This is one of the 150 games for kids found in Great Group Games for Kids, one of Search Institute’s fantastic activity books for kids and adults.
Time: 10–15 minutes
Supplies:
- A balloon for every person, plus a few spare balloons
- String
- Scissors
Prep: Cut an 18-inch piece of string for each player.
The Game: Let the players blow up the balloons, and help them tie them. Use the string pieces to tie a balloon to each player’s ankle. When the game leader says “Go,” players should try to stomp on other players’ balloons while simultaneously guarding their own balloons. When a player’s balloon is popped, he or she should join the game leader on the sidelines to watch the fun. The last child with a full balloon wins!
Going Deeper:
- What did you think about this game?
- Was it harder to stomp other balloons or to keep your balloon safe?
- What is something you want to protect and keep safe in your life? (Prompt with ideas: character, reputation, dreams, goals, self, etc.)
- How does it feel when others “stomp” on your dreams? Your goals?
- What can you do to protect yourself against being stomped on?
- It’s easy to get a reputation for what you do. What are some “stomper” actions that don’t contribute to a good reputation (gossiping, bullying, etc.)?
- What are some “protector” actions that do contribute to a good reputation (helping others, etc.)?
- What do you want to be known for?
- How can you achieve and keep a good reputation?
- What can you do if you see someone stomping on someone else’s character or even physically threatening them?
Asset Categories:
- Empowerment
- Boundaries and Expectations
- Social Competencies
- Positive Identity
