Session 3 - 4

We have had several members who were absent at the first 2 meetings attend the group and it seems fitting to provide an introduction for them as well.

H1 is typically very social and interested in talking and sharing.  However, I noticed in Manadoob he was considerably more reserved. I am hoping this may be due to it being his first session and getting used to the group. He and H3 are good friends and I’m sure will benefit from the support of having one another as part of the group.

L1 is an eleven year old girl who I would consider to be a quiet but influential leader of the group. She has a calm presence and respectfully engages other group members. She seems to be quite dedicated to the program already and interested during our meetings.

K  is an energetic young girl.  She is open to sharing at every opportunity and seems to be excited about the program. She is friends with H2 but seems to be comfortable on her own.

T is a very quiet and sweet girl. She is very close to her siblings and outside of Manadoob spends much of her time with her younger brother in a caretaking role. She has become more confident within the group quickly and holds several qualities that remind me of L1

S1 I asked to join the group because of her very obvious quiet and timid personality. She was new to the Club this year and keeps to herself during free time at the Club. I am hoping Manadoob will be a good place to start in welcoming her to play a more active role in our “Club family.”

As far as our Manadoob session, I think that it went well. After adding several people to the group we had eight in attendance for the past two weeks. Our group seems to be meshing well and generally happy with the time we spend together. The only complaint I have heard so far is that there isn’t enough time for Manadoob and it should be multiple times per week. I guess I wouldn’t really consider that a complaint but a testament to how much they enjoy it!

Although I had planned to be through chapter 7 by now we are still working through chapter 5. To my surprise, after each question if I offer the chance to share every member raises their hand.   Because of this, it has become a habit to review and simply go around the table for each person to either share or pass if they wish. Although I feel somewhat pressured for time to be able to cover the material in the amount of time we are able to dedicate to Manadoob, I feel that having meaningful discussion is far more beneficial to the kids. As a group we decided to spend extra time discussing what we are learning and made the story assignment in chapter five a take home option.

L1, T, L2, and S1, all offered to share what they felt it means to be shy. After each shared I pointed out the theme I had noticed - that each of them perfectly described characteristics of themselves, a perfect response to “what shy means to you.” We talked of the importance of understating how each person’s perception may be different but just as relevant and worthy of respect. I asked if each of them would consider themselves to be shy and with smiles they all said yes. I was proud of their willingness to share this, in a way challenging that shy characteristic they each saw in themselves. L1 shared how much effort she feels it takes for her to socialize and speak to others and many of the other members showed their agreement and support of her statement.

We discussed our group and how to keep it a safe space for sharing, that each of them feel a bit less shy in this space. During this discussion L1 also shared that she feels she relates to Wella in a very important way, the loss of a pet. I was touched that she would share something so personal after just two meetings with our group. I feel for L1’s loss and am impressed with her bravery to talk about the “tough stuff” and create that personal connection to the story.

Our group ended with each being asked to complete the Think and Do activity of spending a day happy and kind. I will be interested to see the results after our talk about shyness. Some seemed hesitant but luckily I will see them through the week and can give subtle reminders and encouragement.