Have learners write down all the examples of violence they have personally witnessed during the past week. Solicit several responses to list on the board. Then have learners work in small groups to list ways to avoid these violent acts or ways to use nonviolent methods. The instructor can then list individual responses on the board and ask learners to think about how the consequences of a nonviolent method would differ from the violent one. How would each approach affect the people involved?

Next, play a game in which everyone in the class forms a tight circle. One person remains outside the circle and then tries to get into the circle. Note what method is used to try to enter the circle. Discuss the feelings of the person left out (e.g., frustration, anger,). Now play the game again, using a nonviolent method to enter the circle. Brainstorm as many nonviolent methods as possible to enter the circle (e.g., asking, bartering, bribing, or changing the goal of entering the circle).

Source: Adapted from Meredith Ebert / Teacher Talk / Indiana University - Center for Adolescent Studies