Feelings Ball
Suggested Group(s): Young/Middle/Teen
Purpose: To begin to identify and express feelings
Task/need: Group building, approaching the pain of the loss, acknowledging the reality of the loss
Activity Setup Ideas:
- This can be as simple as gently tossing the ball to a group member seated in a circle, then explaining the concept of the game to the group and beginning from there.
Materials:
- One playground-type ball covered with feelings written with a permanent marker
Description: The feelings ball can be used to begin discussion about feelings, experiences related to specific feelings, and ways that the children respond to certain feelings.
Have all children sit or stand in a circle and one by one gently toss the ball to each other. The child who catches the ball will describe the feeling that is closest to his or her right thumb (or other part of the hand selected). You may ask the children to share times when they have felt that way, or what they do when they feel that feeling. This can generate discussion related to how to cope with difficult feelings, and make the most of enjoyable feelings. The feelings ball activity can be adapted to fit the needs of the group regarding feelings exploration.
Activity Wrap Up Ideas:
- Thank the group members for their thoughtful contributions.
