Inside/Outside Boxes

Objective(s) & Context

Identify and explore unique and specific aspects, like talents and abilities, to help build self-awareness and positive self-image.
Examine participants’ self-esteem and understand the importance of a positive self-image.
Foster girls’ awareness of and respect for others’ differences.
Establish a physical and social environment where girls feel safe.

Duration

1–2 hours

Depends on the number of participants

Group Size

5–30

Age Group

10 +

Skills

Communication, presentation, social and co-operative skills

Format(s) and Technique(s)

Reflection, creativity, large group

Materials

Shoe boxes (one per participant)

Craft materials (sparkles, stones, feathers, leaves, fabric, photos, beads, etc.)

Facilitation Tips

Since participants are asked to share something about themselves with the rest of the group, you can help the group maintain trust and respect by going over the group agreement or ground rules that you have previously established.

Popular Education Prompts

This workshop is a great opportunity to help you draw out the personal strengths and creativity of the group.

Leading this Activity: Steps to Take

Preparation:

Prior to the workshop, ask participants to bring in objects, drawings or photos that describe and represent themselves, as well as represent the things they are good at.
Ask them to consider how they would like to share this with the group.

Workshop:

There are two parts to this activity.

Part 1: Creating Inside/Outside Boxes

Ask participants to put together a box that represents who they are.
Tell participants to decorate the box however they would like, however, the items INSIDE the box best describe or symbolize how they see themselves and the items OUTSIDE the box best describe or symbolize how they would like to be seen by others.
Remind participants that they should create the box while keeping in mind their talents, achievement, hobbies, dislikes, likes, etc.
Once they have completed their boxes, tell participants that they will share them with the rest of the group. Tell them that they only have to present what they are comfortable with sharing and that they should prepare a statement or briefly think of ideas for:

Part 2: Show and Tell

Each participant briefly shares their inside/outside box with the rest of the group.
Remind them to share something that they are proud of, whether it be a photograph, a story about something they did, an achievement, etc.

Debrief

Questions to ask the group:

Do you feel that this activity helped you to get to know the other girls more?
How did you feel about sharing this personal information about yourself with everyone?

Success Indicators

Participants are: