ACTIVITIES

Wave High Five

Stand in a circle. Hands out/palms up to your sides. The leader sends a high five wave through the group by arcing their left hand up and over to slap (gently) the left hand of the student on their right. That person sends the high five to the person on their right until it gets back to the leader who sends the wave the other direction.

Appreciation Chain

variation #1: Have students share something they appreciate about a classmate. When they share, they link arms with that person. Teacher may need to facilitate a bit, so that eventually a whole class chain circle is formed. You may want to have students write appreciations about every classmate before the activity begins.

variation #2: Have students and teacher stand in a circle with linked arms. The teacher will start by sharing an appreciation to either the student on the right or left. That student then keeps the appreciations going around the circle. Writing appreciations before starting the game is helpful.

Friendly wishes for difficult people

Sit in a circle. Encourage participants to close their eyes. Have students think of a person they find difficult to be around, but would like to wish well. Use guided visualization: "imagine that you feel happy. Imagine that you're smiling, laughing, and having fun. Don't worry if you don't feel happy right now. Just picture yourself laughing, hanging out with friends, or doing something that you love to do. Then in your own words, silently say something like this: I want to be happy. I want to be healthy and strong. I want to be safe. I want to feel lots of love. I want to feel content and peaceful. Bring back the image of the person you find difficult, but whom you'd like to wish well. remember, you don't need to change your feelings toward them. In your own words, silently say something like this: I want you to be healthy and content. I hope that you're safe and feel peaceful. Choose words and good wishes that you're comfortable saying and repeat them silently.

Wishes for the World

Students write on a slip of paper one thing they would like to do to make the (school or the world) a better place. Have students crumple their paper and throw it into the middle of the circle. Then student grab an random slip of paper. Go around the circle and read loud and proud how the classroom would like to change the (school or world).