Feelings Charades

Suggested Groups: Young/Middle/Teens

Purpose: To encourage group members to identify feelings and recognize them in others.

Task/need: Group building, approaching the pain of the loss

Activity Setup Ideas:

• Ask, "How many of you have ever played charades before?" If one or more have, ask them to explain how the game works. Then let them know that today you will be playing charades. Before beginning, be sure to agree on some ground rules so that everybody is in agreement.

Materials:

• Cards with various feelings on them (either prepared in advance, or containing feelings identified by group in feelings listing activity)
• Camera

Description: From the list, have each child choose a feeling to act out. The audience will guess the feeling. Take a picture of younger children acting out his/her feeling with body language and facial expression. Place the pictures on poster board and hang in the room. Alternatively, use the photos as Charade cards.

Activity Wrap Up Ideas:

• Pick a few of the feelings discussed and ask when people have felt that way.
• As always, thank group members for sharing.