Three Rules, Thumbs Up

Sitting in a circle after a game, we recall its three rules and each child shows with a thumb how well they followed them while we stretch slowly. It works on calming down and thinking about rules.

How to play

1. Sitting in a circle, breathe out slowly three times with hands on our bellies (1 min).
2. The teacher asks, "What was the game's first rule?"; whoever remembers says it and we stretch our arms up (1 min).
3. Same with the second and third rules, stretching legs and back for each one (1 min).
4. For each rule, thumb up, sideways or down for how well I followed it, without looking at my neighbor (1 min).
5. Think of one idea to do better next time and finish with a circle hug (1 min).

Rules

• Only the person with the turn talks.
• My thumb tells the truth.
• We don't point at anyone.

Variations

Adaptations

• Hearing loss: rules drawn on large picture cards.
• Autism: they can answer with just the thumb, no talking.
• Limited mobility: stretches are done seated in the chair, just like everyone else.

Learning goals

• Remember the rules of a game.
• Honestly reflect on their own behavior.
• Calm down with breathing and stretching.

Teacher tip

Rate something of your own too ("I yelled a lot today, thumb sideways"): it shows them improving is normal. Never comment on someone else's thumb.

More activities like this

More cool-downs for Elementary