Discussion Questions
1. What did Jenny learn from her dream? Was it what Mandy and Lawrence wanted her to learn?
2. Do you think it was a good idea that Jenny told everyone she had epilepsy at the beginning of the school year? Why or why not?
3. There are many different kinds of seizures. Some people just look like they are confused, and some people fall on the ground and shake like Jenny did. Can you remember what you should do to help if you see this happening?
4. What made Natasha a better friend than Samantha? What things did she do for Jenny that were helpful?
5. Think about a problem that you have. When you struggle with something, do you ever take it out on other people by being rude or teasing? What are some better ways to deal with problems?
6. When Jenny talked to her mom about her problems, it made her feel better. Can you think of some problems in a family that it would be good to talk about?
7. When Jenny watched television, it made her want to look and act different. When you watch television, does it ever make you wish that you could look or be a different way? If she hadn’t had that dream, what are some things you would recommend for Jenny to do to feel better about herself?
If you wish to further evaluate your students on their work in this program, use these questions on a quiz or test
Activity #1: Improvisational Scenarios
These scenarios can be acted out in groups and then performed and/or discussed as a class.
1. Samantha comes back to Jenny later. She says “Give me the ball right now, or I’m going to tell everyone you’re crazy and that they’ll catch epilepsy if they come near you.” What should Jenny say? What can she do?
2. Jenny has another dream about Mandy and Lawrence. They say “Why haven’t you taken our suggestions yet? You are still the same old Jenny.” What should she tell them? What has she learned?
3. Andrew’s mom hears about Jenny’s seizure. She doesn’t want Andrew to play with Jenny anymore because she thinks Jenny is too weird and dangerous. What would Andrew tell his mom? What can he and Jenny do?
Activity #2: Scenario-Solving
1. Each group thinks of a problem they might encounter as students and in the community. They write a scenario on a cue card. (ie. Jimmy always pushes Tom at recess, or Shirley offers Farzana a cigarette)
2. The cards get exchanged to a different group.
3. Each group writes a solution to the scene on the card.
4. The groups read their scenario to the rest of the class, and act out their advice (alternatively, they can simply read their solutions).
Activity #3: Something New
In this activity, students have the opportunity to share something that makes them different, and allows them to feel pride in being unique. Emphasize that they should think of something positive – something that makes them stand out and feel good about themselves. Aside from encouraging confidence and self esteem, this activity is also an opportunity for students to learn something new about their peers.
To Start:
Tell the students: In the end of the play, Jenny was proud of who she was. This activity is for us to learn about each other and be proud of the special things about ourselves, too!
1. Students think of something special about themselves. It can be funny, interesting, sentimental, etc. Give examples: “I have been to Korea”, “I have a step-mom”, “I have a baseball award”. Tell them to be as creative as possible!
2. Each student writes their trait on a piece of paper, which is put into a hat. The teacher re-distributes the papers, so that each student has someone else’s trait.
3. The students get up out of their seats and mill about in the classroom, asking their peers if they have the trait on the piece of paper (“are you the person who has a baseball award?”), until they find someone who says “yes”.
4. Once they find the person described on their sheet, they sit in a circle. When everyone is seated, they take turns saying both the name of the person whose sheet they received and their special trait. (ie. “Stacey has a baseball award”)
5. Reflect on the process with discussion. Keep the discussion positive!
Was anyone surprised by someone’s special trait?
Impressed?
How does it feel to share something about yourself? Did you feel shy? Embarrassed? Proud?
What do you think happens when people feel safe to share?
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