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: Virtual Group Juggle
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. Commitment to Learning: Homework
2. Social Competencies: Interpersonal Competence
3. Boundaries and Expectations: High Expectations

Example Lesson

1. Boundaries and Expectations: High Expectations

High Expectations is defined by, "Parent(s) and teachers expect the child to do her or his best at school and in other activities." Virtual Group Juggle demonstrates how overwhelmed people can get when there are too many things going on at once and there is no coordination. Within the group, players create three separate patterns and try to perform them all at the same time. The confusion comes on gradually as group members accept more responsibilities.

Virtual Group Juggle is a great metaphor for your life right now. You probably have many things going on such as sports, hobbies, school, family time and a variety of othr things. And, in each one, you and your parents will have high expectations. The pressure is on. How do you handle it all?

Ask each of your students to quickly write out all of the things they are "juggling" in their lives at the moment. Soccer, drama club, dance, academic senate, all of the above.

Next, ask for a few volunteers to share. Follow up with questions like these:

1. Which of those is most important to you?
2. Which of those is most important to your parents?
3. Do you have high expectations that you will be successful at all of those things and why?
4. How can having high expectations be a really good thing, and how can it be a bad thing?
5. If you have incredibly high expectations of yourself in all of your hobbies, sports and academics, how do you prioritize when things get overwhelming and where do you put your energy?
6. With so many things going on, what specifically will you need to do to make sure you are doing your best at everything you do?
7. Did you learn anything from the activity that could help you?