The following social extensions are connected to the Search Institute's 40 Developmental Assets which are described as "concrete, common sense, positive experiences and qualities essential to raising successful young people."

We encourage you to explore more about the Search Institute, the 40 developmental assets and the supporting research here .

Social Extension: Moving Marbles
Although many of the 40 developmental assets are addressed in this activity, certain assets make a stronger connection to the material than others. Below you will find our top picks for opening solid, valuable conversations with your students.

Key Assets

1. Social Competencies: Interpersonal Competence
2. Personal Identity: Personal Power
3. Boundaries and Expectations: High Expectations

Example Lesson

1. Social Competencies: Interpersonal Competence

Interpersonal Competencies with others can be defined where the "Child cares about and is affected by other people's feelings, enjoys making friends, and, when frustrated or angry, tries to calm her-or himself."

Moving Marbles involves strategy, problem solving and effectively using resources to achieve a common goal. With just a minor shift of the rules, It could also stress the importance of complimenting and supporting one another when working together. To take this activity a step further, start as before but this time the marble around in a circle (see variation). Whenever the marble is passed the following must occur:

1. The person receiving must say "thank you (and the name of the person passing)," and the person passing must say "you're welcome (and the name of the person receiving)."
    
2. While the marble is in an persons tube, that person must give non-stop compliments to the person they received the marble from. They can say things like, "I appreciate you for helping me with ..." You are a very nice person or any other compliment they can think of.
    
3. If they fail to give compliments or stop before they pass the marble on they must restart that marble.
    
4. The goal is to get at least one marble fully around the group without a restart.

Afterward reflect on the experience asking questions like:

1. Was it hard to give compliments?
2. Did it feel good to get them?
3. Do you think caring about and supporting each other is a major part of any team?
4. How do you think caring about each other would make you better together?
5. What do you want to do as a team as a result of this activity?