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Opinion line

An exercise where young people take a stand on statements through movement.
Time

15–45 min

Difficulty

Easy

Equipment

Ei tarvita välineitä

Participants

No special materials needed

How?

How to do it

  1. Prepare 5–10 statements about exercise and well-being that will get young people thinking, e.g.:
    “Exercise helps improve your mood.”
    “Exercise must always be hard to be beneficial.”
    “All exercise is fun.”
    “I don’t dare participate in an activity if I’m not good at it”
    “You can exercise without calling it sport.”

  2. Draw a line across the room, with “Completely agree” at one end and “Completely disagree” at the other. Mark the ends clearly, e.g. with pieces of paper or tape.

  3. Read the statements one at a time. Ask the young people to stand on the line according to how much they agree or disagree.

  4. Ask those who want to why they chose that particular place on the line. Encourage the others to listen and share their thoughts. Make it clear that there are no right or wrong answers.

  5. Conclude with a joint reflection: What thoughts and feelings did the exercise evoke? How can these perspectives influence the planning of joint activities? Write down the young people’s thoughts.

Why?

The opinion line strengthens young people’s self-expression and reflection and encourages them to take a stand. The method makes them think about their own relationship to movement, while being listened to and hearing others’ perspectives strengthens their communication skills and sense of community. Movement in the room activates both body and mind and can help structure one’s own thoughts.