Each session has ten components, as unpacked below.
Session Objectives
The session objectives clearly define what participants should achieve by the end of the session. These objectives guide the content and structure of the session, ensuring that all activities align with the desired outcomes. They help facilitators stay focused and provide a clear roadmap for success in the session.
Facilitator Preparations and Resources
This segment gives an overview of the content/structure of the session and necessary materials. Facilitators are advised to review this information before each session to ensure they are well-prepared and that everything runs smoothly. Adequate preparation helps facilitators to feel confident and focus on engaging participants to deliver a meaningful experience. Before each session, facilitators should
- Familiarize themselves with the session’s objectives and planned activities, especially key connections and discussion points.
- Ensure they understand the flow of the session and the timing for each segment/activity.
Session Schedule
This table indicates the recommended timing of each component for the specific session.
Session Materials
This is a comprehensive list of materials needed for the session. These materials will then be mentioned again in the specific instructions/preparation for their specific activity. Facilitators should ensure they have these items ready for each session.
Community Building
This segment aims to foster a sense of belonging and establish a positive group dynamic at the beginning of each session. In the first official session, participants will create a set of shared norms for their group to serve as the foundation for a respectful and supportive environment. Icebreaker activities will help the participants feel more comfortable and connected to other participants and enhance their relationships session-by-session.
Exploring Trait
This segment aims to deepen participants’ understanding of themselves and to foster the development of the personality trait(s) highlighted in each session. Ultimately, this is expected to enhance participants’ emotional intelligence, social abilities, and insight into their strengths and areas for growth.
Experiential/Hands-On Learning
Here, participants will engage in hands-on, active, and experiential learning of the trait highlighted by the session. This helps participants to apply what they know or what they’ve learned in the trait exploration segment in a practical and tangible way, making the information more memorable and meaningful. It also caters to differences that may exist in participants’ learning styles.
Making Sense
This segment helps participants reflect on the previous hands-on activity and connect the session’s objectives and their own lives. It serves as a bridge between the experience and the learning, ensuring that participants can articulate their insights and understand how to apply them moving forward.
Closing Circle
The closing circle brings the session to a positive and meaningful conclusion. It reinforces the group’s sense of community and shared purpose, leaving participants feeling closure and continuity. This brief moment also helps to anchor the session’s key takeaways, ensuring that participants leave with a clear and positive impression of their experience.
Supporting Materials
All supplementary documents necessary for a given session (that are not external files) will be included at the end of each session. Materials will be linked throughout the session’s lesson plan for ease of access.
Parent Resources
Lastly, resources will be offered for parents to use at home to reinforce what their sons learned in the session. Facilitators can also use these resources to engage parents in meaningful conversations, encourage family discussions, and offer practical strategies that parents can use to nurture their child’s development, further enhancing the program’s impact.
