Icebreakers are important component of any new group. Think about it, you bring a group of individuals together and expect them to work on a common goal and share their thoughts and opinions with others they may or may not know, or worse, may or may not like. Games are a great way to encourage students to participate while also providing a safe opportunity to share information about themselves and start to form bonds with the other people in group with them.
Since my Lunch Bunches are are open to anyone, I can get many students who often begin group not knowing or liking the other members. Never fear, however, with good guidance and a little patience, students can end the year with some new best friends.
I am so excited that my LB groups have begun. I love talking about friendship and kindness, and I am excited to see where this year will take us. I love hearing all the kids' ideas and then seeing them come to fruition. I wanted to start this year with something a little different than last year. I have read online how other counselors use everyday games in therapy and decided that I would use a game as an icebreaker with my groups.
I chose Yahtzee because it is my favorite game, and then made my own score sheet (click on the picture to open google docs and download). The basic categories are the same, except I omitted 4 of a Kind because I couldn't get it to fit on one page (not to mention I can never get 4 of a Kind anyway). Don't look too carefully, because I also had to make my own dice on the score sheet because I couldn't find pictures of ones online. If you look carefully you will see that my dots are not even and aligned, but I still think it looks pretty good anyway!
Do you play any everyday games in group counseling sessions? Leave a comment below and share your favorites or join the discussion in one of the ways that follow:
I'm a K-6 counselor and have found that Connect 4 is a great game for practicing sharing/taking turns/compromising/working together. I put 2 students on one side (as a team) to play against me. This has worked especially well for students who struggle to get along. Because they have a common goal (trying to get 4 in a row before I do), they are able to apply those social skills on a small task. They can then apply them to situations outside of the counseling office like the playground, etc.
ReplyDeleteI am very happy to read and look at this website, greetings from me and I am waiting for your visit on my website. thank you
ReplyDeleteWould you email me the Yahtzee game since the link does not work? Sherylroehl1@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteCan I get a copy of this emailed to me as well (erinemartin417@gmail.com)? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI would like a copy e-mailed to me too! volk0080@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! If you are willing to share, I would love a copy as well: jefferson_shelly@hotmail.com
ReplyDeletegebertgail@dist156.org
ReplyDeleteI would also love a copy since the link doesn't work. Thank you for the great idea!
Can I please get a copy emailed to ashley.brooks@usd253.net
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Would you be willing to email this to me also? Thank you! rknoener@gmail.com
ReplyDeletePlease send me the Yahtzee link at mkiernan@wareham.k12.ma.us. Thank you.
ReplyDeletePlease send me a copy as well. When I click on the link it takes me to the image instead of Google Docs. Thank you for sharing!!
ReplyDeletemtaylor@wcps.k12.va.us
I would love a copy emailed to jennifera@lcalions.com. I cannot access the google doc.
ReplyDeleteI would love to have a copy of this game. Please send it to kimblebe@japioneers.org
ReplyDeleteThanks!
I would love a copy as well. msmarcy82@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThank you!!
I would love a copy of your yahtzee game sheet...brilliant idea!! Thanks
ReplyDeletetracy.milliron@lsr7.net
Could I get a copy of your yahtzee game? I love it!! cseeley@mesquiteisd.org
ReplyDeleteI would also love a copy of this for my middle school classroom. The link to download is not working :( Thank you! carly.sheridan@farmington.k12.mi.us
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! Can I also get a copy? I teach at an alternative middle school. This looks like a terrific activity for our group therapy time. knopovj@cajonvalley.net
ReplyDeleteWhat a PHENOMENAL idea! Is there any way you could send this to me within the next couple of days. I think this would make one of the most memorable icebreakers!!! My email address is ndrobish@k12.wv.us
ReplyDeletei would like a copy too!
ReplyDeletenicole.misuracoisd284.com
Thanks :)
Hi, I would appreciate if I could get a copy as well! mccafferty.ea@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI would love to use this with my class. Could you please send me a copy. kimberlymarcone@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteCould you please send me a copy as well? kgoble@libertycenterschools.org
ReplyDeleteThank you!
can you please send me a copy?
ReplyDeletenicole.greenfield@evsc.k12.in.us
I would like a copy too please. Jbernal21@outlook.com
ReplyDeleteCan I get a copy of this sent to qtrefsgar@gmail.com? Thanks!!
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