Module\Exercises - Details

These are examples of interactive segments used in our workshops: Updated: June 9th, 2008

High Definition Vision:
Visualizing yourself surrounded by the conditions you want to create
A three-part exercise. First, the student takes a moment to visualize a future far greater than they may have given themselves to envision before. Second, student writes down a potential future vision. Third, student shares inspirational vision with the group.

Objectives: Motivate teens to choose a vision potentially greater than ever given themselves permission before and to develop an ability to think outside “the box”. This model develops problem solving abilities. Example: Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years if there were no obstacles? What might you be doing in 5-10 years if you gave yourself permission to pursue your dreams?  Write about it as if it is in the present. Write it like a movie!... Your movie, directed by and starring you. Now focus on feeling your vision...  everything you need to know to get there will be revealed to you over the course of your journey.

Destructive Celebrations:
Are there ways to ways to let off steam that are productive?
With higher benefits? What if that was your car with the tires slit? What if you don't get caught? List Benefits What if you do get caught? A Choice: (Slash tire) List Benefits. (5) List Negatives (15). Low self esteem, feeling bad after the fact. When you think about “destructive celebrations”, there is much about fighting (from a few to masses) of celebrating soccer fans; of tearing down the goal post by celebrating football fans; of tearing up the infield by celebrating baseball fans…… what drives this desire to create havoc while celebrating? Ask the questions: Can we blow off steam in a constructive way? Can we celebrate in a constructive way? What are the benefits to me for destructive celebration? For constructive celebration? Why do we get drunk and loud to celebrate? Is it worth it the next day?

Is It Worth It?
Discover the pros and cons of any potential choice
How do we decide if we should take an action? Is there a way to explore the potential benefits and risks before we take action? The teens takes a moment to visualize potential future choices. Students break into workgroups and one student is assigned role of writing down discoveries made in the group. Second: group members, stimulated by coach support, speak up within group and offer potential choices. Students share discoveries with the workshop.

Objectives: Motivate teens to ask questions before taking actions and discover the power of teamwork. Examples: Are there ways to ways to make better choices with higher benefits? What if that was your car with the tires slit? What if you don't get caught? What if you do get caught? Will you feel bad after the fact? When you think about a potential action or choice, ask yourself: What are the potential benefits and potential consequences? Will it be worth it the following day? Often our friends will invite us to join into an activity. Should we just jump in and hope for the best? Is there an intellectual process that we can apply to determine if the choice will best serve our interests?

Exercise: Write a title of a potential action such as "join a gang", then draw a line through the center of your paper.  On one side write down the positive possibilities and on the other write down the potential negative consequences for this action. Upon completion, compare pros and cons to determine the best course of action.

Beyond An Obstacle:
Discover how actions can shift a "dead end" conclusion into an opportunity
Group is presented the challenge: “Obstacles Close doors” and “Possibilities Open Doors”. First part, teens offer a list of random obstacles on one side of the board. Second part: Break out into work groups and write down potential solutions for every obstacle listed. Third Part group comes together discusses their discoveries. Objectives: Inspire teen examine the concept of “dead-ends” as merely an unexplored possibility. Teens discover the only limitations are a failure to throw enough at a potential obstacle. This exercise develops creative ability to overcome obstacles and expands awareness.

In this exercise, split a page into three sections, by dividing a page into three columns. In the first column, prepare a list of things you currently "Don't Like" in your life. Leave the middle column blank. In the third column list a positive change of how you "Would Like" that negative in the first column changed into. In the middle column write a list of Actions or Belief changes are required in order to generate the desired changes.