LABEL ME!

Many students feel that they are labelled by others into a very narrow set of stereotypical personality points. This exercise is good for a group that has known each other for a long time or for a group that has just been together for an afternoon. If the group has just been together for a short time, this exercise provides an interesting discussion on the nature and power of first impressions.

ACTIVITY

Photocopy the labels below onto two sheets. Each student is given both label sheets and is instructed to label each person in the room at least once. The remaining four labels on the second sheet must be filled in with positive adjectives that can be used for anyone in the room. If the group is larger than the list of labels, more positive adjectives can be included. This activity will lose its power with a very large group. The labels can be stuck on any piece of clothing that a recipient has.

After everyone has been labelled, have the participants look at the different ways that they are perceived by the group. Discuss how we label ourselves and how we feel that others label us. This is an activity that generates a warm feeling amongst the group because all of the adjectives are positive in nature. Students can then wear the labels on their sleeves for the rest of an activity period or place them in a journal to remind themselves of what others think of them.

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