Suggested Grade/Age Range: Grades 7-8

Activity Objective: The purpose of this activity is to have youth use both verbal and non-verbal communication to express themselves to their peers. The important factors for effective communication are discussed around both speaking and listening.

Materials Required:

• Two class sets of paper bags
• Connectors
• These can be any materials that can connect together (e.g., connecting blocks, etc.)

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Place one connector in each bag and ensure that there are two class sets to play two rounds of the game

Task Time: 60 minutes

Ensure there are around 5-7 minutes after each round for a brief discussion and then time for a whole class discussion at the end 

Activity Description:

 Activity: Round 1

1.       Explain to the class that they will be playing a game where they will have to use both verbal and non-verbal communication skills to try and ‘connect’ with others

Show the class the connectors and tell them that the goal of the game is to find another individual (or more than one) to connect with, but they cannot show each other what their connector looks like. Instead, they will have to use verbal communication (Round 1) and non-verbal communication (Round 2) to describe the connectors and see if they can connect

2.       Have an individual come up to demonstrate the activity with you

The types of descriptions used for the connectors will depend on the materials used for connectors

3.       Hand out a paper bag to each individual in the class. Once everyone has one, give each individual a moment to look discreetly inside their bags to see which connector they have.

4.       Have the class walk around and try to “connect” with others. Give them around 7minutes to play the game

While circulating amongst the class, if you notice individuals who are not able to find a connection, encourage them to not give up and to keep trying

5.       As connections are being made, instruct the connected individuals to place their connectors on a table

Discussion: Round 1

6.       Gather class around the displayed connectors and have a brief discussion about the game playing process. Ask them:

• “Who connected on the first try?”, wait for a show of hands, and then follow up with the question, “How did that make you feel?” Many individuals may reply “good” or “happy” and take this opportunity to talk about how when we feel seen or heard in our attempts to communicate, this makes us feel good about ourselves
• “Who took a few more tries to connect?”, wait for a show of hands and then follow up with the question, “How did that make you feel?” There may be an array of responses here ranging from positive to negative. Talk about how sometimes effective communication takes a few tries and it is important to keep trying and to not give up
• “Who was not able to connect?”, wait for a show of hands. Acknowledge the efforts for not giving up even if it becomes frustrating. Tell them that they should feel proud of themselves for continuing to try.
• Emphasize that sometimes communication does not go well and it is important to keep trying with different people until we are heard and get what we need.

Activity: Round 2

7.       Move onto Round 2. This time, explain that the class will try to “connect” with others only using non-verbal communication.

Have the class come up with a few specific examples. Emphasize that with non-verbal communication, we really have to pay attention to one another

8.       Give youth around 7 minutes for the second round. Once connections are made, have youth place them on a table for discussion 

Discussion Round 2:

9.       Gather class for a whole class discussion. Repeat the discussion questions from Step 5. Also add in:

• “Did you notice anything different when just using non-verbal communication?”
•  “How can you tell if someone is really listening to you?”
• “When you have something very important to say or when you need help, what should you do?” (e.g., speak clearly; make sure the other person is listening; keep telling different adults you trust until you get the help you need)

Activity Extensions:

Youth can write journal entries on one experience where they felt the communication was clear and healthy and one experience where miscommunication happened and how that was resolved or how they would resolve it now

Additional Comments:

• Connectors can be puzzle pieces that fit together, shape blocks that fit together, or any other prop that can be matched
• The characteristics around healthy communication apply across all modules and can be integrated as a talking point throughout the other modules, especially  ‘Getting Help & Barriers’, ‘Building Friendships’, ‘Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships’, ‘Consent’