Friendship circles are groups of people who share some common interests or values. They can be healthy, nurturing and supportive. Being bonded to others because of a shared love of sports, music or extracurricular activities seems natural. But what happens when friendship circles become inflexible?
Framework
What happens when one or two members of the friendship group control the others, or when these leaders are the only ones who can allow or forbid other people entry into the group? This is when a friendship circle becomes a clique. Cliques are rampant in schools across the country today. Every adolescent is familiar with the “classic” cliques and their nicknames, as epitomized in countless teen movies: jocks, preps, geeks, nerds.
In this lesson, students will examine the cliques within their school community. They will also explore ways to integrate the student body and form relationships across, and in spite of, controlling cliques.
This classroom activity was designed in support of the Mix It Up program. For additional activity ideas, visit www.tolerance.org/mix-it-up/activity [1].
Professional Development
Standards
Activities and embedded assessments address the following standards: (McREL 4th [7] [7] edition [7])
Language Arts
Standard 4: Gathers and uses information for research purposes
Standard 7: Uses reading skills and strategies to understand and interpret a variety of informational texts
Standard 8: Uses listening and speaking strategies for different purposes
Civics
Standard 11: Understands the role of diversity in American life and the importance of shared values, political beliefs, and civic beliefs in an increasingly diverse American society
Standard 25: Understands issues regarding personal, political, and economic rights
Links:
[1] http://www.tolerance.org/mix-it-up/activity
[2] http://www.tolerance.org/activity/boundary-crossing
[3] http://www.tolerance.org/activity/examining-your-schools-climate
[4] http://www.tolerance.org/supplement/cliques-schools-elementary-grades
[5] http://www.tolerance.org/supplement/cliques-schools-middle-grades
[6] http://www.tolerance.org/supplement/cliques-schools-high-school
[7] http://www.mcrel.org/compendium/browse.asp