30 • MODULE SIX: COPING WITH EMOTIONS
about themselves. On the right hand side ask a friend or friends (as the time permits) to write what
they like about their friend. The mirrors can then be placed on the wall so that the children can see
them. Encourage the children to show their mirrors to each other.Alternative Activity:
Take photographs of each child and paste them on chart paper. Ask the children to decorate
around the photograph. As before, the children write or draw on one side what they like about
themselves and on the other, their friends write or draw what they like.Alternative Activity:
The above activity can then be combined with a group photograph that can be decorated; and each
child writes something positive about a friend. All the statements are written on cards and then
pasted around the photograph. This activity will help to strengthen peer support.Experience from the field
The book helped the child and the facilitator to understand his family and social situation and make
future plans. For example, after drawings and discussion, a child expressed eagerness to meet his parents.
When children are free at the Drop-in Center, they like to take out their books and work on them. This is
their “own” book. It has stopped them from disrupting others. (PCI, Delhi)ACTIVITY TWO
Happy Memories- Introduce the activity through relaxation exercises. Soft music in the background will help to
create a soothing atmosphere. Discuss that we all have many pleasant and happy memories.
The facilitator can talk about his or her own memories and visualize the scene: I was in the field.
It was a hot day and I could smell the ripe mangoes. I was playing with my brothers and sisters.
Make groups of three and ask the children to share these memories. No comments should be
made. Ask for volunteers to share. - Provide a chart paper to each child and ask the children to draw whatever they enjoy doing: eating an
ice-cream, playing cricket and singing, looking at the sky and watching their favorite hero. Ask the
children to choose which drawing they like the most at that moment. Give them a few moments to
decide. Ask them to close their eyes and visualize as if they are experiencing the activity. Ask them to
hold onto the feeling. After a few minutes, ask the children to open their eyes. - Call upon volunteers to share how they feel. Ask them if their day-to-day problems feel any
different after this exercise.