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Hmm...Maybe but...

Aim of the Game: To argue against a given idea and provide a better alternative.

Learning Objectives:
• to challenge other people's ideas spontaneously
• to think of alternative solutions and express these

Structure: Seated in a big circle

Time: 10-20 min

Material: None

Method:
• Sit in a big circle with the Scouts.• The leader (you) provides a problem or an issue Then ask - 'are there any (better?) ideas?' or 'what do you think?'
• Scouts should consider this, thinking critically, and then someone nominated by the leader is asked to provide a better alternative.
• The next person says 'hmm, maybe, but' and then offers his or her own alternative.
• The next person thinks about this alternative and says 'hmm, maybe, but...' and then offers his or her perspective, and so on, until everyone in the circle has spoken.

Sample flow:
Leader - “many people think that girls are better than boys. How do you think that we can change this perception and tell everyone that girls and boys are really equal?”
Next person on right - “Hmm, maybe, but... I think that boys are more industrious than girls...”
Next person on right - “Hmm, maybe, but... the boys are also stubborn, especially when they don't like to do the work assigned to them...”
Next person on right - “Hmm, maybe, but... girls can also be stubborn when they don't feel like working...”
And so on.

Sample Problems/Issues

• Many young people today find it hard to talk openly and honestly with their parents. How do you think young people should talk to their parents and why?

• Girls and boys must deal with their emotions everyday. What are your ideas on how they should do this?

• Many adults think that young people should just stay quiet and follow them without thinking. Do you agree with this statement?

Evaluation:
• How was the game?
• What do you think influenced your own opinions?
• Do you think and feel that your opinions are justified?
• When do you think they are not, and how does this make you feel?

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© World Organization of the Scout Movement - 2008

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