Activity 3: Silent Interviews
Part of Wonderful Welcome
Activity time: 10 minutes
Description of Activity
Children play a game to practice being present.
Divide the children into pairs and have them sit facing each other on the floor.
Tell them that they are going to practice being present with another person. Explain that they will ask their partners three questions to learn three things about them. Tell them that when they answer the questions, they may not speak or even make noises. They have to answer silently, using hand signals to communicate. Ask if there are any questions, and make sure everyone understands the exercise. Have them take turns asking each other one of the following three questions. It is best to give the group just one question at a time. Use the following questions or ones of your own choosing.
- What is your favorite thing to do after school?
- What is your favorite animal?
- What is your favorite food?
Give the children enough time to interview their partners. After all pairs have shared, gather the whole group and ask each pair to reveal what they learned about the each other. When all have shared, say:
Whether you were interviewing someone or being interviewed, each person was present and paid attention. Therefore, you both gave the gift of yourself.
Including All Participants
Be mindful of any child with mobility issues. If someone cannot sit on the floor, have the group sit in chairs facing each other.