Tips for Teaching Activities to Girls

Instructing and supervising girls during activities can prove to be a challenging task for even the most experienced leader.  Below are tips to use when teaching girls activities:

 

Tips for Teaching Activities/Games

  • Choose games according to the ages, interests, and abilities of the group you are working with.
  • Make sure you choose a game appropriate to the site you will be using.
  • Know the game well so you don't have to refer to notes while you are teaching Make sure you collect all the supplies and equipment you will need for the game.
  • Explain the game briefly and get them playing it as soon as possible. Ask for questions before you begin. If the game is complicated, teach a portion at a time letting the girls play each portion as you teach it.
  • Let the girls have fun with the game, but stop when necessary to clear up any rules or to answer questions regarding the action of the game.
  • Stop the game after a reasonable amount of time even if some girls are begging to continue. Make sure you make any adaptations in the action or the rules of the game to accommodate girls with special needs in the group.
  • Make sure you check the playing area for any safety hazards as well as evaluate the game for potential safety problems before you play the game with the girls.

 

Tips for Teaching Songs

Singing is a Girl Scout tradition that helps us to express our joy, sadness, to pass on our stories, to communicate our beliefs, and to bond with our community. Not only is it a Girl Scout tradition to sing during troop meetings, but it is fun to learn songs together. You will find a Girl Scout song for almost any occasion or you can make up your own.  Below are a few tips when teaching songs:

  • Be familiar with the song so you don't need to use a song sheet or book.  Sing the song through first.
  • Say the words phrase by phrase and have the group repeat.
  • Sing the song together 3 times or until known - but don't wear it out.
  • If a song has several verses, teach one verse at a time.
  • Begin with simple songs and move on to more difficult ones later on.
  • Give the starting note.  Avoid pitching the song too high or too low.
  • Songs may be taught using tapes or CD's as well, just follow the procedure above.
  • Remember that you can us your own tune with the songs.  It is nice to choose a tune that the girls may already be familiar with.

 

Tips for Teaching Ceremonies

Ceremonies are a long standing tradition in Girl Scouting. They are used to recognize girls accomplishments, pass on traditions, welcome new members, and reinforce the values of Girl Scouting.  Ceremonies can be as simple as opening and closing troop meetings by reciting the Girl Scout Promise and Law, to a candle lighting ceremony with awards that the parents are invited to attend. There are many Girl Scout ceremonies already developed but troops can also make a ceremony of their own .  Below are a few tips when conducting a ceremony:

  • Always have a purpose for the ceremony (i.e. new troop, bridging, special awards, etc.)
  • Pick a good setting for the ceremony.
  • If assigning parts, be sure all girls have some sort of role in the ceremony.
  • Always have an opening, main part, and closing to the ceremony.
  • Be sure to prepare ahead of time in getting supplies, developing the girls lines, invitations etc.
  • Always do a practice run before the actual ceremony.

 

Tips for Teaching Crafts

It is fun to have craft time during the troop meeting. Whether it is a craft that needs many troop meetings to finish or one that is simple enough to complete and take home the same day; crafts offer girls a sense of accomplishment and gives them a keepsake of Girl Scouting that will stay with them forever.  Below are a few tips when completing crafts:

  • Be sure to include any safety instructions that are necessary for the activity.  If you are working with young Brownie or Daisy Girl Scouts, don't assume too much. They may not know how to hold the scissors or the fact that they shouldn't run with them.
  • Give adequate instructions for the activity.  Keep these instructions simple.  If the activity is simple, little instruction may be necessary; however, it is very involved or is a new activity, give the instructions twice and then ask if there are any questions. For extremely complicated activities it may be necessary to break the instructions into sections and teach one section at a time.
  • Have enough equipment and supplies on hand.  At most, two people can share supplies.  More than that and the girls tend to get frustrated at having to wait and the activity is less enjoyable.
  • Be sure that the craft is suitable for the age of the girls you are working with.  If the project is too difficult, the child will become frustrated. If it is too simple, the child may become bored.
  • Allow enough time for the activity.  Remember that girls work at different speeds and most girls will take longer to make a craft than you can make it yourself.  Having something extra to do for those who finish early is also a good idea or you could have them help the girls who have not finished yet.
  • If necessary, prepare your meeting space for the craft activity.  Covering surfaces for messy projects will make clean-up much easier. If supplies can be divided in advance it is easier to hand them out.
  • Do the activity yourself before you give it to the girls to complete.  This way, you will be able to identify the pitfalls and problems that may occur with a particular craft. You can also adjust, if necessary, the directions to make the project easier.

 

Tips for Swaps

The word SWAP stands for "Share With A Pal" or "Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned" .  SWAPS are little keepsake crafts that girls make to give to other girl scouts at large events and activities. SWAP's should say something about the girl or troop when passed along to others.  SWAPS can be pinned anywhere a girl chooses to keep it. Some troops use t-shirts, or a hat others use a large sheet or banner that is hung during troop meetings.

  • Think about the kind of swap someone would like to receive.
  • Try not to spend a lot of money. Consider making something from donated or recycled material.
  • Be creative, and take time to make hand-crafted swaps. (Include directions for making the swap if it is a craft project that can be replicated.)
  • When trading swaps at an event, try to have one swap for each event participant and staff member. 
  • Plan ahead so there's time to make the swaps.
  • Make swaps that can be worn, used, or displayed. 


 


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