Communication & Peer Relationships

Listen to the following… On a blank piece of paper, listen to the directions and draw.

PURPOSE OF ACTIVITY: EVERYONE INTREPRETS THINGS DIFFERENTLY, even when the directions/circumstances are the same. If you are not specific or clear things can be taken differently than you had intended.

Communication The process of sharing information, thoughts, or feelings. Communication occurs whenever you use words, sounds, gestures, or body movements to interact with other people.

Effective Communication 1. Active Listening 2. “I message” 3. Body Language 4. Assertiveness

Active Listening Focus your full attention on what the other person is saying. Show interest and understanding by nodding your head. Make eye contact Offer comments such as, “I know what you mean” Don’t steer the conversation away from them and onto you Show you were listening by summarizing their thoughts, “It sounds like you are angry because…”

I-Message Is a statement of feelings and expectations that does not blame or judge the other person. In order to communicate effectively, you must be able to take ownership over your own feelings. Ex: “I am upset that you did not call last night” Focusing on yourself and how the situation made you feel, without placing blame on the other person.

Body Language Communicating information or feelings nonverbally through body movements, posture, gestures, and facial expressions. People can be unaware of the messages sent by their body language. Can send mixed messages when your “listening” and texting…

Peer Pressure Peer Pressure: the control and influence people your age may have over you. Manipulation: a sneaky or dishonest way to control or influence others. Remove yourself if the situation becomes dangerous, suggest alternative things to do, do your best to avoid situations where pressure to make unhealthy decisions may become a problem.

Peer Pressure Spoken Pressure – Also called direct pressure. It’s when a person asks you directly to do something, or says things to you that push you toward a certain choice. REJECTIONS PUT DOWN REASONING

Spoken Peer Pressure REJECTION Threatening to leave someone out or end a friendship. PUT DOWN Insulting or calling names to make someone feel bad. REASONING Giving reasons to do something or why it would be OK to do it.

Unspoken Peer Pressure Unspoken Pressure – Also called indirect pressure. It’s when nothing is actually said to you, but because you see others doing something, you feel pressure to do the same.

Unspoken Peer Pressure THE HUDDLE A group stands together talking or laughing, maybe looking at something you can’t see, with their backs out to others. THE “LOOK” Kids who think they’re cool give a look that means: “We’re cool and you’re not.” Unspoken pressure: THE EXAMPLE Popular kids simply buy or wear or do something, and because they set an example, others want to follow.

Responding to Peer Pressure Assertive: Express your true feelings and standing up for your own rights in a way that does not threaten the other person or make them feel uncomfortable. Passive: Holding back your true feelings and giving in, or backing down. Aggressive: Communicate your opinions and feelings in a way that may seem threatening, disrespectful, overly forceful, and hostile towards others.

Refusal and Resistance Skills Refusal Skills: a strategy to avoid doing something you don’t want to do Assertive Communication: honest expressions of thoughts and feelings without threatening others. You are cool, calm, and collected BUT still get your point across. Clearly state the word “no” and don’t waiver in your decision.

Cooperation & Compromise Cooperation: working together for a common goal. Build strong relationships based on mutual: Caring Trust Responsibility Compromise: willingness of each person to give up something in order to reach an agreement. Give and Take Examples of situations where you should not compromise?

Friendship Give and take relationship based on mutual trust, acceptance, common interests, and values. Honesty Encouragement Understanding When you do things with friends, activities are more enjoyable.

Activity A friend was supposed to call you last night to work on a project that is due today. He/She never called/texted. It was really important because they had some key information necessary to finish the project. When you see them the next day, what do you say? What is the best way to handle it?

Prejudice, Stereotypes, & Cliques Stereotypes: an exaggerated or generalized belief about an entire group of people, such as an ethnic group, religious group, or gender. Prejudice: is a negative feeling towards someone or something that is not based on personal experience but based on a stereotype. Cliques: a narrow exclusive group of people with similar backgrounds and interests. Often members experience peer pressure to conform to the expectations of the clique. Advantages and Disadvantages?

Effective Communication and “Mean Girls”

Mean Girls 9:12 minute mark—20:00 22:50—25:30 29:00—33:00 (4-way calling scene)53: :00 1:17:30--end

“Mean Girls” Lets learn from it…You will be responsible for providing examples from the Movie on the Quiz for this unit. Think about the following terms and look for them within the movie. Take notice how they are used well or not used well. Also, take any notes that you think may help you. Active ListeningCliques AssertivenessRelationships StereotypesPeer Pressure “I message”Manipulation Body LanguageRefusal Skills Cooperation Compromise

“Guilt by Association” The people you hang out with and associate yourself with impacts your reputation. Associate with people who have qualities and characteristics you want to represent you.

Self-Esteem The level of confidence and satisfaction in oneself. People with High Self-Esteem: Form close relationships with people who respect and value them. Value themselves by taking care of themselves and their health and by avoiding risky behaviors. People with Low Self-Esteem: Judge themselves harshly and worry too much about what others think May put on an act in public in order to impress others and hide their insecurities