MAKE ME A GROWN UP

PROGRAMME 1: JACK

ACTIVITIES

Young people are often sensitive about personal development issues. These activities support a mix of individual, paired and group work, depending on the context and the composition of the groups involved.

Before viewing

Identify the characteristics you associate with a) champion dancers and b) successful entrepreneurs. Discuss and justify your ideas. Decide if it is possible for one person to take on both roles.

Give examples of negative statements that you have heard other people use recently (for example, I'm no good at things like this, I keep making mistakes). Discuss whether the statements are true. Say how they might affect the people saying them and those listening to them.

Share examples of times when you think that people should 'dress to impress' and select one. Describe the outfit you would wear and explain how your choice of colour, clothes and accessories would impress other people. Take a vote on how important appearance is in telling other people what you are like as an individual.

After viewing

To view 4Learning video clips you will need Windows XP/2000 and Windows Media Player 9, 10 or 11. Unfortunately, the clips are not supported on Macintosh computers.

The video clips may contain a few seconds of extra material at the beginning and end. We have therefore included opening and closing descriptions to help identify the intended scene.

Masks
Clip one: 5:19 – 5:55
Describe the mask that Jack uses to protect himself from others. Identify and discuss the differences between Jack's inner and outer selves (the one he hides from the world and the one he presents to it). Make a personal mask illustrating your inner and outer selves. Did you learn anything new about yourself? Are there any big differences between your inner and outer selves? How often do you hide your inner self? Do you think it is important to let other people see your inner self?

Body language
Clip two: 8:34 – 9:21
Discuss how Jack's body language (posture, gestures, facial expressions) gives the impression that he lacks confidence, is shifty and nervous. Demonstrate body language that tells other people that someone is:

• aggressive – powerful, strong, a winner
• passive – quiet, withdrawn, a people-pleaser
• assertive – matter of fact, confident, in control

What impression does your body language give? Has it ever got you into trouble or helped you achieve something? Do you want or need to change anything?

Eye contact
Clip three: 9:42 – 10:05
In pairs, discuss why Stephen tells Jack to behave like a snake charmer. Vary your level of eye contact (full, little, none). How did you feel about the different types of eye contact? Do you make good use of eye contact? What tips would you give other young people about good eye contact?

Positive self talk
Clip four: 11:25 – 11:41
Put yourself in Jack's shoes. Imagine that you are looking at a photo of yourself. Make three positive statements about what you see. How did you feel? How often do you make positive statements about yourself? Do you ever share them with other people? If so, what tone of voice, type of body language and style of eye contact do you use? Why do you think that Stephen wanted Jack to practise positive self-talk? What difference do you think that positive thoughts can make to how you feel, what you do and the success that you have?

Personal style
Clip five: 14:25 – 14:50
Vote on whether Jack made a better impression before or after his makeover. Explore the reasons for any major differences in opinion. Discuss the following questions.

• Where do most young people get information and advice about style and fashion?
• How reliable and helpful is it?
• Do you know or care what your clothes say about you?
• Do you think that you need a makeover?
• Who would you trust to give you a makeover?

Produce a personal style guide for a situation in which you want to come across as being assertive and confident.