“Pick a Postcard” Conversation Starter and Reflection Tool
Product Description
This carefully selected assortment of unique images inspires conversation and stimulates reflection
Ideas for using “Pick a Postcard” facilitation/processing tool:
Postcard Introductions:
Use as an introductory activity to “break the ice”, help group members get to know each other, and set the tone for the program. This activity is especially useful during the pre-group gathering time, as participants enter the room to start a program. Choosing a card gives people something to focus as they wait to begin.
Spread postcards out on a table or floor where they are accessible to all group members
Ask group members to choose a card that represents the answer to one or more following questions:
What is a goal you have for the program?
What are your expectations for the day?
What is a strength or unique perspective you bring to the program or group?
Depending on the group you could pose a question that fits what you know about the group’s make up or purpose for coming together. For example, when leading a program with a group of teachers you might ask participants to choose a card that represents one of these ideas:
Why you love teaching
A card that represents a quality do you think is most important in a teacher/leader
A strength you bring to your work
A hope you have for the upcoming school year
Processing or Debriefing/Reflection Activity:
Have individual participants choose a card that represents:
Their role in the activity or group process
Their perspective on what the group achieved
Another way to stimulate group dialogue and consensus:
Have the group come to agreement on one card that best represents what they all accomplished together
Have the group agree on three cards that tell a story of the groups “journey” together. For example have them choose a card that represents where they started, then a second to describe where they went as group, and a third to describe their “next steps”.
For Group Goal Setting or Creating Group Norms Agreements:
The group could choose a card or cards that represents one of the following ideas:
what they want to achieve together
a symbol of the groups strengths and purpose
the specific group norms and positive behaviors they want to make sure are present in their group
For individual self-reflection participants could choose a card and then write about it in their journal
The postcards make great creative writing prompts. Use your creativity, the possibilities are endless!
Ideas for using “Pick a Postcard” facilitation/processing tool:
Postcard Introductions:
Use as an introductory activity to “break the ice”, help group members get to know each other, and set the tone for the program. This activity is especially useful during the pre-group gathering time, as participants enter the room to start a program. Choosing a card gives people something to focus as they wait to begin.
Spread postcards out on a table or floor where they are accessible to all group members
Ask group members to choose a card that represents the answer to one or more following questions:
What is a goal you have for the program?
What are your expectations for the day?
What is a strength or unique perspective you bring to the program or group?
Depending on the group you could pose a question that fits what you know about the group’s make up or purpose for coming together. For example, when leading a program with a group of teachers you might ask participants to choose a card that represents one of these ideas:
Why you love teaching
A card that represents a quality do you think is most important in a teacher/leader
A strength you bring to your work
A hope you have for the upcoming school year
Processing or Debriefing/Reflection Activity:
Have individual participants choose a card that represents:
Their role in the activity or group process
Their perspective on what the group achieved
Another way to stimulate group dialogue and consensus:
Have the group come to agreement on one card that best represents what they all accomplished together
Have the group agree on three cards that tell a story of the groups “journey” together. For example have them choose a card that represents where they started, then a second to describe where they went as group, and a third to describe their “next steps”.
For Group Goal Setting or Creating Group Norms Agreements:
The group could choose a card or cards that represents one of the following ideas:
what they want to achieve together
a symbol of the groups strengths and purpose
the specific group norms and positive behaviors they want to make sure are present in their group
For individual self-reflection participants could choose a card and then write about it in their journal
The postcards make great creative writing prompts. Use your creativity, the possibilities are endless!
