Module 2: RESPECT OTHERS

Page 9

activity two

Worksheet 4 on page 11 Will it stand? likens a boy/girl relationship to a tree. There are various points from the analogy of the tree which could be brought out. Some are:

• the roots both support and feed a tree; if the food is not good, poor fruits will appear
• if the roots are not deep and strong, the tree will blow over in the first gale
• in nature, procreation takes place when a tree is mature, not when it is at the start of its growth
• the growth of a tree takes time and the roots need to be strong enough to hold a tall tree.

What does all this mean in considering the growth of relationships? In the modern world everything seems to have to happen now. In nature, and we are part of nature, growth must take its course in order to be healthy.

Having labelled the tree individually, the words and the concepts explored could be used to create an agreed classroom tree: a collage or painting in co-operation with the art department could be one way. This would be a helpful reminder of the importance of giving oneself and the other person in a close relationship the time and space to grow in character and maturity before becoming involved too deeply, either emotionally or sexually.

activity three

Young people form close relationships which they hope will last but often do not. Many reasons can be given for break-up of relationships, but this activity suggests a way the class can find out, from those who have formed long-lasting relationships, what has helped to keep them together. The group/s will need worksheet 5 on page 12 Still driving together after sixty years. If they read this, it will give them ideas for questions to ask, from which they can get ideas of their own.

When the interviews are completed, the class will need to work out how to record and assess the findings. Two suggestions are made for this on page 13.