Breaking Through to Connection
75-90 Minutes
Resource Review(minus 15 minutes if completed before class)
Plant People
Breathing Exercise
Guided Discussion
Resource Review(optional, add 20 minutes)
Silent Reflection
Set an Intention
Closing Thoughts and Evaluations
Participants will be able to:
Interpret clinical information about loneliness
Analyze how characteristics and behaviors of a film's protagonist and a film's plot connect to loneliness
Draw conclusions about a protagonist and demonstrate empathy through reflection and discussion
Determine how connections can best be made in the film and in our daily lives
"Breaking Through to Connection" invites us to consider what it's like when we feel alone, and what we can do to make connections with others. Students begin by reading and discussing an article on Understanding Loneliness, how to recognize it, what can trigger it, and its related mental health conditions. Then, they watch a short drama about a lone human in a world of plant people, and make interpretations about loneliness and connection through discussion. They'll consider what they've read to better understand the perspective of the film's protagonist. Finally, they will plan how, and to whom, they might offer small kindnesses to in their daily lives.
Notes:
- This class includes supplementary materials that can be completed at the start of class or assigned as homework. If assigned as homework, the class duration may be approximately 15 minutes shorter.
- This class has optional Supplementary Materials that can allow for more time spent learning about antidotes to loneliness and isolation. Please plan to add at least 15 minutes to the class time if you plan to incorporate this resource.
topics covered
Isolation and Loneliness
aom nutrients
Empathy, Honest Self Reflection
casel sel
Self-awareness, Social awareness, Relationship skills
wellness wheel
Social, Emotional
identities
White, Woman / female
film style
Drama
