Commonalities
Focus
Getting to know each other
Materials
Paper and markers
Directions
Have the large group get in smaller groups of 3 - 5. Each small group gets a large piece
of paper and some markers. Begin by asking the group what things they can see that
they have in common. Have the group suggest a few things. Then ask them to find out
what each of them has in common that cannot be seen. It is necessary for them to ask
each other questions to learn what these are. After 5 - 10 minutes ask each group to
choose their top 3 - 5 favorite ones to report to the large group.
Sample
processing
questions
(Commonalities)
Facilitation
notes
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What cliques do we have here at school?
Do you consider cliques good or bad?
How might being part of a clique be helpful or limiting to us?
What does it mean to stereotype?
How might we stereotype people?
What kinds of efforts can we make to learn about what people are like on the
inside?
This activity can help to bring out the issues of stereotyping and begin breaking down
barriers between different peer groups. It can also be helpful to use this activity to look
for the commonalities and then discuss what makes each person unique.