You can teach children how to encourage others – this simple game can help. Stop the negative thinking & talking before it takes root. Kids need to be encouraged and encourage others!
For many years we’ve used this little game for our older elementary small groups. Kids need to see how God has given them talents and skills — to glorify Him. But in the process I thought it would be cool to have them do this by focusing on others. Here is how my game worked:
Children’s Encouragement Game
- Have the children sit in a circle on the floor.
- Use an object to designate which kid has a turn to speak – like a ball.
- Model the game by sitting in the circle with the children.
- Have them complete this sentence and then pass the object to the child they were talking about — “You are really good at ________________ and I can imagine God using your to _____________.“
- The child who receives the object will go next. Instruct them to not repeat until everyone has had a turn.
- It creates a little surprise to see who they are talking about. You may need to redirect the comments if they become redundant or negative.
- Example: “You are really good with babies and I can imagine God using you to be a good Mom.” Then hand the object to Sara.
- Example: “You are really good at talking and I can imagine God using you to be a teacher.
Look for teaching opportunities. Play the game along with the kids. You might get encouraged yourself. This game will work for Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, Children’s Church, or anywhere you need a solid teaching game. Let me know if you find it helpful.