It's All About Perspective

April 27

Discuss as a class the pictures below:

Old Lady or Young Lady?  Can you see them both?

(Clue if the class can't see it: The chin of the young woman becomes the nose of old woman)

Is this a seal or a polar bear?

Have students write their responses to following questions and then pair share their answers:

• Why is the point of view or perception important in resolving conflicts? 
• What did you learn from looking at the different optical illusions? 
• How can this help you when you have a conflict with another person?

Share with students:   

Often times, we think there is only one way to see things, one solution to a problem or one way to think about our current situation. Acknowledging that there are different perspectives will help you approach the problem differently. A different perspective can help you feel better in a challenging situation or find a resolution when having a conflict with another person.

Watch the following short clip to end lesson:
 
http://www.values.com/inspirational-stories-tv-spots/99-The-Greatest

Friendship

April 13

Play the clip “Odd but Lovely Friendship between Animals”

https://youtu.be/b1J9hQQXaOY

Friendship Characteristics

Have students brainstorm on what they think are the characteristics of a good friend.   List their ideas on the white board.  And discuss why they are important.  Some examples:

·      Listens to you

·      Doesn’t put you down or hurt your feelings

·      Is understanding

·      Helps solve problems

·      Gives compliments

·      Dependable

·      Respects others

·      Trustworthy

·      Gives you room to change

·      Honest

·      Allows you to have other friends

·      Supportive of you and your goals

·      Caring

·      Sticks with you in good times and bad

·      Accepts you for who your are

·      Understand your moods and feelings

·      Allows change in the friendship

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it mean, “In order to have good friends, you have to be a good friend." Do think this is true?

2. What is a “best friend?”  Is it possible to have more than one “best friend” at the same time? 
3. How do you resolve conflicts in a positive way with more than one best friend

4. How do you tell the difference between true friends and false friends?

5. Is it ok for your friendship to change?

6. What do you gain from friends who are different from you?