Year 7 Induction Week

During the Year 7 Induction Program the students were involved in several social-emotional learning activities.  One interesting activity uses potatoes to teach an anti-discrimination message as well as the importance of getting along with each other.

 

At first glance, from the outside all the potatoes look the same.  However, every student got to choose a potato.  They look at its individual features and what makes it special.  They named their potato and made up a story about it, which they shared within small groups.  The potatoes are then mixed up and students are invited to find their potato from the class set.  Every student was able to identify their own potato!!!

 

As with the potatoes, the same is true with people.  Although we may think certain groups of people look the same to us from the outside, we are all individuals with individual differences and this activity demonstrates the importance of getting to know people before we make a judgement about them.  The aim of the activity was to  help students to break down stereotypes, while getting to learn more about others.

 

On the Friday, we cooked up the potatoes and the year 7 students got to enjoy potato salad!  We relayed the message that although on the outside we are all different, on the inside – like potatoes – we are all the same.

 

Anita Cecic

School Psychologist

On behalf of Lakeland Engagement Team