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Cross the Line

  • Cross the Line (by Kackstetter Mária)

    ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
    How are we similar?
    How are we different?

    OBJECTIVES:
    Students will build empathy by learning about other’s life experiences; students will feel less alone in their life experiences.

    SUMMARY OF THE ISSUE:
    This exercise is a visually powerful way for participants to see they are not alone and that others may share their life experiences.

    https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nW62aiIdNbmj4-SEryvh-yTw-nLIlw175atN-StbBZ4/edit

        

    MATERIALS:

    • “Cross the line if…” questions
    •  Tape or string to make a line on the floor

     

    LENGTH OF LESSON: 60 minutes

    Create a line on the floor.

    Have all participants stand on one side of “the line.”

    Explain that you will read a question starting with, “Cross the line if…” and that if it applies to them, they should step to the other side of the line. Remind the students to be as honest as they are comfortable with and that the space is non-judgmental and safe. Explain there should be no talking during the game, except for the person asking the question and that there will be a discussion afterwards. Ask if there are any questions.

    Begin the game. Read a question beginning with, “Cross the line if…(you have brown hair; you have blue eyes; you have a brother).” Participants step across the line if it applies to them and remain on the starting side of the line if it does not. Pause and ask the students to silently look around to see who is standing with them. Then ask them to go back to the starting side of the line.

    The following is a list of sample questions. The questions should be tailored to the needs of the age and populations you are working with.

    “Cross the line if…”

    • You have brown hair.
    • Your favourite colour is blue.
    • You have blue eyes.
    • You are tall.
    • You have a bad hair day.
    • You have a sister.
    • You have a brother.
    • You have a lot of chores to do at home.
    • You are an only child.
    • You are bored at school. 
    • You don’t feel good in your class.
    • You like school.
    • Your parents speak another language.
    • You speak another language.
    • Your parents do not speak English.
    • Your parents/parent are/is from another country.
    • You are Hungarian.
    • You are Asian.
    • You were not born in Hungary.
    • You have ever been discriminated because of your race or ethnicity. 
    • You have ever been told that you were ugly.
    • You have ever been teased.
    • You have ever made fun of someone because of how they look.
    • You have ever been bullied.
    • You have ever travelled abroad.
    • You live with your grandparents.
    • You live in a single-parent family.
    • You live with both of your parents.
    • You wish you could change something about your body.
    • You have ever been told you couldn’t do something because you are a girl.
    • You have ever been told that you were not going to make it in life.
    • You have ever seen a fight.
    • You have any regrets.
    • You have ever had someone you did not know help you.
    • You have ever helped someone you did not know.
    • You have ever been mean to someone you care about.
    • Someone you care about has been mean to you.
    • You don’t get the attention you need.
    • You don’t feel good in your class.
    • etc.

    Continue asking questions. Pause briefly before saying “next question.” After each question the students return to the starting side of the line.

    After asking several questions, ask if anyone else has a question they would like to ask. Have volunteers ask their questions.

    After several rounds of questions and crossing the line, have participants sit comfortably.

    Ask the participants to share: How did it feel to cross the line? How did it feel when you didn’t cross the line? What surprised you the most during this game? What did you learn?