What these games build

Gratitude games help children notice small good things and the people behind them. Positive thinking games practise finding another, more helpful way to look at a setback, while still accepting that the setback was disappointing.

Keep examples everyday and specific: a friend who shared a rubber, a sunny playtime, finishing a hard puzzle.

Game 1: Gratitude Pass-the-Ball

Players: 4-30 in a circle, ages 4-12. Time: 5-10 minutes. Materials: one soft ball.

The adult names a category, such as 'something that made you smile today' or 'someone who helped you this week'. Whoever holds the ball says one thing, then rolls it to another player. Anyone may say 'pass' once.

• Easier (ages 4-5): use picture prompts (food, weather, people, toys) to help children choose.

• Harder (ages 9-12): the speaker must add why it mattered or how they could thank that person.

• Variation: make a class 'thank-you chain' by writing each answer on a paper strip and linking them.

Game 2: Flip It

Players: 2-6, ages 7-12. Time: 15 minutes. Materials: about ten cards with invented setbacks written on one side (for example: 'Mia's painting got smudged', 'the trip was cancelled because of rain').

A player reads a card and says how the character might feel. Then they flip the card and suggest a helpful thought the character could try, such as 'I can try again with a new idea' or 'We might go another day.' The others give a thumbs up if the thought is both kind and believable.

Easier: the adult offers two helpful thoughts to choose from. Harder: players must also name one small action the character could take next.

Using it well

Short and regular works better than long and occasional; a few minutes at the end of the day is enough. Avoid correcting feelings. If a child says a setback still feels bad, agree that it does, then invite one small next step.

At home, Pass-the-Ball becomes a quick dinner-time round where each person names one good thing from their day, including the adults. In class, a teacher might keep a jar of Flip It cards on the shelf and play one or two at the end of a lesson. Children can also write their own invented setback cards for classmates, which keeps the game fresh and gives them practice in thinking about how characters feel. A thank-you note to a lunchtime supervisor, caretaker or librarian is a good way to turn the talk into a small real action.

Key points

• Ask for specific, everyday good things rather than big ones.

• Allow a 'pass' so no one is put on the spot.

• Accept disappointment before looking for a helpful thought.

• Use invented setbacks in Flip It, not real events from the group.

Ready-made resources

Printable session plans and materials for this topic are available from EduTrend Contents: G4C-130 Feelings & Friends Games.

Photos: Jenna Burghart, AMONWAT DUMKRUT / Unsplash