exercises

Note to parents: Peace Table sessions always include active listening. You can adapt it to home by participating fully. Then turn the tables, and try to listen actively to your child.

ACTIVE LISTENING EXERCISE

Your task is to gain some understanding about another person. You do this by engaging in active listening. Ask your parent if he/she has 5 minutes to sit down and talk to you. Ask what happened today. It is important that this exercise not be done in the car while driving, or while doing any other task. It can be done while eating, provided that you are sitting near each other, making eye contact, with all electronic devices turned OFF.

Here’s how its done:

After you’ve gotten them to agree to sit down with you, say to your parent,
"I’m interested in what happened to you today." Then listen carefully.
Don’t think about what you want to say next, just focus on listening to him/her.
Your goal is to really understand what he/she is telling you.
At some point you might want to ask for clarification, so you might try:

"Could you give me an example of what you’re talking about?"

"What do you mean by that?"

When you think you understand, ask:

"Did I hear you say that you____________________________today? Am I correct?"

Remember the key is to put what you want to say away for now.
It’s hard to listen, but do try it, you’ll get some surprising results.

What happened?

IN THE CLASSROOM:
In a school setting, active listening can be done in small groups, or in dyads.
Suggested debriefing discussion questions for after the exercise:
    Did you feel listened to ?
    How did it feel to be listened to and really heard?
    Which role was easier, listener, or talker?
    Why do you think that is?

RELAXATION EXERCISE

    I do this exercise at the end of each Peace Table session. I encourage children to find their very own spot on the floor where they are not touching anyone else. I tell them that we have an opportunity to give ourselves a precious gift, but it can only be had if our eyes and mouths are closed. I stress that in order to respect our family members/classmates, we need to give them this time without interruption, so that they can receive the gift.
    It can be difficult at first, to get little ones to lie still, but it gets easier with practice. Don't give up. I've had some very antsy children learn after repeated attempts, to finally calm down and relax. The parent/teacher/facilitator must take care to be encouraging when introducing the activity, remembering that children are looking to you as an example. Ideally it's done at the same time in the same place every time. The benefits of relaxation exercise will become evident after practice.

An excellent source of meditations can be found at http://www.learningmeditation.com/children.htm
Just click and choose your favorite meditation.


exercises for home and school


Note to parents: Peace Table sessions always include active listening. You can adapt it to home by participating fully. Then turn the tables, and try to listen actively to your child. ACTIVE LISTENING EXERCISE Your task is to gain some understanding about another person. You do this by engaging in active listening. Ask your parent if he/she has 5 minutes to sit down and talk to you. Ask what happened today. It is important that this exercise not be done in the car while driving, or while doing any other task. It can be done while eating, provided that you are sitting near each other, making eye contact, with all electronic devices turned OFF. Here’s how its done: After you’ve gotten them to agree to sit down with you, say to your parent, "I’m interested in what happened to you today." Then listen carefully. Don’t think about what you want to say next, just focus on listening to him/her. Your goal is to really understand what he/she is telling you. At some point you might want to ask for clarification, so you might try: "Could you give me an example of what you’re talking about?" "What do you mean by that?" When you think you understand, ask: "Did I hear you say that you____________________________today? Am I correct?" Remember the key is to put what you want to say away for now. It’s hard to listen, but do try it, you’ll get some surprising results. What happened? IN THE CLASSROOM: In a school setting, active listening can be done in small groups, or in dyads. Suggested debriefing discussion questions for after the exercise: Did you feel listened to ? How did it feel to be listened to and really heard? Which role was easier, listener, or talker? Why do you think that is? RELAXATION EXERCISE I do this exercise at the end of each Peace Table session. I encourage children to find their very own spot on the floor where they are not touching anyone else. I tell them that we have an opportunity to give ourselves a precious gift, but it can only be had if our eyes and mouths are closed. I stress that in order to respect our family members/classmates, we need to give them this time without interruption, so that they can receive the gift. It can be difficult at first, to get little ones to lie still, but it gets easier with practice. Don't give up. I've had some very antsy children learn after repeated attempts, to finally calm down and relax. The parent/teacher/facilitator must take care to be encouraging when introducing the activity, remembering that children are looking to you as an example. Ideally it's done at the same time in the same place every time. The benefits of relaxation exercise will become evident after practice. An excellent source of meditations can be found at http://www.learningmeditation.com/children.htm Just click and choose your favorite meditation.