Phrase Clothesline: Hang What Helps You Lose Well

Each student writes a phrase that helps them handle a loss and hangs it on a clothesline; then everyone strolls along reading the class's phrases and picks one to take away. It closes the session by building a shared bank of positive self-talk.

How to play

1. Walk toward the clothesline doing arm and shoulder stretches, clothespin in hand (1 min).
2. Each student writes on a strip a phrase they say, or would like to say, to themselves after losing (2 min).
3. Hang the phrase and stroll slowly reading them all, doing a calf stretch each time you stop (3 min).
4. Each student picks a phrase that isn't theirs, reads it aloud and commits it to memory (2 min).

Rules

• Phrases are anonymous and name no classmates.
• No phrases aimed at opponents, only at yourself.
• Walk in the same direction to avoid bumping.
• When you're done, everyone helps take down the line.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with visual impairments: say their phrase while someone writes it and reads the others aloud to them.
• Wheelchair users: the line is hung at the chest height of a seated person.
• Students who struggle with writing: may draw a symbol or dictate the phrase.

Learning goals

• Build self-talk phrases to cope with losing.
• Learn other people's strategies for handling frustration.
• Cool down actively.

Equipment for a class of 25

• ropes: 2
• clothespins: 30
• paper strips: 30
• pencils: 30

Teacher tip

The phrases can later go on a gym bulletin board. With no clothespins, use masking tape on a wall.

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