Activity： Make a new friend – How are you?

Age Group

Guides Section – 10-12 years old

Time needed

20-30 minutes

Learning Goal

Members learn to appreciate 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​

Part 1: Hello” session

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

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

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

Each box can only be filled by one name.

Time limit: 15 minutes.

Part 2:“Bingo” session

The leader will randomly call the names of members. Members must make a vertical, horizontal or diagonal line and say "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 could increase the interaction between members. 

☑ My path, my pace – Everyone is an independent individual with different physical characteristics, hobbies and experiences. Members learn to appreciate and respect the characteristics of themselves and the others.

☑ 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? Which leadership mindsets do youth members practice in the activity?

During the game, older members or members who are outgoing could help the little or 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.

Leadership mindsets practiced in the activity:

• Reflective mindset
• Collaborative mindset
• Worldly mindset

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.