Assumptions, stereotypes, and how they affect a group's ability to work together best describe this high-energy activity.

Participants begin by mingling and interacting with each other as the characteristic cards taped on their backs indicate. For example, if a player had "I am a superstar musician" on his or her back, everyone would treat him or her that way.

Players do not know what is on their backs, and try to figure it out later. Next, group members, while still in character, try to squeeze into a small square on the floor at one time. First Impressions stimulates discussion about how stereotypes and assumptions influence everyday life and how a group functions.

In the following course you will learn how to properly set-up and facilitate the activity and then if you wish, move students through an academic and/or social skills development reflection experience.

*This activity has been adapted from the Team Building & Group Development CD-ROM of The Inspire! Youth Series from LearningChange, LLC.

Ages
First Impressions is appropriate for any age with slight modifications.

Group Size
This activity can be facilitated with 8 students and up.

Setting
First Impressions is perfect in any after school setting.

Duration
This activity should take about 20-30 minutes to complete with your group. Budget more time if you wish to go into depth by using any of the extension activities or questions.

General

In this activity, some of the things you will inevitably notice include:

• Students will be active and engaged in the process.
• Students will move around, interacting with many different people and making new connections.
• Students will be exposed to the power of stereotypes, prejudices and how we make assumptions based on first impressions and outward appearances.
• Students will see how crippling sticking to false assumptions and stereotypes can be when teamwork is a necessary component of success.

Academic Standards & Asset Development

For specific academic and social development lessons for this activity, see the Academic Extensions and Social Extensions sections in this module.

This course will walk you step-by-step through the process of setting up and leading this activity, as well as facilitating the conversations and lessons after the experience.

Budget about 10-15 minutes to walk through all sections and view all video and written instruction for this course.