LIFE SKILLS EDUCATION TOOLKIT FOR ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN INDIA• 25
Directions:
ACTIVITY ONE
Excuses Excuses- Begin by pointing out that we may know what change is required in our behavior but still do not
put into practice. It is important for us to be open to change. Inform the group that we will look
at some of the excuses we make from time to time. - Distribute the excuses list or give one sentence to each child to read and ask the others to
listen. Ask the group to reflect on whether they often have used these excuses. Provided the
children are comfortable, you can make this more interactive by asking the children to put their
hands up if they have used the excuse often. - Then have a discussion on the reasons for not acting on what we have learned or what others
may have recommended. For example:- We do not want to change;
- Change is too new;
- We are too lazy; and/or
- We still do not understand how important it is.
Excuses list:- I’ve tried that before;
- It is a good idea but impractical;
- They will laugh at me;
- I am not ready to do it;
- I will do it next time;
- I have seen others try it already;
- I do not have the time;
- I have never done that before;
- That is not my problem;
- You may be right but ...
- It is too much trouble to change;
- I will think about it;
- I have not had problems so far with what I did; and/or
- My situation is different.
Review- Did some of the excuses sound familiar?
- Do some of your friends respond like this?
- How did you feel and act when they said this?
- Have you also done the same in the past?
Linking Learning With Life
Do a listening survey with two of your friends in the group if possible. Observe what excuses people
make at home, school or in the street when they do not want to do something. How does this
compare with your own behavior?