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The Toothpaste Activity: Bullying And Gossip Awareness
Brief Description/Purpose
To show in a very graphic way, that once done, bullying and gossiping cannot be undone. Simple, short.
Type
Demonstration/Visual
Age Appropriate
All ages.
Ideal Group Size
Any Size
Time For Exercise
3 minutes depending on debriefing.
Topic/Subject
Bullying, Gossiping, Conflict
Detailed Instructions If Needed
Ask for a volunteer to come to the front of the room. Place a strip of masking tape on the length of the table. With a tube of toothpaste, have the volunteer run a bead of toothpaste on the length of the masking tape. Now ask the participant to put the toothpaste back in the tube. Obviously, it can’t be done. This is an example of how hurtful words once spoken cannot be taken back. Bullies say hurtful words frequently and need to know the impact that their words have on their victims. This can also be used to demonstrate that gossip, once it is uttered, can never be taken back.
Additional Information if Available
As is the case with many very short exercises, this can be used as an energizer, or even an icebreaker to start a session.
Cautions/Hints