American Mensa and Hasbro have joined forces to celebrate learning. With that mutual goal in mind, Hasbro is relaunching some of its classic children's games, each featuring the Mensa For Kids logo and identifying learning elements for game-players. In conjunction, MensaForKids.org is featuring lesson plans that enhance a child's learning experience using game play as well as other activities that focus on learning elements highlighted in the Hasbro games.
Introduction
The Johari Window, known as the model of self-awareness, is based on the idea that a person has four sides (or quadrants), with each represented as a pane of glass in a window frame. When we learn to look at things from this four-quadrant perspective, we can have a better appreciation of what someone is feeling or trying to convey or even what they might be trying to hide.
- The first quadrant is the open-self area. This is what everyone (including you) knows about yourself.
- The second quadrant, the blind self, is what others know about you but what you might not realize about yourself. This is why others see you differently than you see yourself.
- The third quadrant is the hidden area. This is what you know but don’t want others to know. It could be fears or things you think they might perceive as weakness. As long as you keep this area, it will impact your ability to have open communications.
- The fourth quadrant is called the unknown area. This is information that you and others are unaware of. These are hidden talents and feelings that do not emerge until shared with another. If you go to a new school or job, your unknown area will be quite large until you are comfortable and try learning new things.
All quadrants are in each communication we have. Play a game and apply the Johari Window.
Learning Objective
What students will know and be able to do by lesson’s end:
- Understand how the four quadrants of the Johari Window applies to each person.
Key Background Knowledge
- Communication process
- Interpersonal and Intrapersonal communication
Materials
- CRANIUM SCULPT-IT! game
- Paper
- Pen
Key Vocabulary
Types of communication:
Interpersonal • Intrapersonal Group • One-to-group • Communication cycle • Feedback
Student Actions
Take notes on the quadrants and what each represents.
Guided Practice
In groups of four, work together to play four rounds of CRANIUM SCULPT-IT! game. In each round, the one who sculpts is the open self. Opposite the sculptor will be the blind self. To the sculptor’s right is the hidden area, and the person across is the unknown area. The roles rotate clockwise after each round. Play the round and try to guess the item. Once that is done apply the Johari window to the item and see how it would impact the communication.
Example: Ghost
- Open: Scary, frightening
- Blind: Cute, funny
- Hidden: Lonely, sad, lost, just wants a friend
- Unknown: People are more likely to be friendly if they know you want a friend
Extension
Determine the shortest amount of moves you could make to win the game.
