How to use the Activity Deck
The educational objective of Birds and Bees Activity Deck is to provide an interactive and inclusive approach to the topics of sexuality and affectivity, promoting an informed and respectful understanding of them.
The Activity Deck consists of 54 Cards, each offering a Question / a Definition / a Statement / a task or any other invitation for a discussion. The Cards are divided into topics that are structured according to the UNESCO framework for Comprehensive Sexual Education (adapted and upgraded to the context of youth work by Birds and Bees). There are eight topics in total and each topic includes from 6 to 8 cards.
On the back of each card, you will find a short reference for the topic from our Content (www.birds-bees.eu ).
The deck is designed to be used with the facilitator – youth worker for young people aged 13 – 18 years old or older. However, you might want to adapt some cards for a younger age group when you feel it is possible.
The role of the facilitator is to create safe space for young people to express their ideas and ask questions; it is also to encourage them to step out of their comfort zone, while ensuring that they can withdraw from the session at any time and/or provide support if any difficulty arises.
The Activity Deck can be used in any youth work settings, including long term programmes spread into a year or a short-term residential activity, such as youth exchanges and work camps. You can choose your space according to your needs: a room (preferably with the least number of objects around as possible), or a natural space, with music or not. We also invite you to experiment with the cards. The discussion can take place in pairs, in smaller groups or in plenary. You might want to involve movement and drama, drawing or sculpting, photography, music – anything really that can add a creative element depending on a group you work with.
The cards are versatile, and the timing will depend on the number of participants and how far you would like to explore the subject. We suggest using not more than 3 cards per session, either from the same topic or not. Play around them!
Encourage participants to temporarily suspend judgement about themselves, other people involved and the activity itself. This fosters an environment open to creativity and collaboration. Before you use the Deck, make sure you know your group: if there are special needs, disabilities, possible triggers, intercultural context, etc. Prepare your session according to this diversity of participants. Inform the group that the primary objective is to create and maintain a safe space during the entire session. Check in from time to time on how everyone is feeling, including yourself.
The following precautions should be taken into consideration to ensure that a safe environment is maintained:
- Participation in the Activity is voluntary: It is important to recognize that the Activity may raise intense emotions or trigger personal memories. No participant is obliged to take part in activities or discussions that may be particularly uncomfortable or stressful.
- Respect for individual choices: The activity respects different individual perspectives, experiences, and choices.
- Respect for confidentiality: Personal information shared during the activity must remain confidential.
- Assistance available: The Content of seven chapters on Comprehensive Sexual Education for youth workers serve as an initial support reference. You can find more information on the website, such as:
- A Padlet with useful resources.
- Self-assessment tool.
- Tips and tricks for youth workers.
- Main challenges to expect.
Enjoy!