Module 2: RESPECT OTHERS

Page 2

improvisation

This activity will need to be done in a hall if all the pairs are to work together at the same time. The noise level will rise so it is important to be watchful to make sure that real creativity is taking place. An alternative would be to ask the class to prepare in pairs and then perform their scenes in turn to the whole class. In this case they will need to know how long they have to prepare.

The pairs should act out various domestic scenes containing elements of conflict and dramatising what happens when there is lack of respect. They would need to decide:

• what their relationship is
• what age they are
• what they are quarrelling about
• where they are
• what their characters are

You could suggest that each scene ends with one of them leaving banging the door behind them.

At the end of each scene each pair could consider questions 1 to 3 on worksheet 2 page 4 as a way of identifying what is happening during these conflicts.

When you think they have had long enough on this, stop them and consider with them the words in question 4. These can then help in the creation of a final scene presenting some solutions to the couple's dilemma when, instead of one person walking out, she/he asks, "What's happening to us?" thus opening up real communication.

In order to make all the acting exercises worthwhile you could suggest an audience to whom well thought out scenes could be performed to provoke creative discussion and challenge set attitudes.

In conclusion, whatever strategy has been chosen, it will be important to identify the changes in behaviour and attitudes when respect is applied to a relationship. This can lead to the application of respect between the pupils in the classroom and beyond. Criteria for monitoring respect within the community of the classroom should be drawn up.