Clothespin Thank-Yous
Each student walks slowly with a clothespin and clips it to the sleeve of a classmate who helped or encouraged them, whispering why. It builds gratitude, recognizing help from others and a strong sense of class community.
How to play
- Give each student one clothespin. Ask them to think silently for 30 seconds about someone who helped them, cheered them on or passed them the ball today.
- On your signal, everyone walks slowly around the space. When students find their person, they clip the clothespin to that classmate's sleeve or shirt hem and whisper: "Thanks for..." (2 min).
- Whoever receives a clothespin says "you're welcome" or smiles, then keeps walking to deliver their own.
- Clap once to freeze the group. Everyone stands still and looks around for anyone without a clothespin.
- Round two: using the spare clothespins you carry, several volunteers thank someone who doesn't have one yet, so nobody is left out (1 min).
- Sit in a circle. Two or three students share what they were told and how it felt. At the end, everyone returns their clothespins to the box (2 min).
Rules
- Clip clothespins only on clothing, never on skin or hair.
- The reason must be specific and true; "just because" doesn't count.
- Walk slowly and quietly, except to whisper your thank-you.
- Nobody ends without a clothespin; the whole class keeps an eye out.
Variations
Easier
Call out examples of helping you saw during class to give students ideas.
Standard
One clothespin per student plus a round for anyone without one.
Harder
Each student gets two clothespins: one for someone who helped them and one for someone they didn't play with today.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: classmates come to the student, and the clothespin can be placed on their lap or wheelchair.
- Visual impairment: classmates give a gentle tap on the shoulder before speaking so the student knows who it is.
- Shyness or autism: the student can hand over the clothespin without talking and tell you the reason afterward.
Learning goals
- Recognize and thank classmates for help during class.
- Notice the positive actions of others.
- Make sure the whole class feels included at the end of the lesson.
Equipment for a class of 25
- clothespins: 35
Teacher tip
Always carry 8 to 10 spare clothespins for round two. If one student collects a lot, invite them to pass some on to classmates who have fewer.
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