Faith Curriculum Library: Tapestry of Faith: Windows and Mirrors: A Program about Diversity for Grades 4-5

Activity 2: Forced Choice

Activity time: 5 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • A space large enough to play the game comfortably

Preparation for Activity

  • Arrange a large, open space where participants can move around freely.
  • Become familiar with the rules of the game so you can lead it smoothly.
  • Prepare a list of choices the children will find relevant for the Sorts portion of the game. Devise some value-neutral categories or favorites by which children can group or categorize themselves for the Mingle section.

Description of Activity

Invite everyone to gather to play a game. Say something like "The first part of the game is the Sorts game." Explain that you will offer two contrasting choices and the group has to move either East or West of the room (e.g. "Do you prefer Target or Walmart?"). Then you will throw out two more choices and they will move South and North. That way, everyone moves somewhere and can't get "lost" in the crowd. Sorts that work well include: movie/book; salty/sweet; dress up/casual; inside/outside; be on the stage performing/in the audience watching, like school/like reading at home; like watching sports/playing sports; math or English homework. Choices should not reflect opposites but different activities, etc. Ask questions rapidly.

After playing for two minutes, invite the group to suggest any additional sorts. Play for another minute. Then bring them together and ask:

  • Was it easy or hard to know the answers?
  • What questions did you like being asked?
  • Did they learn anything new from playing the game?
  • What is involved in making a choice? Did they think about the answer or already "know" the answer somehow? Did they watch what others were doing? Did that influence their choice?

Including All Participants

Accommodate children with physical limitations. Assist groups to form around a child who has less mobility.