By Angela Julian 1571 downloads
1 Snakes, savvy, not sure or scared.pdf
When you first start working with any new group, it is important to find out how much the participants know about snakes, and how snakes make them feel. Inevitably, there will be keen ‘experts’ actively participating, but there may be others who are scared or phobic, and many more that are not sure how they feel. We have developed an ‘ice-breaker’ activity to encourage everyone to join in and tell us what they know and how snakes make them feel. This is a delicate area so it is important to praise children for what they know (especially if they are scared), and ensure that those with fears or concerns do not feel isolated or mocked. Empathise! Maybe use an example of other fears we may have – we are all different and they are not ‘wrong’. Encourage those who are unsure to join in and find out more.