Bond builders
1. Carefully Select
2. Don't help them.
3. Be extremely safety minded.
4. Use small groups.
5. Very Clear Instructions.
Running bond builder cont…
6. Don't mention
mistakes.
7. Wait for answers.
8. Focus on the students
personal experiences
and feelings.
Running bond builder cont…
9. When discussing give
everyone a chance to
talk.
10. Don't give advice.
11. Try the bond building
activity again.
4. OPENING UP
Youth are talking about
themselves.
i. Risking · personal
risk to youth.
fear of being laughed
at/rejected
ii. Response of the
Group
I have always felt
that Wolverine
was very much
misunderstood
Running openers
1.Teach teens to listen.
2.Teach them to display
acceptance and not
confrontation
3.Don't discuss what they
share.
You can
tell me..
No, I
can’t.
running openers
1. Thank a person for sharing
2. Model openness to youth group yourself
3. Facilitate the process of sharing.
4. use small groups.
5. Beware of different vulnerability levels.
6. Allow students to opt out
Hey guys there was a time, I
dreamt I ate the worlds largest
marshmallow and when I
woke up my pillow was
gone…
Thanks
for
sharing
Deryk
5. AFFIRMING
• being appreciated,
encouraged, honored,
maybe even admired.
Pastor Dan was affectionately
known as Sanchez…was that a
good thing?
Running affirmations
1. Set the stage for affirmation (no burn zone)
2. Affirm the teen directly
3. Encourage teens to keep all comments positive (no backhand slams)
4. Teach teens how to receive affirmation.
Running affirmations
1. Don't compliment uncontrollable characteristics.
2. Don't use comparisons.
3. As the leader you should participate.
4. Writing out affirmations is helpful.
5. Works well in a big group.
6. Include God in the affirmations.
Well, I think
that you have a
very nice
fiancée and
nice hair…
• Love languages –share• Post it notes• Hot seat –prayer and encouragement• Plate names –sharing out loud• Verbal affirmations –• Life reflects the following• Being there at games performance• Card from leaders on birthday• Activities that affirm kids
6. STRETCHING
· something that puts the whole group at risk
· Safety first
.e.g. Rock climbing
Followed by minimum of ½ hr discussion
Focus on need for others and for God
Help student understand interdependence
Discuss limitations of individuals