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Mind, Body, and Spirit Retreats For Young

People 2008 E. Fulham, St. Paul Catholic School, DOSP

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Opening Prayer

Lord, help us to listen with open minds and hearts as we begin our Mind, Body, and Spirit Retreat Day. Help us to understand that no one has the perfect family or friends, and that all families and friends deal with some kind of

conflict. Guide us, Lord, to learn the skills to communicate well with our family members and friends, solve conflicts,

and practice forgiveness.

Amen.

2008 E. Fulham, St. Paul Catholic School, DOSP

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Day OneTheme: Conflict Resolution

•Communication Skills

•I-Statements•Active Listening

•Conflict Resolution

•Forgiveness

•Problem Solving

•Recognizing and Reporting Unhealthy Relationships

•Group Activity: Role Play I- Statements and Active Listening

•Physical Activity: Balloon Juggle and Hula Hoop Relay

•Life Skill: Problem Solving 2008 E. Fulham, St. Paul Catholic School, DOSP

CommunicationPeople communicate in a variety of ways

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• Talking• Listening• Actions• Body Language• Voice Expression• Silence• E-mail• Writing notes or

letters

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Partner Activity – Role PlayNon-Verbal Communication Skills

Divide into groups of two. Role play effective and

ineffective use of non-verbal communication skills.

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2008 E. Fulham, St. Paul Catholic School, DOSP

TalkingTalking is a very important part of

communication.

• Expressing feelings is not always easy.

• Talking openly and respectfully about feelings can strengthen relationships.

• Using I-statements can help to clearly communicate feelings without placing blame on someone else.

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I-Statements

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• “I was looking forward to working with you on the science project. I felt angry when you decided to choose a different partner. I would have felt better if you spoke with me about it first.”

• “I felt relieved when you explained why you were late last night.”

• “I felt hurt when you asked me not to sit with you at lunch yesterday because I thought you liked having lunch with me.”

2008 E. Fulham, St. Paul Catholic School, DOSP

Active Listening

“So you are saying that you feel frustrated with how Carly is treating you during recess.”

“I hear you saying that you really don’t want your family to move.”

“I can tell you feel really relieved that you sunk those free throws to tie the game.”

“Yes, I can see that you are very excited about your family vacation!” 8

2008 E. Fulham, St. Paul Catholic School, DOSP

Partner Activity – Role playPractice Using I-Statements and Active

ListeningDivide into groups of two.One person practices using I-statements.The other person practices active listening.Select one of the topics below to discuss, or create one of your own:

My best friend doesn’t call or text me anymore. I’m grounded because of my grades. My family is moving. I am nervous about trying out for the team. I am excited about my upcoming birthday party.

Groups may be asked to role play their conversations in front of the class or to demonstrate poor communication skills. All students should have

a chance to switch roles.

2008 E. Fulham, St. Paul Catholic School, DOSP

Dealing With Conflict is a Normal Part of Life

Conflicts happen within

families and friendships.

All families have some kind of conflict.

Conflict between friends is normal.

Good communication helps families and friends deal with conflict.

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Conflict

2008 E. Fulham, St. Paul Catholic School, DOSP

Do the people in these pictures seems to be practicing good communication skills?

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Conflict StylesHow Do You Handle Conflict?

• Problem-Solving - Working to find a solution to conflict

• Avoidance - Staying away from conflict

• Confrontation – Aggressively approaching conflict

2008 E. Fulham, St. Paul Catholic School, DOSP

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Benefits of ConflictConflict is Not All Bad

Conflicts Can…

• Improve Relationships• Bring feelings of relief• Provide opportunities

to learn from mistakes• Provide opportunities

to apologize and start over

2008 E. Fulham, St. Paul Catholic School, DOSP

Violence

Violence can be expressed through use of language, threats, and physical harm.

Violence is extremely harmful to relationships.

No form of violence should ever be used to solve relationship conflict.

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Group Discussion1. What messages do we get from the media regarding violence and nonviolence? Which type of message predominates in the news, advertising, sitcoms and dramas?

2. Identify different role models of today and discuss the ways that their examples promote violence or nonviolence.

http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/projects/violence/schools.shtml 15

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Group DiscussionJesus, Our Role Model

What kind of conflict did Jesus have in his life?

How did Jesus deal with conflict? Are there times that we know Jesus prayed to his father

in Heaven?

How can Jesus’ approach to dealing with conflict help us in our lives? What can we

learn from Jesus about forgiveness?

2008 E. Fulham, St. Paul Catholic School, DOSP

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Forgiveness

Luke 6:29

“If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. “

2008 E. Fulham, St. Paul Catholic School, DOSP

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Problem Solving

Learning to problem solve EMPOWERS YOUand FOSTERS INDEPENDENCE.

2008 E. Fulham, St. Paul Catholic School, DOSP

GroomersA groomer is someone who is, over time, trying to get you to do something that is not good for you.

A groomer will often develop a friendship with his/her “target” to gain that person’s trust.

A groomer is usually not who he or she appears to be.

A groomer can be young or old, male or female, black or white, a stranger, relative, or someone you know. 19

2008 E. Fulham, St. Paul Catholic School, DOSP

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Groomers Can Be Very Deceptive

They May… Appear to be very nice or important

people.

Try to fool you with a pretend friendship.

Start to control you, perhaps with fear, threats, or promises.

Expect you to keep secrets.

Wait a long time to get what they want.

Use you to get what they ultimately want.

2008 E. Fulham, St. Paul Catholic School, DOSP