Emotional Resilience Game

Grades: 3–8 • Players: 3–4 per group • Time: 30–40 minutes of gameplay
Color Scheme: Spaces alternate in shades of purple (#9FA8DA, #B39DDB, #CE93D8)

1. Components

• 1 Emotional Resilience Game Board
• 30–40 Emotional Resilience Game Scenario Cards
• 1 six-sided die per group
• 3–4 player tokens (any small markers)
• 1 copy of the Emotional Resilience Reflection Worksheet per student

2. Board Layout

• A winding path of 30 spaces in three alternating shades of purple (#9FA8DA, #B39DDB, #CE93D8).
• Special spaces every 5th square:
  • Reflection Space (📝): Draw a Scenario Card and fill out a short reflection on your worksheet before moving on.
  • Speed Bump (⚠️): Lose your next turn as you pause to think through a more challenging scenario.
• Start and Finish squares clearly labeled.

3. Setup

1. Lay the game board flat.
2. Shuffle the Scenario Cards into a face-down deck.
3. Each player chooses a token and places it on Start.
4. Give each student a copy of the Emotional Resilience Reflection Worksheet.
5. Decide who goes first by rolling the die—highest roll starts.

4. How to Play

1. Roll & Move: On your turn, roll the die and move forward that many spaces.
2. Draw & Discuss:
   • If you land on a normal space, draw the top Scenario Card.
   • Read the scenario aloud.
   • Take 1–2 minutes as a group to discuss:
     a. What might you feel in this situation?
     b. Which emotional regulation strategy would help?
   • The active player states their chosen strategy and why.
3. Record (Reflection Spaces only): If on a 📝 Reflection Space, complete the two‐minute reflection prompt on your worksheet before the next player goes.
4. Special Spaces:
   • ⚠️ Speed Bump: Skip your next turn.
   • 🏁 Finish: First player to reach Finish shares one strategy they’ll remember and wins a small prize (sticker or praise certificate).

5. Sample Scenario Cards

1. Late to Class: You rush into math and the teacher marks you tardy. You feel embarrassed in front of your friends.

   • What emotion are you feeling?
   • Choose a strategy: deep breathing, positive self-talk, or asking to talk privately with the teacher.

2. Forgot Homework: You realize you left your homework at home. Your teacher is disappointed.

   • How might your heart rate change?
   • What problem-solving step can you take?

3. Group Project Conflict: A teammate isn’t doing their share. You’re tempted to yell.

   • What is a calm way to express your feelings?
   • How can you propose a new plan?

4. Test Anxiety: Your palms are sweaty before a big quiz.

   • Which breathing exercise could help?
   • How can you prepare differently next time?

(Add 26 more cards covering peer pressure, frustration, failure, friendship issues, etc.)

6. Reflection & Debrief

• After reaching Finish, each student writes on their worksheet:
  1. My favorite strategy from the game is ______.
  2. I can use it at school/home when ______.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
• Whole-Class Share (5 min): Volunteers share their responses and one new insight they gained.
• Teacher Wrap-Up: Highlight that emotional resilience grows through practice, talking with friends/adults, and using strategies like breathing and positive self-talk.

7. Teacher Tips

• Circulate & Prompt: Ask students open-ended questions (“Why did you choose that strategy?”) to deepen thinking.
• Encourage Variety: Remind students there’s no single "right" emotion or strategy—different approaches work for different people.
• Adapt Scenarios: Modify cards to reflect issues specific to your class (e.g., bullying, sibling rivalry).
• Extension: Advance students can create their own Scenario Cards and challenge peers.

Enjoy building emotional resilience—one roll at a time!

Emotional Resilience Reflection Worksheet

Directions: Choose one scenario from the game and complete the following reflections. Be honest and detailed.

1. Scenario Description:
   Briefly describe the scenario you selected (e.g., “Late to Class”).
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Emotions Experienced:
   What emotions did you feel during this scenario? Describe any physical sensations (e.g., heart racing, sweaty palms).
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Strategy Selected:
   Which emotional regulation or problem-solving strategy did you choose? Why did you choose this strategy?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Application Steps:
   Outline step-by-step how you would apply this strategy in the scenario.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. Real-Life Connection:
   How can you use this strategy in your everyday life? Provide a specific example (at school, home, or with friends).
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

6. Personal Resilience Goal:
   What is one goal you can set for yourself this week to practice emotional resilience? What steps will you take to reach this goal?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Good luck! Practicing these reflections helps you build emotional resilience over time.