What do we see?

In this activity, participants are reminded that we all see things differently, and we should remember that when conflicts arise

There is not always a right and wrong way to look at things. It can depend on your particular perspective. So instead of discussing who is right, we need to be curious about what others are perceiving

Educational purpose

Use this activity to teach children about the value ”tolerance”. The children are reminded that they are different and see things differently. This can help them manage conflicts and strengthen their sense of community and well-being.

Carry out the activity with

Children in the early years of primary school.

What you need

• The What do we see? material.
  Download the What do we see? material here
• A large piece of paper (e.g. from a flipchart) and a marker, or a piece of chalk.

Here is how

1. Print the drawings from What do we see?
2. Hold the drawings up – one at a time – for the participants. Ask them what they see. The point is that they probably see different things in the picture.
3. If some participants find it difficult to see what the others are seeing, gently show them what to look for
4. Draw a large number 6 on a piece of paper – or on the asphalt using chalk. If you have drawn the number on paper, place it on the floor. Ask two participants to come up and stand at either end of the paper/chalk so that one sees a number 6 and the other a number 9. Ask both participants, one at a time, what they see. Then ask the other participants if there is any point in discussing which of them is right? Does it make sense to ask “witnesses” to explain the situation?
5. Draw parallels to conflicts that we may encounter with others, where a situation may be perceived differently. Remember not to talk about a specific situation with named children, but instead stick to general examples.
6. Conclude the session by reminding participants that we experience things differently because we are different, and that is a good thing, because it allows us to be who we are