Embedded Files
The games listed below help our students to regulate their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively in different situations and work towards setting and achieving goals. This includes managing stress, controlling impulses and motiving oneself.
Games that support self-management help students learn to control physical movement, practice adherence to game rules, manage frustration or disappointment, or set small goals for competition. Games where kids rotate through, like foursquare, or low state competitive games are good examples.
Modify: Add leadership roles—players make or change rules that emphasize fairness or impulse control.
Reflect: “How did you respond when rules changed unexpectedly?”
Modify: When tagged, students share a self-management strategy before being “unfrozen.”
Reflect: “What helps you calm down when things don’t go your way?”
Modify: Use prompts around stress, motivation, or teamwork (e.g., “finishing a project under pressure”).
Reflect: “How do you manage stress in real-life moments like that?”
Modify: Connect it to decision-making—players switch when statements apply (“I’ve taken responsibility for…”).
Reflect: “What choices help you stay focused this week?”
Modify: Add strategy and goal-setting (e.g., “set a goal before your turn”).
Reflect: “How does setting small goals help you stay motivated?”
Modify: Let students choose the music or lead; emphasize energy regulation and confidence.
Reflect: “How did movement affect your mood and focus?”
Modify: Have students guide blindfolded peers with verbal cues—builds trust, focus, and self-control.
Reflect: “What helped you stay calm and communicate clearly?”
Modify: Use cooperative rules—challenge students to reach a target rally number as a team.
Reflect: “What mindset helped your team stay composed when mistakes happened?”
Modify: Have teens design a new self-management-focused game—include planning, testing, and reflection.
Reflect: “What part of creating and leading challenged your self-control?”
Modify: Use identity- or choice-based prompts (“Run if you’ve ever had to stay calm in a hard conversation”).
Reflect: “How do you manage reactions in real situations like these?”
11. Gaga Ball
Modify: Use this fast-paced favorite to explore impulse control and emotional regulation. Rotate student referees or “fair play leaders” who call outs and model sportsmanship. Add challenges like Silent Gaga Ball (no talking) or Slow-Motion Gaga to encourage mindfulness and focus.
Reflect: “What emotions came up during the game, and how did you manage them?” or “How did you handle disagreements or frustration when things didn’t go your way?”
Modify: Shift the focus from elimination to reflection and teamwork. Try versions like “Partner Knockout” (players team up and cheer each other on) or “Resilience Round” (when a player is “out,” they rejoin after completing a quick self-management challenge such as naming a coping strategy or taking a mindful breath). Encourage positive peer talk and emphasize effort over winning.
Reflect: “How did you handle pressure when the spotlight was on you?” or “What helped you stay calm and keep trying after a miss?”
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