Insight

10 ways to encourage discussion in your small group

It’s not always easy to engage with young people and encourage discussion. Here are 10 simple points to help your small group discussions.


1. A POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT

Try to provide a comfortable and casual atmosphere. Is there adequate and comfortable seating? Is the room warm – but not too warm zzzzzzz! Are there any distractions? Are you building in the right amount of social time and using it effectively to make connections and build relationships?

2. BREAK THE ICE

One of the best icebreakers I know is food! Providing and sharing snacks before your study time is a simple and natural way to break the ice with young people. Or, what about a meal or a barbeque?

Simple icebreakers and games can also get things moving and encourage interaction. They can help provide positive momentum for small group study and discussion by,

• Helping new members to integrate into a group.
•  Helping young people feel comfortable together.
•  Encouraging cooperation.
• Encouraging listening to others.
• Creating a good atmosphere for learning and participation.

Use icebreakers which encourage everyone in the group to talk or share non-threatening information about themselves. Download the free eBook ‘40 Icebreakers for Small Groups’ for lots of simple game ideas.

3. IT'S OK TO TALK

Perhaps an obvious point, but clearly explain that your study time is meant to be a discussion. Some young people need ‘permission’ to talk! Encourage every group member to participate.

Guidance - a youth group discussion starter

A youth group discussion starter on guidance, helping young people understand that God cares for them and wants to guide them in their decisions and choices. Great for younger teenagers but can be adapted to a wider age group.

TREASURE HUNT

Begin the youth group night with a treasure hunt. The first option is ideal for small youth groups. You will need some coloured wool, an envelope with instructions inside and some ‘treasure.’
 

Cut the coloured wool into 10 cm lengths. About an hour before the youth night begins, lay out a trail using the wool. Tie pieces of the wool to plants, bushes, trees, fences, gates, signs etc within the vicinity of your meeting place. Each piece of wool should only be a few meters apart. At the end of the trail place an envelope containing further instructions or clues on how to find the hidden treasure, somewhere within your meeting place.

Before you begin, explain to the group that the object of the treasure hunt is to be guided by the trail until they find the clues that will lead them to the treasure. As they find each piece of wool they should collect it and return it to you at the end of the activity. The length of time the treasure hunt takes will depend on the length and difficulty of the trail.