BOOST for Kids

PEP Talk: Intermediate / Program Themes and Activities

Abuse and Violence

PAGE 4 of 6

primary junior

Activity Title: Myth or Fact?
Suggested Grade/Age Range: Grades 7-8
Activity Objective: The objective of this activity is to dispel myths and stereotypes about abuse, violence, and other situations where youth may need help.
Materials Required: Myth or Fact? Handout (just one for the facilitator to read out) Two signs with the labels “MYTH” and “FACT”
Prep Time: 5 minutes Print out Myth or Fact? Handout Make “MYTH” and “FACT” signs Task Time: 30-40 minutes
Activity Description: 1. Move desks and tables out of the way so there is space to move from one side of the room to the other. Divide the room in half and put up the “MYTH” sign on one side and the “FACT” sign on the other. Have the whole class gather in the middle 2. Explain to the class that you will be reading out some statements about abuse, violence, and other reasons why youth may need to get help. The class will decide whether they think the statement is a myth or a fact and then move to either side of the room 3. Read out the first statement and give time for the students to move to either side of the room. Once everyone has made a choice, have the individuals turn to the person beside them and give their reasons for their decisions 4. Engage in a whole class discussion by inviting individuals from both sides explain their reasoning for their choices 5. Provide the answer for the statement and explain the rationale behind it. Give students an opportunity to ask questions and talk about what they have learned after you revealed the answer 6. Continue this process with all the scenarios
Activity Extensions: Instead of moving around, the class can be divided into small groups and each group is given one or two statements. They will discuss in their groups whether these statements are myth or fact and then present to the whole class for a whole class discussion
Additional Comments: It is important to keep in mind that there may be individuals in the class who have been impacted by abuse. Encourage all students to respect each other’s feelings and experiences and review over class conduct around respectful discussions and confidentiality
Additional Resources: n/a

Activity Title: Myth or Fact?

Suggested Grade/Age Range: Grades 7-8

Activity Objective: The objective of this activity is to dispel myths and stereotypes about abuse, violence, and other situations where youth may need help.

Materials Required:

Myth or Fact? Handout (just one for the facilitator to read out)
Two signs with the labels “MYTH” and “FACT”

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Print out Myth or Fact? Handout
Make “MYTH” and “FACT” signs

Task Time: 30-40 minutes

Activity Description:

1. Move desks and tables out of the way so there is space to move from one side of the room to the other. Divide the room in half and put up the “MYTH” sign on one side and the “FACT” sign on the other. Have the whole class gather in the middle

2. Explain to the class that you will be reading out some statements about abuse, violence, and other reasons why youth may need to get help. The class will decide whether they think the statement is a myth or a fact and then move to either side of the room

3. Read out the first statement and give time for the students to move to either side of the room. Once everyone has made a choice, have the individuals turn to the person beside them and give their reasons for their decisions

4. Engage in a whole class discussion by inviting individuals from both sides explain their reasoning for their choices

5. Provide the answer for the statement and explain the rationale behind it. Give students an opportunity to ask questions and talk about what they have learned after you revealed the answer

6. Continue this process with all the scenarios

Activity Extensions:

Instead of moving around, the class can be divided into small groups and each group is given one or two statements. They will discuss in their groups whether these statements are myth or fact and then present to the whole class for a whole class discussion

Additional Comments:

It is important to keep in mind that there may be individuals in the class who have been impacted by abuse. Encourage all students to respect each other’s feelings and experiences and review over class conduct around respectful discussions and confidentiality

Additional Resources:

n/a

CONTINUE