Stems provide a starting point - a scaffold to use for building conversations with teens who may want to talk but aren't sure what to say.

 

Here are a few different ways stems can be used:

(i) put the individual stems into a container and then take turns pulling one out and finishing it. (ii) pull 3 stems out each. Choose one to answer, one to put back, and one to give away to the other person. (iii) pull stems out one at a time and both answer the same one, talking about the things that are the same and the things that are different between you. (iv) pass the stems around at small group and then toss a "talking stick" around. Whoever is holding it finishes their stem and is the only person to talk until they pass the stick on.