Learn about how to occupy spaces and squatting spaces as a tactic. Learn about laws about squatting. Have fun and build a den – feel ownership over the space.
Think about space
Outdoor space works best with space to have some ground to dig bamboo poles into or natural area to build a den
Materials
Materials to build a den (could be natural materials) Parachutes or pieces of fabric, 20 -30 bamboo sticks 1.5 – 3m long, fairy lights with batteries, history of squatting photos and a sentence to describe x 5, string, pegs, scissors, mallet
Before you start
Print and cut the history photos/sentences out, cut string and make the correct timeline. Collect materials above.
What to do
Start by getting into small groups and give each group one of the 6 pictures and stories (if less than 6 groups, give each group more than one). Give them time as a group to discuss and read the information. Ask them to think about:
- What are the uses of the squats?
- What was happening at the time that caused people to squat buildings?
Once groups have had time for discussion. Bring everyone back together and ask them to put the timeline in order. Once in order, get each group to share a summary of their picture and story (and their thoughts) to the rest of the group.
Tell the group they are going to build their own den. Get back into smaller groups and give each group some materials (could be the materials listed above or perhaps natural materials or whatever comes to hand).
Give the groups time to build their spaces. Once their dens are built they should come up with a space agreement. They should list down:
- How do we treat each other in the space?
- How do we make decisions in the space and when building the den?
If you don’t have access to outdoor space, you could use lego or other materials to build smaller dens
Make sure you leave time for reflective questions which link the activity to the squatting movement as well as time for each group to go to each den and see their agreement and space.
To finish the activity, bring the group back together for discussion questions:
- What kind of food do we want in our den?
- Where would someone go if they feel poorly/sad?
- Where would people sleep?
- Who’s doing the cleaning/cooking?
- Wrap up – what did you learn today?
- What’s your favourite thing about the den?
Take it Further
If you don’t have access to outdoor space, you could still do this activity but use craft or junk materials to make miniature, table top dens.
