MAKE ME A GROWN UP
PROGRAMME 8: LAUREN
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
Imagine that you have just transferred from a single-sex school or college to a co-educational one. What problems might you experience and why?
Explain what people mean when they say that someone is 'a frump'. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being labelled a frump?
Define the term 'flirting'. Give examples of times and places when it is acceptable and unacceptable to flirt. Discuss which flirting techniques work best and why.
Describe the differences in the way that shy and confident people think and behave. Are you a shy or confident person? Do other people agree with your view?
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.
Blind date
Clip one: 02:53 – 03:09
Give Lauren a grade for the dress sense, body language and conversational skills that she displays in this clip. What does she do wrong? How could she correct her mistakes? Share, discuss and test your ideas. Role play a blind date and demonstrate how two strangers can have an enjoyable meal and pleasant conversation. Discuss the pros and cons of going on a blind date. Summarise and present your ideas in the form of advice for other young people.
Be convincing
Clip two: 16:14 – 16:41
Summarise the advice that Stephen gives Lauren in this clip. Put yourself in Lauren's shoes. Working in pairs, take it in turns to convince your partner that he or she is the most fascinating person in the room. Combine with another pair and share the highlights of your experiences. What were your successes and failures? What helped or hindered you? How easy is it to give someone else your full attention when you are feeling uncomfortable, foolish or self-conscious? Is this a problem that you have encountered elsewhere? If so, how did you resolve it and what did you learn from the experience?
Looking good, feeling good
Clip three: 18:16 – 18:27
Take a vote on whether Lauren's appearance in this clip is better than it was at the start of the programme. Explore any major differences in opinion. Discuss how and why looking good on the outside can change how someone feels on the inside. Share examples of times when this has happened to you. Is it possible or desirable to 'look good' and 'feel good' all the time? What advice would you give young people who want to look good and feel good?
Dinner party
Clip four: 18:28 – 18:55
Explain why Lisa and Stephen have asked Lauren to host a dinner party. What is the difference between a dinner party and an ordinary party? How are people expected to behave at dinner parties? Some people believe that being able to plan, organise and host a dinner party is an essential lifeskill. Do you agree with them? Using the internet, magazines and other resources, research how to organise and host a perfect dinner party. Plan your own dinner party for a group of friends from school, college or work. Share and discuss your results. Take a vote on whose party plan is the best.
A new era
Clip five: 22:36 – 23:00
Describe how Lauren has changed during the programme. Most young people face challenges as they make the transition to adulthood. Give examples of the challenges or problems that they face. Have you or your friends experienced any of these? Imagine that you have been invited to take part in 'Make Me A Grown Up'. What help would you seek from the mentoring team and why? Where else could you obtain such help?
