Activity: Thumb Ball
Emotional Literacy
Objective:
This energizing activity invites youth to connect with one another through emotional expression. This game can be played anywhere you have a bit of space to toss the ball between participants.
Supplies:
- Soccer or beach ball (Any ball will sections easily divided)
- Sharpie Marker
Instructions:
- Create a list of common emotions with the group. Examples may be: Sadness, Fear, Shame, Guilt, Anger, Joy, Calm, Surprise, Lonely, Connection
- Write emotions on sections of ball
- Throw ball to each other in a small group
- Wherever a thumb lands, read that emotion and share an experience related to that feeling. If participants are comfortable doing so, they can share about these emotions in the context of addiction or grief.
Additional Ideas:
Create two thumb balls for your group (one for fun and one for feelings).
- The fun ball can include a list of lighter ice breaker questions (If I could travel anywhere in the world, my favority animal is, my pet peeve, my super power, etc.)
- The feeling ball other will include the bigger feelings listed above. We recommend opening up with the fun ball prior to dropping into a deeper discussion with the feelings ball.
