This weeks activity is something that could be played as a game in small groups or as a class as a sharing circle. The game is to use coloured pick up sticks and use the sticks as you would when playing the game pick up sticks. Linked to the colour of the sticks is something that you are thankful for; a red stick is for a person, orange for a place, green for a food, blue for a thing and purple is for whatever you want. If a student is able to successfully pick up a coloured stick without moving another stick they would need to share what they are thankful for as it corresponds to the colour they picked. This could be a great game for students to play in small groups as a mindful activity, or as a family at a family get together.
As a class this game could take awhile and become a little hectic. Not what we are looking for when trying to find mindful morning activities for a class! As an educator I would modify how this game is played as a class. I would use coloured popsicle sticks rather than sharp pick up sticks. I would then have each student pick, at random, a coloured stick. I would have students form a circle, either at the carpet or in an outdoor classroom setting, and one by one have them share what they are thankful for based on the coloured stick they have. Students are welcome to share more about their ‘why’ they are thankful for this person or item but they don’t have to.
To further the learning, these could be used as writing prompts for a journal or creative writing where a students may struggle to put pen to paper. They could create a poem, story, journal, or letter using a few of these items that they are thankful for. The possibilities for this game as an educational resource is endless.
Showing gratitude helps students to create more relationships, improved physical, psychological and mental health, enhances ones ability to show empathy, lessens aggression and can improve self-esteem and create a positive outlook. These are are important aspects of balancing emotions and creating a mindful working environment for students. Below is a picture of the game as found on Pinterest.
