10 • MODULE ONE: GETTING STARTED
Directions:ACTIVITY ONE
Only Positive Thoughts Allowed!- Discuss with the children what kinds of topics they would like to talk to some people about more
than with others. Then ask them to try and make sure that everyone is comfortable in talking to
everyone else. - Ask children to brainstorm on how people whom they are comfortable with talk to them. Some
examples are given below:
i. Listens;
ii. Smiles at us;
iii. Speaks kindly; and/or
iv. Makes us feel special. - The children then brainstorm on why they do not like to talk to people who make them
uncomfortable. The list may look like this:
i. Do not listen;
ii. Speak unkind words;
iii. Make us feel we are worthless; and/or
iv. Always think we are wrong. - Tell the children to write a positive statement and a negative statement and then to choose
which they would like for themselves. Make two columns on a flip chart. Write “words that make
you happy” on top of one column and “words that make you unhappy” on top of the other. Give
one or two examples and then ask the children for more.
Words that make me happy Words that make me unhappy
That was an interesting thought! What a stupid remark!
You have a lovely smile You look terrible
She likes to read She is lazy
Try it again You are so slow
That’s better When will you learn? - Read out each statement aloud and ask the children if they would like this in the training. If they
say‘Yes’ place an X or a happy face. Place a Y or an unhappy face next to each statement on the
list of what they do not want. If the children can read, encourage them to read out the statement
and ask: “Do we want this in our session?” The appropriate symbol should be placed next to the
statement depending on whether the children say “Yes” or “No.” - Ask the children how we can help everyone to say these happy words and what happens if someone
forgets. The facilitator must not accept any suggestion for punishment for not saying the happy words,
but encourage more supportive behavior like helping each other and giving people another chance. - The “atmosphere” of the sessions depends a great deal on the personal behavior and attitude of the
facilitator. It is important that the facilitator acts in a caring and respectful attitude toward the children.
Experience from the field
Children found it difficult to write positive statements and had to be constantly encouraged. (CCDT, Prerana).
“I liked this activity because we generally say negative things about people and not positive things. It feels
nice to hear positive things about oneself and to say positive things about others. We should do this in all
walks of life.” (Children’s voices, Prerana)