Batten Down the Hatches
Batten Down the Hatches
Type of Initiative: Conflict resolution, reaching win-win solutions, consensus
Sources: This activity is from the book, Journey Towards the Caring Classroom, by Laurie Frank. This is an adaptation of a classic Values Clarification exercise. See also “Stranded!” in Cowstails and Cobras by Rohnke. It is also published in Setting the Conflict Compass, Cummings, Anderson
Props Needed: A list of household items like the one shown here
Level: Grades 6 and higher
List of Supplies
| MatchesFive gallons of gasoline
Tent with stakes and poles Case of dog food Rain coat for each person 10-pound bag of oranges Charcoal grill Charcoal Package of toilet paper |
Car keysFlashlight with new batteries
Suitcase with a change of clothes for each person Winter coat for each person Five boxes of Pop Tarts® Gallon of milk Weather radio |
Three pounds of cheeseFamily photo album
Video game Road atlas of the United States Five gallons of water Jack knife Box of 10 candles Cell phone Emergency flares |
Directions:
- Tell the group that they are living in southern Florida, and there has just been news of a large hurricane heading their way. The evacuation notice has just gone out. They have 15 minutes to gather up everything they need before leaving. Due to limited space, they can only take 15 items with them, not including people and pets. The family consists of two kids, parents, and the family dog, Juno.
- Give each person a list of supplies. Have participants rank their top 15 items.
- Divide them into groups of 4–6.
- Review the idea of win-win solutions and reaching consensus.
- Ask each group to reach consensus and list at least their top 5 items. If they get that far, then have them continue to rank the other 10.
- Have each group report their top 5 to 15 items to the group.
Variations: • For older students: Instead of giving them a list, have them each come up with their own top 10 to 15 items. Then come to consensus on which 10 to 15 items to take.
Extensions: • Discuss issues and instances where the students might be unwilling to be flexible. These can be issues of principle or values that are near and dear to them.
Debriefing Topics:
- Which items were easy to agree on? What were some of your disagreements about?
- How did you reach a consensus on the items? What strategies did you use?
- Did you feel that you arrived at win-win solutions? Why or why not?
Facilitator Notes:
Consensus activities like this can really be a struggle for some people. Many times it is relatively easy to choose the 15 items to keep; the interesting part is attempting to rank those items. Here are a few hints that might make the reaching of consensus a little easier:
1. Avoid arguing. Try to present ideas logically.
2. Listen to others. They may just convince you to change your mind.
3. It isn’t necessary to win or lose. If agreement stalls, look for the next best alternative.
4. Don’t agree just to avoid conflict. Yield only if other sides make sense.
5. Avoid conflict-reducing tactics. Don’t flip a coin to decide. Look for the win-win through compromise.
6. Disagreements are healthy. Everyone has a different opinion. Work through disagreements and, possibly, you’ll find a great solution.
Adaptations for Students with Disabilities: Batten Down the Hatches
| Cognitive Disabilities |
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| Orthopedic Impairment |
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| Hearing Impairment |
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| Visual Impairment |
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