This activity explores which values we see as important and why. Participants will learn about what values are most important to their peers and learn to debate effectively and respectfully.
Materials Needed
Flipchart paper
Markers
What to do
Start by asking the group what material things they value in their lives. Write the list on the flipchart or get them to come up and write things
Once you have a good list ask children/young people why they value certain things
What’s great about mobile phones? (communication?), X-boxes? (fun? friendship?). Encourage them to think a little more deeply about why they value the things they do and write a list of the values that come up
See if they can find objects to represent the group values. Once each value is matched to an object, ask each child/young person (or a pair in a big group) to select a value they like (a different one each)
Tell the children/young people that they are going on a balloon ride to start a new world. They are holding the values that they will take with them. The balloon is sinking. They need to throw out a value, but which one?
Manage the debate about which values are most important, adding in points to help those who are struggling or to move on the discussion if it becomes a bit circular. Allow the group to reach a consensus
Continue to discard values until only three are left. Which three are they?
Did everyone agree with the decisions made? Which values were the easiest to lose and which were the hardest?