Provide opportunities through art, music or writing for youth to express their own identities, history, affiliations, values, intentions, and needs, etc. Explore different facets of ascribed or acquired identity: ethnicity, race, gender, religion, language, geography, sexual orientation, vocation, avocation, and so on. Find intersections and commonalities between various identities, and find hybrid identities that entwine …
Have youth respond in writing to the prompt “I wish my __________________ (fill in person or role) knew…….” in order to learn more about their personal lives. This activity allows for deeper connection with youth and often brings up social-emotional challenges the person is facing. Many people find that doing this in writing is easier …
When a young person is in the throes of anger, panic, or emotional outburst, often their minds and bodies are experiencing a stress response whereby they literally feel unsafe. Instead of yelling at them or isolating them, let them know that they are safe. Try saying, “I am here for you. I love you/I care …
An interactive game to learn names and qualities about people in a group, that teaches skills of investigation, appreciating diversity, identifying similarities and differences. Photocopy a “human bingo” sheet (many samples are online) for each participant. Each box will have a characteristic or something a person can do or that they possess. Examples include: “can …
Design a huaka‘i or fieldtrip for youth to help them better understand the history, culture, and land systems (ahupua‘a) of Hawai‘i. Your huaka‘i might focus on indigenous culture (i.e.: lo‘i, fishpond) or local culture (i.e.: plantation village, sugar mill). Think about (1) Arrangements – researching, making the reservations, cost, what to bring; (2) Logistics – …
After analyzing the information surrounding a problem or challenge, what is your reaction? Were the systems fair? Why or why not? Identify one or two youth to do video interviews with fellow children/students to learn their reactions. Compile them into one video piece. For young children, this can be facilitated by parents, caregivers or teachers …
A reflection activity that can be done as part of a family meeting, intervention, restorative justice session, or other time in which a “big picture” outlook is desired. Typically done in a small group of people that have love and concern for another group member. For example, a child undergoing a significant change such as …
Learn about Ho‘oponopono, the Hawaiian system for ‘setting it right,’ and restoring individual and community harmony and balance. It promotes acts of healing interpersonal conflicts and is relationship-centered and not agreement-centered. It often involves forgiveness. During Ho‘omalu, practitioners sit in solitude and gather strength prior to speaking one’s true feelings. With all family members working …
Project a slide or make a poster listing or showing in pictures a wide range of emotions and feelings (brave, uncomfortable, confident, jealous, peaceful, disappointed, safe, strong, sorry, etc….). Ask youth to pick two different emotions that describe them today – one emotion they show on the surface, and another emotion they keep on the …
Consider the benefits of establishing and maintaining a garden….. time with nature, cultivation of living plants, growing of edible foods, time to reflect, and many others. A garden, large or small, can be created in the earth, in containers, in a greenhouse, on a window ledge, or in your own inventive space. The idea is …