August 1, 1997
Invite the entire class to line up against the wall on one side of the classroom. Explain the ground rules for the Discovery Walk. Leader /Teacher will present different dilemmas , life events or situations inviting all students who have experienced, or have a close friend or family member experienced the situation to walk across the room. Start off with safe situations moving to more complex situations as you invite students to participate.
If you speak more than one language -Walk across the entire room. Observe who is now standing with you as well observe remaining students across the room.
If you have ever been bitten by a dog walk across the room. Observe who is now standing with you as well observe remaining students across the room.
If you have ever had something valuable stolen walk across the room. Observe who is now standing with you as well observe remaining students across the room.
If you have ever felt like giving up or quitting a class walk across the room. Observe who is now standing with you as well observe remaining students across the room.
If you have ever witnessed a car accident walk across the room. Observe who is now standing with you as well observe remaining students across the room.
If you are from a family who experienced divorce walk across the room. Observe who is now standing with you as well observe remaining students across the room.
If you have ever discriminated against another person or known a friend or family member who discriminates against others walk across the room. Observe who is now standing with you as well observe remaining students across the room.
If you have ever lost a family member through death please walk across the room. Observe who is now standing with you as well observe remaining students across the room.
If you have ever felt alone even when people were all around please walk across the room. Observe who is now standing with you as well observe remaining students across the room.
Once you have completed a dozen or so examples Invite students to share their perceptions of what they observed and learned. Understanding others journey and experiences in life increases my understanding and
perceptions and growth occurs!It’s almost impossible to respect someone you don’t know!
Tags: Activity, Respect