Activity: Reviewing group rules
Starting a circle: Adolescents assess how well they have been using their group rules to work together in an inclusive, respectful and enjoyable way, and decide whether to make any rule changes
Activity overview
Energy level: 3/5
Literacy level: 1/5
Complexity level: 2/5
Time: 20 minutes
Purpose: Assess and discuss how the group rules are working for the circle.
Objectives
Adolescents will be able to:
- Communicate and collaborate in a team.
Competency domains
- Communication and expression
- Cooperation and teamwork
- Problem solving and managing conflict.
Works well for
Circles that have already agreed to group rules.
This activity reminds adolescents of the group rules they created for working together, and gives them an opportunity to add or change rules as their circles evolve. It also serves as a structured way to address conflict or tension in circles.
Phase
Starting our circle.
Before
Adolescents should have already formed their group rules and agreements and had at least two or three sessions to practice using them. See Strong circles guidance and Group rules tool.
After
Use this activity at regular intervals.
Preparation
Post the group rules where everyone can see them.
Activity steps
Step 1
Explanation and discussion: Ask the adolescents to sit in a circle. Make sure they have a piece of paper or a notebook if they want to write their thoughts.
Step 2
Facilitator says: “Today we are going to discuss how well you are using the rules, and whether the rules are helping you to work together. Think about these three questions:
- What am I doing well to help the circle?
- What could I do better?
- What can other people in the circle do to help me improve?
You can use the group rules as you answer the questions. For example, you can mention a rule that you are good at following.”
Step 3
Challenge: Write the three questions on a marker board. Give the adolescents time to write their answers, or quiet time to form their thoughts.
Step 4
Ask each adolescent to share his or her answers.
Step 5
Facilitator says: “Now we are going to talk more about how well you are working together as a group.”
Discuss:
- What is the circle doing well?
- What should the circle try to do better?
Again you can refer to the original group rules. Remember, in this activity focus on what the circle does well, or what the circle needs to improve. Give time for discussion. Draw a star or another sign beside the rules discussed.
Step 6
Sharing and Take away: Refer to the group rules.
Step 7
Facilitator says: ”Are there any group rules that you are very good at following, or that are helping the circle a lot? Are there any rules that should be changed or revised so that they work better for the circle? Are there any new rules that should be added?”
Give time for discussion. Draw a star or another sign beside the rules discussed.
Step 8
Facilitator says: “Do you agree to these new rules?”
Let the adolescents use a decision-making process that works for them (e.g. voting or verbal agreement). Discuss the changes and new rules one at a time. If adolescents don’t agree on the rules and want to discuss them further, consider continuing the activity into the next session. If adolescents seem close to agreement, suggest that they use the new rules on a trial basis. Remind them that they have the power as a circle to change and revise their rules at any time.
Conclude with a small ceremony to acknowledge the new, revised rules. Adolescents can read them aloud together or can add their signature to symbolize their shared agreement to uphold them.
Step 9
Agree to next steps. Depending on the circle’s goals this could include:
- Choosing one project idea that the entire circle can prototype and design together in the next session.
- Planning another prototyping session for teams to continue developing their project ideas.
Do and don't
Do
- Encourage adolescents to frame their rules in terms of concrete things they will or will not do (rather than abstract ideas).
- Encourage adolescents to focus on positive things that they can do to improve the circle.
- Use the discussions to explore challenges that have come up in the circles.
- Let adolescents experiment with rules that may be difficult to follow, as long as they won’t cause harm (Experimenting with rules is part of their learning experience).
- Keep the final list of rules and post it in the activity space each time you meet.
Don't
- Let adolescents use this process to complain about each other, correct each other’s behavior or to blame others - Instead, they should focus on positive actions they can take individually or as a circle.
- Discuss sensitive issues.
Adaptation
For younger adolescents: Consider skipping some of the questions to simplify the discussion.
For low-literacy participants: Adolescents can use drawings or symbols to create a list of group rules that they can refer to in the future.
Environment
Indoor or outdoor space. Quiet.
Supplies
- Marker board
- Marker
- Paper or notebook for writing personal ideas and thoughts (optional)
- Flip chart paper or a poster board – for writing down the final list of group rules.
Improvise
Adolescents can draw or paint the updated rules, or explore them through role play.
Continue
Use this activity at regular intervals to give adolescents a chance to continue to develop their capacity to work together.
Highlights
Assess and discuss how the group rules are working for the circle. Works well for Circles that have already agreed to group rules. This activity reminds adolescents of the group rules they created for working together, and gives them an opportunity to add or change rules as their circles evolve. It also serves as a structured way to address conflict or tension in circles.
