Teaching Process

Stage 1
The teacher uses the bendy/stretchable/squeezable objects to demonstrate the capacity to ‘bounce back’ by bending them, stretching them and squeezing them. Pupils have a try too!


Stage 2
Joining together in pairs sitting on the floor or on chairs facing each other, students are asked to sit quietly for a few moments thinking about times when they have ‘bounced back’ after experiencing some difficulty or setback. It may be, for example, after a sports defeat. It may be after someone has said something unkind. They are also asked to think about the qualities they showed in ‘bouncing back’.


Stage 3
The teacher asks each pair to nominate person ‘A’ and person ‘B’. ‘B’ is asked to tell ‘A’ those personal ‘bouncing back’ stories they feel happy to share, with ‘A’ listening carefully to what is said. After two minutes the process is reversed and ‘A’ tells ‘B’ their stories, with ‘B’ listening carefully.


Stage 4
The teacher then asks pairs to discuss the ‘bouncing back’ qualities revealed by their respective stories. Were they similar? Or were different qualities shown in different circumstances?


Stage 5
A whole class brainstorming session follows focusing on ‘bouncing back’ qualities thrown up by the stories, all ideas being written on the blackboard.


Stage 6
In closing, the teacher explains that the ability to ‘bounce back’ from a difficult time is called ‘resilience’. Ask the class to think about whether the same qualities of resilience are needed in a community if it is struck by a natural or other disaster.