Four Weeks is Quite Enough
Mar. 22nd, 2019 05:35 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
smallhobbitDoodles 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.
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.
no subject
Date: 2019-03-23 11:17 am (UTC)