How to
Methods of participation
The following activities have been used to work with children and young
people of various ages and can be adapted to suit the needs of particular
groups, for example those with complex communication needs.
For more information about methods see resources / links page.
Mind map
Children and young people explore a topic and record their views and experiences
visually. Ideas and thoughts can be represented in various ways, e.g.
pictures, text, symbols and photos. This can be done individually or as
a group and is a useful way to prompt thoughts and discussion.
Benefits:
Statements
A number of statements are written on cards. Children and young people then
vote on whether they agree or disagree with each statement. This exercise
can also be used for ranking different issues in order of importance.
Benefits:
Pop quiz
A quiz in the style of those used in magazines is devised relating to the
consultation topic, i.e. for each question the child or young person is
given a scenario and three options A, B or C.
Benefits:
Board game
A board game is designed to match the chosen topic. Players roll a dice
to move along squares and when they land on a particular square a card is
taken. Cards contain questions relating to the consultation topic (open-ended,
unfinished sentences and agree/disagree statements). Prize for the first
past the finish line!
Benefits:
Making a rap
Children and young people produce a simple rap talking about their views,
experiences and suggestions. This can be done using prepared sentences to
which people add their own word, for example;
My name is…
The best thing about school is…
If I was in charge I would…
Benefits:
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