Life Skills and Leadership Manual - Peace Corps

Life Skills & Leadership: Unit 2, Session 2: Positive Communication | Page 34 of 127

Trainer Material 1: Suggestions for I Statement Practice

Use this page as a guide if participants need help making their own “I Statements.”

1. Suppose a neighbor had promised to help take care of a garden you share but never did any work.

The problem: Not helping Your feelings: Disappointment

I Statement:

When you don’t weed the garden.

I feel disappointed because we agreed to share that chore.

I would like you to pull the weeds this week. OK?

2. Suppose a friend of yours stopped a boy from teasing and bullying a small child.

The problem: Being mean to a young child Your feelings: Anger, fear

I Statement:

When you stopped that boy from teasing the small child,

I felt thankful and happy to be your friend.

I would like us to continue to be kind to others. OK?

3. Suppose your mother had said you could go out with friends but later said you had to stay home and take care of
   your younger sister.

The problem: Changing her mind Your feelings: Anger

I Statement:

When you change your mind at the last minute

I feel angry because I told my friends I would meet them.

I would like you to be consistent so I can make plans. OK?

4. Suppose your brother or sister told another person to stop kicking a dog.

The problem: Being cruel to animals Your feelings: Sadness