Starter activities

Before viewing the teen drama Being Eve give your opinions of teenage television shows by doing the following activity.

Write on a big sheet of paper the word AGREE. On another big sheet of paper write the word DISAGREE. Put the two pieces of paper at opposite ends of the room and imagine that there is a line on the floor between the two. Answer the following statements by standing somewhere on the line that reflects your response. For example, if you agree, stand at the agree end. If you disagree, stand at the disagree end. If you are somewhere in between, then stand somewhere in between. Think about where you stand though. You might be agreeing more than disagreeing or vice versa.

Television shows for teenagers are too childish.
The characters in teen dramas are nothing like real teenagers.
Teenage shows should be more like adult shows.
Adults can't write good shows for teenagers.
Shows for teenagers should be about issues that teenagers are concerned about.

When each statement is said and everyone has moved to stand at the point that reflects their response, ask people about their opinion. Why do they agree or disagree, or why are they standing in the middle? Try re-phrasing questions to get a better understanding of people's opinions.

In groups of five or six discuss what you think the Being Eve series might be about and what kinds of themes you think it might explore. Write your ideas down on a big sheet of paper and then share your thoughts with the other groups.

Are there any differences in people's opinions of what the show might be about?
Are there any similarities?
How often does the same theme come up?
What do the common themes tell you about your experiences of being a teenager?

Now go back to your sheet of paper and discuss with your group the themes that you would like to see explored in the programme. Circle these with a pen and share them with the other groups. Discuss any similarities and differences and talk about why these themes are important to you.

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