E108 – Working with Young People | Lisa MarshallTMA01 | C6450235 | October 2013 |

Contents

Part 1: Exploring an audiovisual case study 3 Part 2: Reflecting on Learning 6 Bibliography 7

Part 1: Exploring an audiovisual case study a) What are Scott and Jean trying to achieve with the icebreakers?
Scott and Jean’s Icebreaker activities serve several different purposes, the first of which being to encourage the group to come together as a whole and get to know one another. The initial activity did a fabulous job of encouraging the youngsters to introduce themselves to their peers in a fun and non intimidating way. It ‘broke the ice’ (LGBT Youth Scotland clips 2-6). If the introductions had been done with a greater amount of formality, i.e. with the group sat around a table, the young people probably would not have responded with the same amount of enthusiasm. The laughing and body language demonstrated suggests they were obviously relaxed and at ease with themselves and other members of the group but what they evidently didn’t realise was that the activity was encouraging them to practise how to communicate with each other and also listen to and remember what each other had to say. They were practising active listening. ‘It’s putting skills across, but actually not maybe the young people realising they’re actually starting those skill sets already, right from the beginning’. (LGBT Youth Scotland clips 2-6). Encouraging the young people to work together as a large group in this way ensured that everyone was involved. They weren’t all acquainted prior to this activity but communicating in this way encourages them to build relationships in a positive way both with the other group members but also with Scott and Jean. No-one will feel excluded because they are not already part of an established friendship group which is important because we all like to