Freeze Frame for Fairness: Creating Living Pictures for Global Goal 1

Draw two columns on the whiteboard or paper. Label the first column "Things Everyone Needs" and the second column "When Needs Aren't Met (Challenges) / How People Help (Solutions)." Ask: What are some of the most important things every person needs to be happy and healthy? Write these ideas under "Things Everyone Needs" using one color marker (e.g., blue). Examples: Food, clean water, a safe home, clothes, school/learning, feeling safe, kindness/friends, doctors/medicine.

For each item in the "Things Everyone Needs" column, ask two questions about record the answers in the second column using different colors (e.g., red for challenges, green for solutions). For "Food": What does it look, sound, or feel like if someone doesn't have enough food? (e.g., empty fridge tummy rumbling, feeling tired, looking sad, can't focus). What does it look, sound, or feel like when people help someone get food? (e.g., sharing a meal, a food drive, a community garden, smiles, full tummies, happy sounds). For "Safe Home": What does it look, sound, or feel like if someone doesn't have a safe home? (e.g., cold, scared, nowhere to sleep, leaky roof, noisy, no privacy). What does it look, sound, or feel like when people help someone find a safe home? (e.g., building together, warm blankets, welcoming hands, smiling faces, quiet, safe space). For "School/Learning": What does it look, sound, or feel like if a child doesn't get to go to school? (e.g., empty classroom, sad child, no books, feeling left out, can't learn new things). What does it look, sound, or feel like when people help a child go to school? (e.g., books, smiling teacher, happy friends, learning, sharing ideas, feeling smart). For "Feeling Safe": What does it look, sound, or feel like if someone doesn't feel safe? (e.g., hiding, scared, worried, looking around nervously, dark, loud noises). What does it look, sound, or feel like when people help someone feel safe? (e.g., huge, strong hands, friends protecting, calm, peaceful, smiling faces). This dual listing provides a direct vocabulary for creating contrasting tableaux.

Divide students into small groups (3-4 students per group). Each group will draw one slip of paper. Explain that the slip has two tableau ideas on it. Idea 1: "The Challenge" - This will be a frozen picture showing a problem or a need that someone might have (drawing inspiration from the "Challenges" part of our brainstorm). Idea 2: "The Hope/Action" - This will be a different frozen picture showing how that challenge can be met with kindness, sharing, or community support (drawing inspiration from the "Solutions" part of our brainstorm).

Give groups 5-10 minutes to plan and practice their two tableaux. Encourage students to think about: Bodies: How can their bodies show the emotion or situation? (e.g., slumped shoulders for sadness, open arms for welcome, hands reaching out for help). Facial Expressions: How can their faces show what the characters are feeling? (e.g., worried, hopeful, tired, happy). Levels: Can they use different levels (standing tall, crouching low, sitting)? Props (Optional): Can they use any classroom props to make their picture clearer? (e.g., a chair for home, a book for school, a scarf as a blanket). Remind students that the pictures are silent. Circulate among groups, offering encouragement and guidance.

Gather the class to watch each group's tableaux. Remind the audience to be silent and focus on what they see. Have each group present their first tableau ("The Challenge") silently, holding the pose for about 5-10 seconds. Then, have them immediately transition to their second tableau ("The Hope/Action"), holding that pose silently for another 5-10 seconds.

After both tableaux, invite the audience to share their observations. Ask guiding questions like: What did you see in the first picture? What feelings did it show? What did you see in the second picture? What changed? What feelings did it show? How did the two pictures tell a story together, without words? The presenting group can also be invited to explain their intended message and artistic choices. Ask guiding questions like: What was the challenge your group wanted to show in the first picture? What was the hope or action you showed in the second picture? Why did you choose those body positions or facial expressions? How does your "living picture" connect to Global Goal 1: No Poverty?

Lie down or sit comfortably. Take a slow, deep breath in, feeling your belly rise. Now, breathe out slowly, letting all your worries and tensions go. Imagine breathing in calm and peace, feeling your body relax. (Focus on diaphragmatic breathing, deep sighs).

Slowly stretch your arms up towards the sky, then gently reach for your toes. Feel your body release any tightness or stiffness. Imagine your body becoming light and relaxed, like a soft cloud. (Simple stretches for arms, legs, back, neck rolls).

Gently walk around the space, noticing each step. Feel your feet on the ground. Be present in this moment, noticing the quiet and calm around you. What does it feel like to move slowly and peacefully? (Quiet, slow walking, focusing on footfalls).

Stand tall and strong like a tree, rooted to the ground. Feel your balance. Imagine being strong and resilient, just like a tree that can weather any storm, stable and peaceful. (Balance on one foot, other foot resting on ankle or calf, arms extended or at prayer position, focus on stillness).

Close your eyes (if comfortable). Imagine a world where everyone has what they need, where people are kind and helpful to one another. See happy faces, hear joyful sounds. Feel the warmth of a peaceful and fair world all around you, knowing you can be a part of it. (Guided visualization, focusing on positive imagery).