4 • MODULE FIVE: DECISION-MAKING
Directions:ACTIVITY ONE
Testing The Waters- Introduce the activity by saying that our behavior is influenced by what happens outside us as
well as what happens inside us. This activity will look at what happens inside. - Tell the group that we are all going to the lake or the sea. It is very hot and you would like to get
into the cool water.
The following is a list of the things you could do:- Just run into the lake and dive in (“plunger”)
- Walk in slowly, wetting your body bit by bit and getting used to the temperature (“wader”)
- Just dip your toe into the water and then decide if you will go in (“tester”)
- Stand on the side and look around and try to figure out what to do next (“delayer”)
Variation: You could vary the situation. For example, with young children you could say that you
just got a piece of cake or some sweets or a chocolate that you particularly like and have been
waiting for.
Act out these actions; it is great fun! But do not mention “plunger,” “wader,” etc. to the group at
this stage.
(In the example of a cake for young children, some will eat it fast and gulp it, some will eat bit
by bit, yet another will take a small bite to check the taste and then decide to eat it, while
another will keep it for some time and decide later when to eat it)
- Ask people to move into different corners of the room according to the behavior that is most
common for them. Now put the cards up in different parts of the room with the labels “plunger,”
“wader,” and “tester,” “delayer.” Use appropriate translations. - Ask the group what is good and bad about the behavior they have selected.
- In the group, ask them to share when they did not respond in this manner and what the
circumstances were. Are there certain situations that trigger different behavior? What is the
result of the behavior; does it have a good outcome or does it create more problems?
Review- How does behavior change in different situations?
- What could be the problems if a “tester” and a “plunger,” or if two “plungers” are together?
- What are the positive and negative aspects of each person’s behavior? Can it cause conflict?