Page 28 - Play to Learn -- In the New Nursing Home Environment

WeAretheSame,WeAreDifferent
27
Steps:
• Set up the exercise by saying, “There are many things we have in common and many characteristics that make each of us unique. During this activity, we will be talking about commonalities and diversity in people as a way of increasing our appreciation of individuals and our ability to relate to people from diverse backgrounds.”
• Pass out peanuts, one to each participant. Ask participants to take about 30 seconds to learn about their peanut. Have them look at the size, shape, color, texture, bruises, defects and any other special aspects.
• Form groups of 4 or 5 participants. Ask that they descriptively introduce their peanut to their group.
• After each has shared, ask in the large group if they would agree that all the peanuts are the same. Ask that they share both the differences and similarities they found in their peanuts.
• Ask what difference they see in people and what similarities they see.
• Suggest that they respect and delight in each other’s difference and work to find their similarities and common ground. By doing this they can understand where other people are coming from and therefore have the best possible chance for clear and effective communication.
Appreciating sameness and diversity
PURPOSE
To assist participants in recognizing that people are unique and yet share a common humanness. So, we need to recognize both the commonalities and the diversities in people in order to remove biases and prejudicial views.
DESCRIPTION Participants describe and compare peanuts as a means to acknowledging sameness and diversity.
PARTICIPANTS any number
TIME
5 minutes
SUPPLIES
One peanut per participant. Or, for a more “nurturing” session, one orange per partici- pant. Be sure to check for peanut allergies. Use oranges instead.
SELF GROWTH GAMES