Engaging Introduction to Erin's Law
Objective:
To introduce students to Erin’s Law and its significance in promoting awareness about sexual abuse prevention and the importance of creating safe environments for children and teens.
Hook Activity: "The Silent Voices"
Materials Needed:
- Small slips of paper
- Pens or pencils
- A container (box, hat, or basket)
Activity Setup:
- Gather the Students: Start by having the students sit in a circle.
- Introduce the Topic: Tell them that today’s lesson will be about an important law designed to help protect young people from sexual abuse, known as Erin's Law.
- Explain the Activity: Ask each student to think of a time when they felt unsafe or uncomfortable but didn’t know how to communicate it. They shouldn’t write their names on the slips—just a brief description of the feeling or situation (could be as simple as "felt scared" or "didn't know who to trust").
Conducting the Activity:
- Writing Time: Give students 5-7 minutes to write their thoughts on the slips of paper.
- Collection: After writing, have students fold their slips and place them in the container.
- Reading Aloud: Randomly pull out slips and read them aloud, emphasizing that these feelings are more common than one might think. Discuss briefly how the feelings described indicate a need for awareness, communication, and law.
Discussion Prompt:
After reading the slips, facilitate a discussion on the following questions:
- How can we create an environment where everyone feels safe to speak up about their feelings?
- Why do you think some people struggle to talk about their feelings?
- How do laws like Erin's Law help in addressing these issues in schools?
Transition to Lesson:
Conclude this introduction by stating, “Today, we will explore Erin’s Law, understanding how it aims to provide safe spaces for children and teens to express their emotions and report any kind of abuse. By the end of this lesson, we hope to empower you with knowledge about your rights and the tools to advocate for yourself and others!”
This engaging activity sets a reflective and serious tone for the lesson while also fostering an environment of openness and support among peers. It helps to ground the conversation about Erin's Law in real feelings and experiences, making the topic more relatable and impactful.