Activity 2 - Being in punishment

Aim

To experience an aspect of life in an institution.

Curriculum area(s)

• Year 5 upwards
  • English
  • ICT
  • Drama

Suitable for adults with learning disabilities?

Yes

Learning outcome(s)

Students have an insight into life in an highly structured authoritarian environment.

Time required

15 minutes

Resources

• Old toothbrushes; one per student
• White coat/nurse uniform for tutor

Activity

1. Hand out toothbrushes. Tell people to kneel and scrub the floor with toothbrush for 5 minutes. No talking. No slacking. If anyone stops work tell them they will be ‘in punishment’ – solitary confinement, only bread and water – for 24 hours.
2. Swap roles so that students get the opportunity to be the one in charge.
3. Discuss with students how this felt; their emotions.

Ideas for follow up

Activity 2/Resource 1 - Memories of punishment in the institution

Script a discussion between patients and a nurse about the punishment and act it out, in pairs. Find out about other punishments experienced by people in institutions.

Previous activity

Next activity