Very Different
This group activity is aimed at finding the true nature of friendship through identifying differences in others. Wrap up the activity with a writing prompt by asking students to define friendship.
OBJECTIVE
- Discover the true nature of friendship
MATERIALS
Large sheet of paper; pen, pencil or marker
DIRECTIONS
- Explain to students that one of the reasons that the relationship between Owen and Mzee is intriguing and captivating is the fact that they are very different. When Owen first met Mzee, some attributes about the giant tortoise comforted Owen, but now, when their differences are more apparent, they are as close as ever. This type of behavior would be unusual for either animal and the fact that they both relay on one another is the biggest surprise of all.
- Split the class in half. Ask one half of the class to work on identifying the similarities between the two and the other half will work to identify the differences.
- Split the class into smaller groups and ask them to list their findings on a large sheet of paper that can then be presented to the class.
- Once everyone has presented, a good writing prompt would be to define friendship and parallel the class study with their own life.
