Four Weeks is Quite Enough

[smallhobbit]

Doodles still hasn't been well enough to come to Brownies, so I've continued to lead.  I am now completely convinced I do not want to be the main leader.

Last week we made telephones out of plastic cups and string and the Brownies spoke to each other using the phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie etc).  They enjoyed themselves and somehow managed to make the telephones work.  One of the parent helpers works with the police, so I was able to ask her about why they find the phonetic alphabet important.

This week the task was for each girl to speak for two minutes.  I knew this would be daunting for some of our girls, so I split them into three groups: 'this is a great idea', 'I'd like to try that, if I get some help' and 'this is Screech Owl's stupidest idea ever'.  We all did the same tasks of preparation, energising, relaxation and sharing worries, but worked within the smaller groups.

I took the 'this is Screech Owl's stupidest idea ever' group - a combination of our youngest girls, and those who hate the thought of doing things in front of people.  With a bit of encouragement they all managed to write some brief notes - several of them choosing to speak about their pets - a nice safe topic.  And they were all prepared to share their worries - often that of being laughed at - because they knew the rest of the group understood how they felt.

None of them spoke for two minutes, but that didn't matter, because they each said something - one sang a song but that was equally acceptable - and some, at least, surprised themselves that they were able to do it.  One even said how she was really shy at school, and found it much easier to communicate via her phone, and I was delighted she had to confidence to say so.  I was really proud of my group who all excelled themselves.  It turned out a number of the really confident group wheren't quite as confident when it came down to it.  And the middle group learnt that their worries weren't necessarily as bad as they thought.

Fortunately the next two weeks we are out and about, so I only have to turn up and count them.  The Brownies have enjoyed the activities, and worked hard, but I'm not sorry to be having a break.

Comments

[angelofthenorth]

One of the things I did at Brownies was safeguarding and emergency services - we talked about who to go to when we needed help including librarians and people like that, and how to do an emergency conversation - what information to have and what to tell them i.e. there's a casualty/fire/crime, that you're a child under 10, if you're on your own and so on.

The adults said it was one of the most helpful ones *they'd* done, and years later, two of the girls found me and said that when something bad had happened, they had remembered what they had been told, and kept their heads :)

[smallhobbit]

I'm glad the girls remembered what you'd told them. It's always good when things they learn in Brownies help in later life.

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Well done with the public speaking. Sounds like you handled it nicely. Such an important skill, glad the girls are trying it out in a safe environment.

[smallhobbit]

Several of my group send they had to stand up in class, and hated doing it, so it was good to see they actually enjoyed the evening.

[sanguinity]

Oh, I really like that strategy of having everyone divvy up by how they react to the assignment, and thus by what kind of support they need -- what an elegant way of getting everyone meaningful peer support, as well as the appropriate tools for what the assignment actually comes down to being for them. And it sounds like it worked out beautifully for the girls!

[smallhobbit]

A lot of weeks I spend time with physical preparations - punching holes in plastic cups for example - but this one I'd had to give some thought as to how best it would work. I was very pleased with how successful it turned out.

[corvidology]

Fantastic!

Developing self-confidence is a huge part of being a brownie or at least it was for me.

[smallhobbit]

I agree. Brownies can accept that everyone is different, and build all of them up in different ways.

[adafrog]

That sounded like a great way to deal with the speeches.

[smallhobbit]

I was very pleased with the way it worked.

[moth2fic]

That sounds really good. Enjoy your weeks just counting them... That was always the bit I hated when I took kids out anywhere - the terror of losing one just about overwhelmed me! Give me public speaking any time! *g*

[smallhobbit]

We're tree planting in the field so it shouldn't be too hard this week. On this occasion I shall be happy not to have to do any preparation.

[aome]

I'm giggling over "This is Screech Owls Stupidest Idea Ever" but it sounds like those girls discovered their bravery!

[smallhobbit]

It sounds really silly but they identified with it and really did well.

[luthienberen]

Congrats to the girls for forging ahead and talking for however long. Building the confidence is the key and it is so important that they did so in a nurturing environment.

Sorry you don't like being the main leader as that is not fun and I know emotionally exhausting position to be in, I pray that you will be able to shake off that responsibility for responsibilities / position in Brownies you prefer. :)

I can't wrap my head around the phonetic alphabet, as in I seriously need to sit down & memorise it! (Sorry for the glut of comments, catching up on dreamwidth!)

[smallhobbit]

Yes, they did well. And I could see how much easier it was for them with a supportive group.

Hopefully I can now take a step back and return to simply assisting.

I learnt the phonetic alphabet some years ago when my husband was learning it, and I've remembered it since.

Please don't apologise for the comments - it's always lovely to hear from you.

[luthienberen]

Glad to hear you should be able to take a step back soon!

Thank you, it is lovely keeping in touch :)

Also, cute owl!

[smallhobbit]

It's a screech owl, which is who I am.

[margaret_r]

Great that you could get your girls to all participate in such an important skill as public speaking in a way that they felt comfortable with. Good luck with the out and about activities:)

[smallhobbit]

I was very pleased with how it went. And thank you - mud ahoy!

[mafief]

Oh goodness, this sounds so busy!

[smallhobbit]

Yup - busier than I wanted.