You Decide

To think about how we behave together in a group and the importance of standing up for what we believe. This could be used after a bullying or 'group

by Alistair Telfer

Suitable for Whole School (Pri)

Aims

To think about how we behave together in a group and the importance of standing up for what we believe. This assembly could be used after bullying or a 'group' incident.

Preparation and materials

• You will need one or more puppets: glove puppets, e.g. Sooty and/or Sweep (although larger puppets will be seen more easily); or string puppets would do equally well.

Assembly

1. Bring out the puppet or puppets and do a little act. Invite the children to take part. A simple approach would be to pretend that the puppet(s) don't know who anyone is; they are shy and uncertain and have to meet some children to give them reassurance.
   
   
2. Ask the children what makes puppets fun - how does the character of the puppet come to life? Is it the puppet or is it the operator? Who has the control? Who makes things happen? Does the puppet have a choice?
   
   
3. Point out that when we are with our friends or in a group, sometimes we behave as if we have no choice. Sometimes we let other people decide what we are going to say or do. We let other people 'pull the strings'. Are we in control of what we do? Or do we follow the lead with little or no self-control?
   
   This is something to think about today - am I a person or a puppet?

Time for reflection

Lord,
Help us to stand up for what is right and good.
Help us to have thoughtful self-control over what we do
and not be easily led into trouble or wrongdoing this day
and through all the days of our lives.
Amen.

Song/music

'Make me a channel of your peace' (Come and Praise, 147)