Orphans and Vulnerable Children - CRIN

The Characteristics of a Child

In this activity, you will:

 Discuss and define the characteristics of childhood

Facilitator’s notes:

In this activity, you will be discussing the characteristics that define what a child is, as opposed to an

adult. For example, apart from obvious physical size differences, happy children generally display the

following characteristics:

Children’s experiences and their environment also influence everything that they do, say and know.

Counsellors should thus assess the personality of a child on an individual basis.

For this activity you will need:

 Flipchart and markers

 Handout 1 - Characteristics of a Child

To facilitate this activity:

1 Divide the participants into groups and let them discuss the questions below:

 What are the characteristics of children? In what ways are children different from adults?

 How do children communicate? Is this different from adult communication?

2 Discuss the group’s answers in plenary. Write responses up on the flipchart, adding points from

your facilitator’s notes. Discuss the implications of these characteristics for communicating with

children. For example, the fact that children are inquisitive means that adult counsellors should

be prepared to answer a wide range of questions from children!

3 Hand out Handout 1. Participants can add any extra points to those listed on their handouts.

Activity 1

Hap

pychildrenare:

Active and energetic

Curious and inquisitive

Flexible

Honest

Open-minded

Quick to make friends

Trusting and trustworthy

Eager to learn

30 minutes

Guide to Mobilising and Strengthening Community-Led Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children Unit 2, Module 2^175