DREAM Process – First Step:

D - Develop Positive Relationships

Goal

For students to meet in a non-judgmental manner, making strong connections with empathy and concern.

Cultural Components

• Expectation #1 – We will value one another as unique and special individuals. Includes:  Literature, Music, Videos, Vocabulary, Writing Prompts, and Activities at three levels: Elementary   -   Middle School   -    High School
• Life Principle:  Friendship   - Includes activities, quote posters, literature/poetry, and other resources
• Quote:  “I am a part of all that I have met.”   --Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Media

Technology Activity:   Using their smart phones or iPads, have students open their browser and search for ‘Top 10 Quotes on Friendship.  It will take them to a slide show Brainy Quote Top 10 quotes on Friendship. 

For use with Smart Board, click on this address, Top 10 Quotes on Friendship

Ask them to pick their favorite quote or two and enter in their journal or save in NOTES on their phone for future use.

Suggested Activities

Introductory Whole Group Sand Activity

Objective:  To make learners aware that as a part of a community we all share a piece of ourselves with each other.

           

Materials: 

• 5 different colors of sand or optional materials
• small snack size plastic bags, 1 per participant
• Bowls, spoons (1 each per group of participants)

Alternatives Materials

• Separate the colors of Trix or other multi-colored cereal into the different colors and make up an equal number of small snack bags -  1 for each learner
• Tear up at least five different colors of paper into small pieces and make up an equal number of bags by placing about ¼ cup into snack bags– 1 for each learner
• Colored Rice

Preparation: 

• Make bags of sand in a variety of different colors and place in a basket.
• Place a bowl and spoon on each table. 

Directions:

• Place participants in groups of 4-5.
• Have each member of the group select a different color of sand.
• Discuss how each of us brings certain strengths to the classroom.
• The different colors represent the diversity of our strengths.
• Each person places half of the sand in their bag in a bowl on the table.  One person mixes it up and then everyone takes a spoonful and puts it back in their bag.

Literature:

• Poem, I Am Diversity, Please Include Me  by Charles Bennafield
• I Am Diversity, Please Include Me Poem  3:41 min  video of poem by Charles Bennafield   - Very Creative presentation!

Writing:

Project the ‘Diversity Picture” on your wall.  Put students into pairs and conduct a 2-3 minute pair share on what the picture represents.  Have them conclude the time by writing at least 4-5 sentences about it. 

Reflection: (Select one)

Have learners draw or write for 3-5 minutes about:

“I see myself as a part of……….”

Feeling part of a group is important because….

I feel like I belong when…