Report: Thinkers' Club Session 25

Date: 1st February, 2015

Session # 25

Attended by: 10 participants

Report Written by: Fatima Salman

This session started with a round of introduction. Everyone had to introduce themselves and tell three of their interests. 

Then we played two rounds of a guessing game.  We were divided into two teams of five people in each team. First, one team had to think of a person or place and the other team had to guess it by asking fifteen questions, and each question had to be answered in a yes or no. We played it for a while, thinking of different people and places and trying to guess each one quickly. 

After the game, we were told a story by Rumi. Rumi was a Persian poet and he had written many poems and short stories in Persian. His stories have been translated into many languages, and are called ‘Hikayat-e-Rumi. The story was a Hikayat. It was about animals. Below is the story, quoted in my words:

In the story, there is a jungle in which many animals lived peacefully.Then a lion came and attacked many animals and ate them. The animals got worried and decided to do a deal with the lion. They went to him and said; “You are our king, we will serve you. You should stay in your home and each morning, we will send you an animal for your meal. But you must not come and attack us suddenly”. The lion agreed, and said; “You must stay true to your word, and if you break the deal, I’ll eat every animal in this jungle”.

The animals had done this to avoid a sudden death, and so, each morning all the animals would gather in one place and draw lots and the animal whose name came in the draw, would say goodbye forever to everyone and go to the lion to be eaten.

This happened for some time until one day, a rabbit’s name came out in the draw. The animals teased him, saying; “You’ll be just one bite for the lion! What will he say when he sees you?” But the rabbit said bravely; “I may be small, but I will do something that none of you have ever done and will do. By the will of God, I will come alive from the lion, and save you all from him”. But the animals didn’t believe him and still made fun of him because of his size. And in all of this, the rabbit got pretty late in turning up for the lion.

The lion was very angry and roared; “Why are so late?” The rabbit pretended to be frightened and said; “I’m so sorry, your majesty, but I was coming with another rabbit as well, you see, I’m so small that two of us were coming for you, when we met another lion. He took away the other rabbit to eat it, but I somehow saved myself and came straight here”.  The lion got madder and said; “There’s another lion in the jungle, and he has my dinner? Take me to him at once!” The rabbit agreed to take him and came to a nearby well. He and the lion looked inside the well and saw their own reflection. The rabbit said; “Look there is the other lion and the rabbit inside”. At once, the lion jumped inside the well and drowned. And the rabbit returned home with pride.

After the story, we discussed the messages given in the story.  This story is a bit like the way things are in real life. The lion can depict a cruel leader and the rabbit was a change agent. There are many messages in this story and we discussed them all. These are the things we discussed:

• Never to lose control of our emotions, like the lion did and jumped in a well.
• Size does not matter. The rabbit was very small, yet he did something that even the larger animals did not do.
• Do no become dependent on others, like the lion did. He became so dependent on the animals to come to him, that when the rabbit became late in coming, he didn’t go to hunt by himself.
• Do not give up and submit yourself towards the evil, like all the animals did when the lion came. Instead of making a plan to make him go away, they sacrificed themselves for him.

These are some of the messages in the story. If we think harder, maybe we can find deeper meanings in it. Some stories really have deep meanings. Overall, this session was great.

Report: Thinkers' Club Session # 24

Date: 25th January, 2015
Session # 24
Attended by: 11 participants
Report written by: Fatima Salman

In this session, we discussed poetry. Everyone had brought some poetry to share with the others. First, everyone shared the verses or couplets of poetry they had brought. They were mostly of Iqbal. Then, we were asked if we knew who is our parents' favourite poet. This question was asked in the previous session to ask our parents. Most people's parents' favourite poets were Iqbal, Ghalib, or Faiz. Some parents of the members didn't have any favourite poets!

Then we talked about what should every poem have. The answers were syllable pattern, rhythmic pattern, a topic, etc.
There are two things that every poem should have. They are:

1. Rhythm\Pattern of sounds
2. Meaningfulness

Then we talked about poets. We were asked if anyone can become a poet if they want to. Some people said yes, anyone can become a poet if they want to, while others thought the opposite. Some kids said that a poet should have a great imagination and should think very deeply about something to write about it. But these things do not always happen to the people who write or compose songs, that are sung instead of recited seriously.

After this discussion, we did an activity. It was a bit like the one we did in Session 22. Everyone had to open a page in his\her notebook. Then we had to draw a line measuring one inch from our estimation. Next we had to draw a rectangle measuring one inch by three inches vertically across the page. Then we had to divide the rectangle into three squares of one inch each. Then we had to write in a small handwriting 1, 2 and 3 on each square respectively, and draw in square 1; a small circle, in square 2; a small triangle, and in square 3; our favourite fruit. Then we had to get our ruler and check how close our estimation was when drawing and dividing the rectangle.

This was an interesting activity, and a fun session too. There was no home task given in this session.

Thank you.

Report: Thinkers' Club Session 23

Date: 18^th January, 2015
Session # 23
Attended by: 14 participants
Report Written by: Fatima Salman

In this session, we discussed many things. First we talked about Emotions. We were asked to name some emotions. The responses were love, hate, anger, excitement, etc. We were told that there are four basic emotions which are; Hope, Pleasure, Grief and Fear. Other emotions include Love and Anger.

Then we talked about Poverty. There are several ‘Forms of Poverty’. We discussed the ones below:

1. Intellectual Poverty
  (Having no ideas and opinions)

2. Linguistic Poverty
   (Having ideas but no words to express)

3. Social Poverty
  (No friends and people to express themselves)

4. Ethical Poverty
  (no manners, etiquettes, ethics)

5. Financial Poverty
  (Shortage of money)

When we hear the word poverty, only ‘Financial Poverty’ comes to our mind. There are actually five main types of poverty. This list shows financial poverty at the very bottom, which shows us that money is the least important. The more important things are our knowledge, language, social circle and manners.

Like Intellectual Poverty, Linguistic Poverty, etc. There is also something called being Intellectually Rich, Linguistically Rich, Socially Rich, Ethically Rich, and lastly, Financially Rich. These things are the opposite of intellectual, linguistic, social, ethical and financial
poverty.  

A person may be financially rich but intellectually poor, or financially poor but socially rich.

After this detailed discussion, we were asked to think about what is the most valuable and precious thing each person has. The responses were:

• Talents
• Emotions\Feelings
• Thoughts\Opinion
• Heart
• Mind

Then we played a guessing game called kasoti (in Urdu) and Twenty Questions in English (we did it with ten questions). We were divided into two teams of seven children in each team. First, one team had to think of a person and the other team had to guess it by asking ten questions which can be answered in a yes or no only. (Questions were like Is it a male? Is he alive?)

After playing the game a couple of times, we discussed some poetry. Some people recited some verses of poetry from their memories. We talked about which poet has written the verses that were shared. We were told to bring three verses of poetry to share in the next session.


Overall, it was an interesting session, with many things discussed and talked about.

Session 22: Activity

This is about the activity we did in Session 22. Everyone was given a piece of paper. In this activity, we were given instructions about what we had to do on the paper. 
First we had to put the paper in a landscape position and then we had to draw a line vertically across the page to divide it in half. Next, we had to draw a square in each part of the paper. Then, we had to draw a triangle above one of the triangles. 
Everyone did the work. Then, we had to draw three circles in the square on which we hadn't drawn a triangle.
Then we had to make the square with a triangle look like a house, and the square with the circles to look like a happy person.
These are the complete works of the kids.

Report: Thinkers' Club Session 22

Date: 11th January, 2015

Session # 22

Attended by: 7 particpants

Report written by: Fatima Salman

In this session, we played many different games. First we played the obstacle game, the same one that we played in the previous session.  Then we discussed what we had learnt from this game. After that we were given a long piece of rope. Everyone had to hold the rope. There was a triangle drawn on the board, and we had to form the triangle with each person holding the rope. The challenge was that we weren’t allowed to speak to each other. We had to communicate using sign language, or actions. It wasn’t that hard though. Then we had to make another shape. The purpose of this game was to see how people communicate without speaking.

Then, we all were given a piece of paper. We were given instructions about what to do on that paper. Here are the instructions the way they were given:

   1.       Put the paper in a landscape position.

   2.       Draw a line on the center of the page from the top to bottom.

   3.       (There were now two parts of the paper.) Draw a square in both parts.

   4.       Draw a triangle on top of one of the squares.

Now came the interesting part. We all were following the instructions very carefully until now. When we had drawn the triangle, we were asked: On which square did you draw the triangle? The one on the left, or the one on the right? It wasn’t mentioned that on which square we had to draw a triangle.

This was just a game, but it showed us that whenever we are given instructions, we have to make sure that we know exactly what is wanted from us.  Then the instructions continued.

   5.       Give the square on which you have drawn a triangle, the look of a house.

   6.       In the other square, draw three circles.

   7.       Give the three circles the look of a happy face.

The completed work was really interesting. Each person’s work was unique and showed that everyone perceived instructions in different ways. I will post the work on the blog soon.

Report: Thinkers' Club Session 21

Date: 28th December, 2014
Session # 21
Attended by: 8 participants
Report written by: Zainab Salman

Today was the 21^st session of Thinkers’ Club. This session was about a game that we were going to play. First, we used building blocks to build lots of small things, which were obstacles that we would use for the game. We arranged them on the carpet. Then, we were divided into four groups, 2 children in each group. The game was explained. A group of boys went first. One of them was blindfolded and had to make his way through the obstacles without touching the He was called the ‘follower’. His partner, the ‘leader’ or ‘guide’, was to direct him and tell him, which way to go. Every child was blindfolded once, and every child was made a leader once, too. Although just one boy managed to make his way through the obstacles without hitting them, trying and being careful was fun. The game was enjoyable, but challenging too.  Some children were worried while others were enthusiastic. But all were enjoying. After we were finished with the game, we settled down on the mat. We discussed how we felt when we were blindfolded, what the challenges were, and what we learnt. We learnt to explain, specifically and precisely, what we wanted to say. The challenges were to remember clearly the right and left, how to explain the way to your blindfolded partner, and to go exactly where your partner wants you to go without touching the blocks.

This game is actually like your life. You have lots of obstacles in your life. When you can’t see where you are going, you have guides to lead you to your destination.

We also noted down what a guide and follower should take care of:

A guide should…

• Keep calm
• Think before giving instructions
• Make sure that his/her partner is clear about right and left.

A follower should…

• Follow and trust his partner
• Be clear about right and left
• Not give up
• Be confident
• Listen attentively to his guide

From this activity we learnt about leadership, teamwork, guiding clearly, having confidence in yourself, cooperation, coordination, and understanding what it feels like to be blind. The home task was to check the dictionary, read the meanings of the words ‘specific’ and ‘precise’, write them down, along with any examples. Although this session was supposed to be about the questions asked in the last session, but as many kids were not present, the questions will be discussed and answered next time. However, the questions will be posted on the blog soon, so kids can ponder upon them. This session was fun and interactive.

Report: Thinkers' Club Session 20

Date: 21^st December, 2014
Session # 20
Attended by: 13 participants
Report written by: Zainab Salman

Today was the 20^th Session of Thinker’s Club. When most of the children had arrived, we gathered up in the library, dragging chairs to form a circle. When all of us were seated, we recalled what we had done in the last two sessions as some children had joined us after a long time.

Then, we were told to make ‘I can’ and ‘I have’ lists, separately, in two minutes each including the best things you have and can do, right now.  (This task had been done before in another session, but most kids hadn’t completed it before so we were doing it again.) When we were done, we observed that our lists consisted of both types of ‘I cans’, the one we can do right now, and the ones we can do but haven’t done yet. We also shared the best things we have, and some things from the list, I can. 

We realized, that we have numerous blessings, and little time and we can’t thank God for all the things we have. 

Then we were asked if we had ever met a blind or a deaf person and spent time with them? Some of us had, and they shared their experience and how they felt after meeting that person. We all thanked God for making us perfect and blessing us with all the senses. Then we were asked the question “Was God unfair to those who he made blind or deaf?” Some discussed the question with each other, while others thought quietly about it.  Here are the answers we came up with:

   1.    Maybe god made some people blind and some deaf because he wanted to save those people from the sins we commit by looking or listening to wrong or inappropriate things.

   2.    Perhaps those people were very close to God, so he decided to test them if they would still thank him if he took something away from them.

   3.    Those people have other senses that are sharper than usual to help them in their life.

   4.    Maybe God wanted to punish them about the wrong deeds they did, so he took away their eyesight/hearing.

   5.    God made everyone equal, but in a different way. Those people have some hidden talent or rare ability that will make up for their disability.

                                                       
 We also talked about the American Writer, businessman, and motivational speaker, W.Mitchell, who had miraculously survived two accidents in which he had burned some of his body. He has said that “Before my accidents, there were ten thousands things I could do. I could spend the rest of my life dwelling on the things that I had lost, but instead I chose to focus on the nine thousand I still had left.”

Then everybody asked lots of questions related to our discussion in today’s session, and the questions were noted. They will be answered by the next session.

We ended the session by watching a Video Clip of a short talk by Nick Vujicic, a man who was born without limbs, also a motivational speaker and author of three books.

Overall this session was meaningful, and it made me think.

Tone and facial expressions, by Zainab Salman, club member

What is the role of tone and facial expressions in our communication?

I believe, tone and facial expression are an important part of our conversation, and things to take care of.

For Example, you’re talking to someone, using polite and friendly words, but with the troubled expression you’re wearing on your face makes the other person perceive the exact opposite of what you mean. The same goes for tone. So remember, if your facial expressions, tone, and words don’t match, the other person will accept the strongest of them three, that is, the facial expressions.

Is it possible for a person to be fully responsible for his/her tone?

I think so. Because tone is something you can choose for what and how you want to say it. Like if you want to be sarcastic, you’ll say polite words, but use a rude tone (or vice versa). So when you choose your tone yourself, according to how you want to sound, you can be fully responsible for your tone.

Can we control our facial expressions?

I don’t think so. If you’re angry with someone, and someone else is talking to you, chances are that your facial expressions won’t be too kind. Also, you aren’t standing in front of a mirror when you’re talking, so you don’t know if you made a face at something when you should’ve smiled.  Maybe some people can control their facial expressions, but I can’t, and I know it.

Tone and facial expressions, By Fatima Salman, club member

What is the role of tone and facial expressions in our communication?

Our tone and facial expressions have a very important role in our communication. If a person really means what he or she is saying, their tone and facial expressions would match their words. For example, if I’m persuading someone to do something, my tone would be determined and I wouldn’t look angry or bored. But if I’m pretending to be nice to someone I actually hate, my fake smiles might even be detectable and my tone could even give the game away.

Is it possible for a person to be fully responsible for his\her tone?

In a way yes, and in another way, no. I think our tones depend on our mood and feelings at that moment. A person may sound unintentionally rude at some time because something has made him or her feel angry. Or he may sound happy because of something else.

I think there is always a reason for the tone we use. The reason may lie in our statement or in something else. I think that if our tone used is according to what we are saying, then we can control it, but if a certain tone is because of something else (i.e.;  other than what we are saying) then we can’t control it.

Can we control our facial expressions?

I don’t think we can control most of our facial expressions that come by naturally. The only facial expressions that we can control are the ones we show on purpose, like in acting.

Report: Thinkers' Club Session 19

Date: 14th December, 2014
Session # 19
Attended by: 8 participants
Report written by: Fatima Salman

In this session, everyone was asked to make a detailed timeline of their lives. We had to include any important event that had ever taken place in our life. This was a task that required thinking and recalling our past. Some people were able to finish their timelines while others took theirs home to complete. 
Any other member who wants to can make their own detailed time line and bring it in the next session.

Thank you

Note: We will not be sharing any timelines on the blog for safety reasons.

Verbal and Non Verbal Communication, Writing by Kenza (online member)

We’re always talking and communicating every day. But what makes up the whole of our communication?

Verbal communication makes up only 7% of how we talk and express ourselves every day, while Non Verbal makes up an amazing 93% of all our communications!

Verbal communication includes the sounds and language we use in our individual community to relay a message. We’re born with the ability to speak, but we have to learn a language to communicate in. Language allows us to express what we want to say. Verbal communication doesn’t actually tell the truth of what we are thinking or feeling, though; it only gives us the words and information. For example, we could lie to someone that we weren’t scared, although actually we really are. We can’t always rely on verbal communication to tell the truth.

On the other hand, Non Verbal communication, including body language, is the tool we use to present what we really mean. We use this all the time to give out messages, although we might not even notice it. Even when we’re being silent, we’re still communicating nonverbally. It’s an unconscious language that expresses our true feelings, thoughts and intentions in any given situation.

There are many types of Non Verbal communication. There’s facial expressions, body movements and postures, gestures, eye contact, touch, physical space and tone of voice. It’s very difficult to disguise it all, because not only does Non Verbal communication make up the majority of how we talk and express things, but our body language is automatic and almost impossible to fake.

It’s been proven that our emotions or facial expressions are expressed in similar ways around the world. This includes, happiness, sadness, anger, fear, disgust and surprise. However, don’t muddle up gestures with emotions, because gestures aren’t always the same in other countries. In the US and UK, for example, putting your thumbs up is usually being positive, while in some other countries it may be an insult. These are cultural differences.

So, whether or not you are talking or being quiet, this won’t affect your Non Verbal communication. Whatever you do, you’re always expressing yourself in different ways that you, yourself, might not even notice. There are thousands of ways to communicate today and it is a powerful tool to help us communicate with ourselves and to interpret others.

by Kenza, Online Member

Report: Thinkers' Club Session 18

Date: 7^th December, 2014

Session # 18

Attended by:  8 participants

Report written by: Fatima Salman

Today was our eighteenth session. First we discussed the questions that are shared on this blog. The question ‘What is the role of tone and facial expressions in our communication?’ was talked about thoroughly. Everyone agreed that our tone has a very important role in our communication. We did a short activity around it. We were asked if we had ever been scolded in our life. Obviously, everyone has been scolded for different reasons many times in their life by their parents, teachers, siblings, etc. Everyone had to recall a phrase or sentence that was said to them when they had been scolded. We had to say that sentence in a harsh tone (or a tone that is used to scold someone) and then say the same sentence in a politer tone. The message perceived is changed just because of the tone! For example if I even call someone by their name in an angry or rude tone, they’d think I’m scolding them, even though I’m just calling out their name. And if I call someone in a soft and polite tone, they wouldn’t feel bad. Whatever you say, affects the listener just because of the tone! 

Facial expressions also affect our communication, but not as much as the tone, which has the most important role in our communication.

Then we talked about ‘What is Confidence’. Everyone suggested their opinions about confidence. These ideas came up:

Confidence is about:

• Believing in yourself
• Doing what we’re doing without caring what others think about us
• Speaking or performing in public

Confidence is mainly about believing in yourself. Many people mistake confidence for Public Speaking. Public Speaking is related to confidence, but they are not the same thing. If a person can speak in public, it is not necessary that he has confidence. We talked about what confidence is and it’s examples for a while.

Then, a last task was given. Each person had to make an ‘I can’ list and an ‘I have’ list. In the ‘I can’ list, you have to list down all the things that you can do. Similarly, in the ‘I have’ list, you have to list down all the things that you have. It can include any thing of any kind. Each list has to have at least ten points or more. 

The members started to make their list in the session, but they have to complete it and bring the complete list in the next session. All the members can do this task, even if they weren't present in the session.

Thank you