Violence and Learning: Taking Action

Group 1	Group 2	Group 3	Group 4	Group 5
Self mutilation Bizarre behaviour Sullen Bullying or being bullied Passive-aggressive Short fuse Absenteeism Medical problems Feigning illness Physical problems	Violent behaviour Inappropriate knowledge Inappropriate reactions Manipulation Overachieve or underachieve	Poor self-esteem No eye contact Non-confrontational Depression Unkempt Needy Inappropriate social interactions Fearfulness Self-depreciation	Distractions in class Daydreaming Close to tears Anxious around swearing, shouting or loud noise Stopped learning Talking about violence Fear of risks	Lack of concentration Pictures or writing showing violence Not trusting Fatigue Attention-seeking Inability to relate to others Unhappy Withdrawn Physical signs Poor attitudes Don’t care

6. Issues that accompany violence

Show the overhead Issues that Accompany Violence. Discuss.

7. Break

8. Exploring the mind-body connection

Use the washer exercise²⁷ to introduce the connection between the body, nerves and brain.

Reflection

This activity is fun and a great break. I suggested that if participants were having trouble doing the exercise, they should try it at home where they weren't under pressure to feel like they were not getting it if/when everyone else was. The more relaxed a person is about this exercise, the better it works, which is also a point about being receptive to learning. (Be prepared to send the washers home with participants. Nobody likes to give them up!)

27 Hang a small washer on the end of a 30 cm. piece of string. Ask participants to make the washer swing back and forth without moving the hand—just through thought. Give the direction to make it move; eg., from the front wall to the back wall. Using the same procedure, change the direction of the swinging washer, and then make it go in a clockwise circle and counter clockwise. Making the washer swing in the desired direction simply by thinking shows the connection of the body, nerves and brain. Explain the nerves in our fingertips, which respond to the brain.

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