Using a 'Change Object Lesson' to Teach Concepts and Values

'Change object lessons' are a fantastic way to catalyze transformation or to teach young children.
What Single ability do we all have? The ability to change. - George Leonard Andrew

An 'object lesson' illustrates a point and makes it easy for children and adults to understand concepts, values and teachings.

The use of an object gives children something tangible to use and explore. It engages their left and right brains. Children love to explore and fiddle with things. Because the concept is based in something real, it becomes easy for them to grasp the lesson.

For the best results, design a lesson using a structured facilitation plan.


Object Lesson Example



Diamonds: A metaphor to show how, like piece of a rock, people may not seem like much, but inside is a diamond. It takes time and polishing to bring out the best in us.

Ultimately every 'change object lesson' does this.



The Freedictionary.com defines it as:

• A concrete illustration of a moral or principle.
• A lesson taught by using a material object.

Sometimes object lessons focus on what shouldn't be done. But they may be more powerful when they are used, positively instead of negatively, to show the way forward.

Especially when teaching values or spiritual concepts. Inspire rather than warn.





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'Change object lesson' ideas


Communication:

To show how easy it is for our words and messages to be lost.





The Object: Three tennis balls

Stand in a circle. The three tennis balls are thrown from one person to another. People drop the tennis ball because: they are not ready to receive it; the ball was thrown to fast or too far; or they have two balls coming at them. The balls get dropped or lost.





The game demonstrates how to check people are ready for what we want to say. The game is used to find ways to ensure that the maximum number of balls (messages) are caught. e.g. Calling out the person's name and using eye contact before you send the message.

Team Work:

Demonstrate the power of a team. The power of a team is greater than the power of an individual.





The Object: Candles and Matches

Game: In a very dark room, light one candle. The candle lights a small area. sk students to light many candles. The entire room becomes bright.





Unpack: Ask questions and unpack the learning. The highest impact is when the class tells you what the learning is. You can include discussion points around who or what the matches are in their life.

Learn structured facilitation techniques.

You can contribute and share your lessons, challenges and ideas on our 'Reverence Object Lesson' page.




The Do's and Dont's of fast facilitation.



A Reverence 'object lesson' suggestion



A 'Christian object lesson' and diversity

Many 'object lessons' are Christian. The bible, and other religious texts, offer powerful stories to demonstrate values. We recommend that you choose stories from a variety of sources. In todays times, you will find your participants or students come from a diverse background of cultures and religions.

There are many websites dedicated to Christian 'object lessons.' Even if you are not looking for Christian based object lessons, these resources can give you ideas.

If these stories are combined with creative 'change object lessons' the impact will be higher.

Why? Because the experiential nature of using an object to grasp a concept allows the learning to happen at a sub conscious level. It makes real.

Parable quotes that you can use with your lesson

Click here for more on parable quotes and stories

Parables are also used to convey an idea. Together, a parable and an object can make a powerful impact.

A great source for change object lesson ideas is mythology and parables from various religions.


An article on Hindu Mythology and Parables


A Parable Quote - Tao Te Ching

We shape clay into a pot, but it is the emptiness inside that holds whatever we want.

You can use the clay pot for children or adults to explore. Ask questions. End the lesson with the quote.



Free Object Lesson Resources

1. An online object lesson idea would be an Internet game or story with great visuals to encourage discussion and thought with your children.

SecoundLife.com offers a virtual world where educators can use experiential online learning.

2. Learn how to facilitate effectively by breaking up your group to do small group presentations

3. If you want examples of other 'objects lessons' I found a great site that teaches ordinary concepts like weather, measurements and so on. Click here for a Time Object Lesson

4. Creating change object lesson materials: Parable Crafts.



Change Object Lesson: Peer Pressure and Adolescent Facilitation

Peer pressure is a big theme for parents and teachers. Yet it is not only teenagers who are influenced by peer pressure. Most people spend their lives pleasing their families and communities.

I have worked with thousands of students touching on peer pressure related issues. Underlying issues are common with adults and children...

...our ability to be comfortable with who we are and to have the courage to be that even if people don't like us.

My advice is to focus on a change object lesson that will teach children to be themselves rather than focus on how 'bad' peer pressure is.

For example, lets look at the popular lesson called 'obedience is freedom.' Parents and teachers want children to be obedient. The kind of obedience I would touch on is an obedience to self. When this is mastered, anything is possible. Choose metaphors that encourage people to keep their word to themselves and others.



Click here to learn how to facilitate learning with adolescents.



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Return from Change Object Lesson to Personal Mastery

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Not every thing suits this method. And most importantly, it's how you use the change object lesson and parable to teach.Some notes:

Lessons best left for structured facilitation.

• Abstinence Object Lesson - Are object lessons about abstinence working? Many education programs mean well but don't know how to reach young people. You may think that sex is a moral issue but young people may not agree. Many programs push young people away. An object lesson may not be the best way to tackle issues around sex and sexuality.
• Alcohol Object Lesson - Like sexuality, if you take the morality or character approach with teaching people about substance abuse, you will meet with resistance. Facilitated dialogs are far more likely to shift change than a change object lesson.

A lesson that works well using object lesson approaches

• Reverence Object Lesson is one of the most important values you can teach your child. Reverence means you have a deep respect for every living being and situation. When people, have reverence, they strive to not do harm to anyone or thing.

To learn the best way to use a change object lesson, click here!

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