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Emotion Ball Check-In

Kid holding a basket ball

Emotion Ball Check-In

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Community Builders
  • Age level
    Grades K-2
    Grades 3-5
    Grades 6-8
    Grades 9-12
    Ages 6-9
    Ages 10-12
    Ages 13-15
    Ages 16-18
  • Group size
    Min size
    5
    -
    Max size
    25
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Materials

NA

Instructions
  • Ask youth to sit in a circle.
  • Say, “It’s important to know that it is OK to feel how you are feeling. Everyone goes through lots of emotions every single day. It’s normal to feel sad, excited, angry, calm or nervous every day, even multiple times a day.
  • Ask youth to go around the circle saying their names.
  • Toss the ball into the circle. 
  • Ask youth to pass the ball back and forth by calling the name of the person they would like to throw the ball to before tossing. 
  • Continue until all youth have received the ball at least once. 
  • Tell youth to repeat passing the ball in the same manor. 
  • For this round, ask youth to check which emotion their thumb is closest to when they catch the ball.
  • Instruct youth to answer one of the following prompts regarding that emotion:
    • Describe the last time you felt that emotion.
    •  Act out that emotion so others can guess what it is.
    • If you feel that emotion now, share why.
  • Allow each youth to take a turn.
  • Summarize by saying, “Talking about your emotions is a way to help your brain slow down and understand how you’re feeling. This is important and helpful to do, especially when you are feeling a strong emotion and choosing how to react.” 

 

Facilitator Note: Follow up with any youth who are feeling dysregulated (mad, sad, scared, or worried) to ensure their emotional safety.  Provide them with an empathetic listening ear and space to self-regulate. 

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