Iowa State University Extension

Children, Youth, and Families At Risk
Iowa State University Extension

Cinderella Minus the Prince is a learning activity and teaching tool. Its primary purpose is to provide an active learning situation for staff, community partners, volunteers, or youth. Up to 28 people can choose a "Cinderella" card and assume the role of that woman. Based on the person's story, each participant can decide which organization or source of help he or she would like to visit. Ask participants to keep in touch with their feelings during the activity.

Objectives

• to increase the understanding of the problems and choices faced by limited resource families headed by women
• to increase empathy for families, women, and children
• to advocate and work to eliminate barriers facing families, women, and children
• to identify factors building self sufficiency

 

Suggested Uses

• part of a workshop for teachers to create empathy for problems faced by the parents of their students
• training in family education issues for administrators, board members, faculty and staff in schools, universities, Cooperative Extension, human service agencies, and non-profit groups
• training for local political decision makers and legislators
• staff training for social services agencies to help them experience the feelings their clients have getting services
• volunteer training for people working with families through schools, Cooperative Extension, food banks, churches
• students studying issues related to poverty, welfare, or female headed households

 

Contents

• "Cinderella" cards are yellow cards that contain descriptions of 28 women who face difficult family and personal situations. Each card includes the "rules of the game."
• Tally sheets are blank forms or 3"X5: cards for each player to keep track of their points.
• Organization/agency title signs are large blue folded "tent" signs to place around the room.
• Organization/agency selection cards are small blue cards to place in "A: or "B: stacks under the appropriate title sign.

 

Set Up & Instructions
Place the organization/agency title signs around the room on tables so people can circulate freely. The organization/agency selection cards are placed in "A" or "B" stacks under the appropriate title sign.As people enter the room, ask each person to select a "Cinderella" card and a "tally sheet." Tell them that they should make believe that they are that person and should select an "A" card from any organization/agency. Each "Cinderella" card has a different number of starting points to put at the top of their "tally sheet." They should do what the "A" card says and add or subtract the points from their initial point total. People should continue making selections until the facilitator calls time .Cinderella Minus the Prince takes 20-30 minutes to complete the first part of the activity. Call "time" after all players have had time to select a total oF 10 to 20 cards from the various organizations. At the end of the activity, ask participants to relate their feelings and experience from the activity. The experience can lead to discussions on many issues. It was updated in 2006.

To Order
Send $12.00 (check or money order) to:
University of Arizona
Att: FCS
4341 Broadway
Phoenix, AZ 85040

For more information, contact
Sharon Hoelscher Day
University of Arizona
ph: 602-470-8086
fax: 602-470-8092
shday@ag.arizona.edu

Credits
Published by: Extension Limited Resource Audience Task Force
University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Sharon Hoelscher Day, Maricopa County Extension Economist, LRA Chair
Mary Lou Creech, Navajo County Extension Home Economist & County Director
Darcy Dixon, Pinal County Extension Home Economist
Patty Merk, Santa Cruz County Extension Family & Youth Agent
Lynas Waun, Cochise County Extension Home Economist
Carol Willis, Graham County Extension Home Economist
March 1994Based on original game written by Dr. Frank Williams & Lynne O'Hern
University of Arizona, College of Agriculture, Project for (Displaced) Homemakers in Arizona Seeking Emploment (PHASE) & Department of Education - Vocational Education

Iowa State University Extension Staff Only, to reserve the kit, contact:
Barb Negri
101 MacKay Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1122
negrib@iastate.edu