February 14–18
Theme: Making Choices Toward Wanted Results
Skill Building: Communicating for Choice
Person Centered Thinking & Safety
Monday, February 14, 2022
Today happens to be Valentines Day!
(Optional: You will find some Valentines Themed worksheets at the bottom of the page to complete as a group)
Black History Month:
This week, let's learn and talk about Black Inventors and important milestones in Black culture.
Federick Jones, the inventor of refrigeration equipment-like the large trucks to transport food during world war 2.
Check in:
How is everyone doing today?
Theme of the Week:
Communicating for choice-getting the results we want.
Thematic Activity: Communicating over a phone call
Communication happens in many different ways now! For example, we can communicate through text, voice, images and written commuication. However, sometimes when we communicate with each other over a phone call our reception, voice level or background noise can decrease our chances of being heard!
- Can you think of a time that you had a hard time relaying information over a phone call?
- How did you deal with the other person on the other end of the call if they did not understand you?
- Provide examples of experiences that you would like to share with the group. You can also provide examples of movie scenes where you've seen this happen.
At times it can be hard to remain calm and polite if we have to repeat ourselves or re-confirm personal detials about ourselves over the phone. Especially when calling a doctors office, trying to set up an appointment, making a reservation and other simillar scenarios.
Here are some phrases below that can help you build your own confidence when talking over the phone.
- Confirming digits or letters-like date of birth, social security, address, street name or letters of last name: "Not, it's _ _ _ _, actually."
- Correcting someone who pronounces your name incorrectly: "Not quite. My first name is _ _ _ _."
- Politely correcting the spelling of your street name, first name, or even last name. "Why don't I spell it for you?"
- Confirming the digits or letter: "Close, it's _ _ _ _."
Do a bit of role play using one or more of the pharses above. Have a person share how to say their name and another person pronouce it or spell it incorrectly. Than the person who said their name will kindly correct the other person using one of the phrases above
Client Led Exercise: 5 mins.
Have one volutneer from the group to lead a short stretch or exercise for everyone to follow.
Show and Share:
Since's its valentine's day, do you have any valentine themed poems, songs or movies that you like? If you cant think of one, you can also share a memory from a valentines day from the past.
Skill Buliding: Asking for favors
Part of our communication skills is also asking for help or advice. Although it may not seem very important, our ability and style of asking for favors matters.
- Think about two scenarios: You ask a friend if you can borrow a pen or with help carrying a few boxes...How would you ask them? (Provide and demonstrate verbal examples-you can also have a bit of role play between two people. No right or wrong answers)
- Imagine the same scenario with a stranger, would you ask them the same way you asked your friend? (Think about the differences and demonstrate or show why you may handle this differently)
Below are a few phrases that can help us ask for a favor kindly:
- "Would you mind...?"
- "Could you...?"
- "Would you be free to...?"
- "Excuse me, can you...?"
- "Would you be willing to...?"
Have you heard of those phrases before? Which one would you use the next time you ask for a favor? Share with the group.
Not only do we ask for favors, but we are also asked favors. How do you respond to a favor that you cant commit to? (think about this for a few minutes, if we need to say no to a favor, how can we politely let our friend or a stranger know?)
Here are a few examples:
- "I'm sorry, but I'm busy at that time."
- "I'd like to help, but..."
- "I'm busy at the moment."
- "I can't help out today."
What other insights or stories do you have about asking for favors? What went well for you in the past? What went wrong?
Body Break: Get up and move a bit, drink some water.
Reminder: What's the theme of the week?
Quick Activity
To be in the spirit of Valentines day, you can complete these valentines day work sheets as a group
Word Scramble Valentine's Words
Word Search "I love you" In Different languages!
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What did we learn today?
What are we doing this afternoon?
Civics & Community Awareness
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
Today happens to be World Hippo Day!
Black History Month
This week, let's learn and talk about Black Inventors and important milestones in Black culture.
Did you know a Black man, Garrett Morgan, invented the The Three-Light Traffic Light?
This invention has allowed our traffic systems to run smoothly since the 1920's.
Click Here to read about him and 7 other Black inventors
Check In (5 min)
Hello, how are we?
Introduce the Week
Theme: Making choices toward wanted results
We will be learning how to predict what results we will get from different choices.
Skill: Assertive communication for choice
We will learn ways to talk that help us make choices in the world.
Show & Share (10-min)
Think of a time you had to choose between two things you wanted and could only have one.
What did you pick and why?
Thematic Activity 01 (7-15 min) 4 communication styles
PRESENTERS: Tell participants they will see examples of 4 communication styles. Read the type of communication being shown each time the title cards show it. Stop the video AFTER each example and discuss the features of the type of communication.
Passive, Assertive, Aggressive, and Passive-Aggressive Communication
- Tone of voice
- Body language, posture, gestures
- Effect: respect for self and others, low respect for self, or low respect for others.
<Body Break>
Skill Builder (10-15 min)
PRESENTERS: Play the video, then practice things an assertive person would say in each situation. Finally, work with your group to brainstorm ways assertive people can handle aggressive communication. Use the tips but come up with the language yourselves.
Examples of Assertive, Passive, and Aggressive statements
- A store clerk serves a customer who got there after you
- A server in a restaurant brings you food you didn't order
- Your friend is teasing you in a mean way that is hurting your feelings
- Your older sister gave you an overdue library book as a Christmas gift
- Your roommate borrowed your tablet a week ago and still hasn't returned it
Tips to Respond to Aggressive Communicators
- State that you don't respond to bullying or intimidation.
- Request a speaking tone of voice.
- Suggest a pause to restore calm
- Restate what they are saying without any aggression yourself
<Body Break>
Find a State Park Near You
Each Califronia State park is very different. Providing different views, accessibility, rules and accomindations.Since spring is around the corner and the sunny is coming out a bit longer, see which parks you would be interested in visting. This webpage lets you search by region, feature, city and name. Check a few out!
Survival Math (5-10 min)
"Able Accounts" for People with Disabilities to SAVE money without losing your benefits.
- How much money can you save every year?
- What is the maximum amount you can have in the account?
Reminder: What's the theme of the week?
Optional Level-Up
Figure out if you are eligible for an "Able Account"
Visit this website and look down at the eligibility requirements
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What did we learn today?
What are we doing this afternoon?
Well Being and Social Connection
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Today happens to be Tim Tam Day!
Black History Month!
This week, let's learn and talk about Black Inventors and important milestones in Black culture.
Have you ever seen or played with the popular water toy "Super Soaker"?
A Black rocket scientist, Lonnie Johnson, invented this iconic toy that is still popular today. Read about it here.
Check In (5 min)
Hi and how are you's
Recap Yesterday (2 min)
Assertive, Passive and Aggressive communication
Show & Share (1-10 min)
Have you ever written or received a wonderful card or letter from someone in the mail? Share it with us.
Optional: Why does your voice change as you get older?
Just as a heads up the first minute of this video talks about old traditons that may make you cringe*due to describing medical procedures.*The last half is extremely informational! Click here to view.
Thematic Activity 01 (10-15 min)
PRESENTERS: Complete the activity as instructed for the worksheet.
Activity Sheet 1 - Eating at a Buffet*
PRESENTERS: Now continue using the SAME sheet to complete the predicting outcomes discussion using the prompt below.
Uri completed the worksheet too. He got a score of 10. His friend asked if he's going to change his choices, Uri said no. He said he plans to keep eating whatever he wants, no matter what.
- Discuss the LONG-TERM results of choosing to eat too much of foods that aren't good for you.
- What do you think COULD happen to Uri if he doesn't have good nutrition for many years?
<Body Break>
Love Letters: Global Initiative
Have you written a love letter this week? Or taken the time to write a letter to someone you care about? Love letters aren't always romantic, they also share caring and kinds words to the people we care about.
Hannah Brencher, spoke to Ted Talks many years ago but has kept her goal of writing love letters to strangers. It's pretty amzing what our words can do to help others. Check out her Video Here.
You can also visit her website here to learn more.
Thematic Activity 02 (5-10 min)
PRESENTERS: Go over the menu first. Identify some healthful choices. Complete the second worksheet using that information.
Activity Sheet 2a: Breakfast Menu*
Activity Sheet 2b: Evaluate Your Breakfast Choices*
Skill Builder (5-10 min) Predicting Results
PRESENTERS: Use the following questions about the menu worksheet to help participants recognize when there is enough information to predict results and when you need more informatino to predict results.
- Dionne ordered the pancake stack but did not realize they had blueberries. Dionne is VERY allergic to blueberries. What will probably happen if he eats the pancakes anyway?
- Ollie is 34 years old and eats 6 eggs fried in butter for breakfast every day. Their doctor says they have heart disease. How long will Ollie live if they keep eating that way?
- Fred is really into fruit. He always orders the fruit plate any time he goes out to eat and eats lots of fruit at home too. Which fruit item will Fred order from the menu?
- Trinh has a disease where she can't have any gluten. Gluten is in anything that has wheat. Which items on the menu will make Trinh sick?
- Tom and Janet went to the diner and decided to split the bill. Tom likes to give big tips but Janet is more careful about tips. How much of a tip do you think they will leave their server?
<Body Break>
Reminder: What's the theme of the week?
Survival Language (5-10 min)
- Complete the sentences with the right homonyms
- Circle the Picture that matches the meaning
_______________________________________
What did we learn today?
What are we doing this afternoon?
Rights & Self Advocacy
Thursday, February 17, 2022
Today happens to be World Human Spirit Day!
Black History Month
This week, let's learn and talk about Black Inventors and important milestones in Black culture.
The grandson of Alabama slaves, African American chemist Percy Julian met with every possible barrier in a deeply segregated America. Here is some of the impact he's made in the community and through science
Watch Here
Check In (3 min)
Say Hello
Recap Yesterday (2 min)
Making choices based on preference and predicted results. Having enough information to predict results.
Show & Share (10-min)
Have you ever been successful at helping someone who was very upset, sad or agitated to feel better? What did you say to them? Has anyone been able to do that for you? What did they say to help you?
Thematic Activity 01 (10-15 min) Communicating Choice about our Program
PRESENTERS: use the prompts below to examine choices participants have made about their program at hope.
- How long have you been at Hope Services?
- Do you remember your first tour or visit to hope?
- Did you choose the program yourself?
- Who else was part of the decision?
- Do you know about other programs at hope?
- If you do, what do you know about them?
- Have you always been in the same program or hope location? or have you moved around?
- Have you ever wanted to try a different hope site or program?
- How do you feel about your choice to come to hope?
- If you had to advise someone who was considering coming to hope what would you tell them?
<Body Break>
Skill Builder (10-15 min) Role Play using Assertive Communication
PRESENTERS: Using assertive communication, participants can role play these scenarios to practice making their preference known. Take the role of the other part in the scene to get them started on things they might say.
- On a community outing you spot a close friend in the mall and want to go over and talk to that person for a minute while your program mates are having lunch in the food court. Your staff person is hesitant because they don't know your friend. How would you advocate for yourself so you could say hello?
- You are out shopping with your ILS staff and have a gift card you got from your aunt. You've chosen the item you want but it costs $15 more than the amount of the gift card. You want to go to the ATM and get the cash out. Your staff says they don't want to drive to the bank and then back to the store. How would you negotiate with your staff assertively?
- You are getting ready to go to work for the day and your roommate makes fun of your outfit. You like what you are wearing but your roommate says it's "goofy looking" and advises you to change into something "more like everyone else." How do you stand up for your sense of style assertively and still let your roommate express their own taste?
Share any real-life scenarios you have experienced where you had to advocate for your personal choice.
<Body Break>
Optional Reading: 100 Ways to Slightly Improve your Life
Reminder: What's the theme of the week?
Survival Math (5-10 min)
Review the chart and discuss the meaning of the numbers. High blood pressure has to be treated or it can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Optional Level-Up
List activities and choices that reduce blood pressure.
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What did we learn today?
What are we doing this afternoon?
Knowledge & Fun
Friday, February 18, 2022
Today happens to be Pluto day!
Black History Month
Today we discuss the case Loving Vs Virgina (1967)
It's hard to believe that this happened so recently, but This was a Supreme Court case that struck down state laws banning interracial marriage in the United States.
Here are some of the experiences of interracial couples before and after the Loving Vs Virginia ruling.
Check In (3 min)
Say hello
Show & Share
What’s your best dance move? When did you learn it?
Thematic Wrap-up (10-15 min)
PRESENTERS: Now it's time to apply all the discussion about predicting outcomes and gathering information in order to make choices.
Tell the group about some of the choices you face in your life right now.
- What plans for the future are you considering?
- What decisions about your life and future do you have to make?
For each person who chooses to share the group can help
- identify if there is enough information available to predict what that choice will bring
- brainstorm different ways the choice might turn out if different options are exercised
- figure out what kind of support or resouces the person needs to get the best outcome.
Client Led Exercise (5 mins)
Have one volutneer from the group to lead a short stretch or exercise for everyone to follow.
Skill Review (5-10 min)
PRESENTERS: have participants recall any assertive communication strategies from this week that they think they might use to express their preferences and negotiate for things they want.
Below is a short recap- you can also revist the topics.
Monday:
Communicating over a phone call
Asking for Favors
Tuesday:
4 Communcation Styles
Assertive, Passive and Agressive Statments
Wednesday:
Prediciting Results
Thursday:
Communicating Choice about Our Program
Role Play using Assertive Communication
<Body Break>
Fun Facts about February:
- February is the only month with 28 days BUT during leap years it has 29 days! The next leap year is 2024.
- January and February were the last two months added to the roman calendar and winter was considered a month less period.
- Originally February was made the last month of the calendar year but eventually it was moved to the second month.
- Zodiac signs for the month of February: Aquarius (Janurary 20th to February 19th) and Pisces (February 20th to March 20th)
- February's birth flower is violet and primrose
- Violet signifies watchfullness, loyalty and faithfullness. Primerose signifies, I cant live without them or someone.
- Birth stone for February is Amethyst (purple in color) It's a form of a quartz and can range from a pale lilac color to a deep rich purple.
- You can look at this image to identify which birthstone represents your birth month.
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What did we learn today?
What are we doing this afternoon?
Choosing Fun Stuff to Do
Need some help deciding on an afternoon activity?
The activities are numbered. These numbers corrospond to brief activity descriptions listen in the linked document below.
