Activity： Make a new friend – How are you?

Group

Brownie Section

Time needed

20-30 minutes

Learning Goal

Members learn to observe the appearances, clothing and characteristics of a newly met friends, and try to understand their family members, hobbies and so on. By such practice, members can improve their communication skills.

Instructions

1. “Hello” session

Design a series of questions (see examples below). Put the questions in a 4X4 grid. Members are required to ask the others for answers.

Invite the member to sign in the box if her answer is “yes” for that question.

Members are only allowed to sign on 1 box in each table.

Each box can only be filled by one name.

Time limit: 15 minutes.

2. “Bingo” session

The leader will randomly call the names of some members. Other members must make a vertical, horizontal or diagonal line to get a BINGO to win the game.

Which elements of the method are used, and how?

☑ Learning in small groups – In order to increase the chance of “Bingo”, members need to find as much people with mentioned characteristics as they can. The activity has increased the interaction between members.  

☑ My path, my pace –During the game, older/outgoing members will help the shy members to find the person with the mentioned characteristics. These leaders assist members to complete the table and win the “Bingo" game. Members show that they are responsible and are willing to share.

☑ Learning by doing – Members learn to take an active role to communicate with new friends and be polite in conversation.

☑Connecting with others – It is easy to make sincere friends outside class/school, as long as members can explore and appreciate the strength and common points with others.

How does the method give youth members a chance to take the lead?

Members can express their opinions or amend the contents of the grids. Leaders can invite mature members to assist younger members to participate in the activity.

How can you connect this activity to the values of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting?

Leaders facilitate the communication between members. Members then increase the understandings on themselves and others. They learn to respect and appreciate the differences between individuals. They also review their performance in the activity and be responsible for their own behavior.