Good Graffiti

Each person starts with a sheet of drawing paper and crayons, colored pencils, or markers. The object of the activity is for each person to draw graffiti. Explain that graffiti is drawn on public buildings, trains, bathroom stalls, etc. by individuals who want to prove they were there. Please include in the discussion that such activity on public property is vandalism. Instruct the students to draw graffiti on the paper that tells something about themselves. They can simply write “John was here!” and draw a picture that explains something about themselves. They can pick a quote that is meaningful to them and write it out with flourish or illustrations. They can write their name in bold block letters and add illustrations within the letters that tell something about themselves. When they are finished, arrange everyone into small groups and have them share their drawing. If time allows, you can share as a group. Hang the graffiti up for all to see.

To process the activity, ask these or similar questions:

• Was it difficult to think about yourself?
• Did you think of things that you did not want to share?
• Did you notice anything on other’s drawings that you could have put on your own?
• Did you see anything similar to your items on other’s drawings?
• What made you feel unique in your drawing?
• Do you feel more connected to others knowing something about them?

Final thought: In a community, it is important to recognize and appreciate the contributions of others.