Emotion Freeze-Frame Game Rules & Variations

Objective:
Students will hone their ability to interpret non-verbal emotional cues by silently “freezing” into body postures and having teammates guess the emotion, then reflect on which signals led to correct or incorrect guesses.

Materials Needed:

• Timer or stopwatch
• Cue Reflection Sheet (one per group)

Setup (2 minutes):

1. Divide students into small groups of 4.
2. Give each group a Cue Reflection Sheet and ensure they have a visible timer.
3. Decide an acting order so each student will freeze once per round.

Rules (per round, 2–3 minutes each):

1. The designated actor silently adopts a posture that best conveys a chosen emotion (e.g., joy, frustration, surprise).
2. Teammates have 60 seconds (teacher starts the timer) to observe the freeze and write down:
   • The name of the emotion they think is being portrayed.
   • Two body-language signals they noticed (e.g., “shoulders slumped,” “hands clenched”).
3. After time’s up, the actor reveals the intended emotion.
   • Groups award themselves 1 point for each correct guess.
   • If no one guesses correctly, the actor briefly explains which cues they used.
4. Rotate until every student has acted once (total rounds = group size).
5. Tally group scores at the end.

Reflection (at game end, 3 minutes):

• Prompt students to compare their reflections on the sheet:
  • Which postures were easiest or hardest to guess?
  • What specific signals led to the strongest emotions?
  • How might they use these observations to support a friend in real life?

Variations & Extensions:
• Speed Round – Reduce guess time to 30 seconds for advanced groups.
• Reverse Freeze – Teammates freeze simultaneously; the actor guesses the group’s emotion.
• Emotion Mix – Actor combines two emotions (e.g., proud + nervous) and teammates identify both.

Accommodations:

• Provide a list of possible emotions for ELL or students needing extra support.
• Allow whispered guesses for students who feel anxious about speaking aloud.

Time: ~15 minutes (including reflection)

Ready to play? Encourage students to watch closely, think beyond facial expressions, and celebrate their growing emotional awareness!

Cue Reflection Sheet

Use this sheet during the Emotion Freeze-Frame Game.

Group #: ____________ Date: ____________
Group Members (names): _______________________________________

Recording Each Round

Reflection Questions

1. Which posture was easiest to guess? Why?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Which posture was hardest to guess? Why?
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. What specific body signals helped your group identify emotions correctly?
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. How might you use recognizing body language signals to support a friend in real-life situations?
   
   
   
   
   
   

When finished, bring your sheet to the teacher for the Group Debrief Cool-Down Guide.

Group Debrief Cool-Down Guide

Use these prompts to lead a whole‐class reflection on the Emotion Freeze‐Frame activity. Invite students to share out their thoughts and experiences.

1. Which body‐language signals were the easiest to interpret? Which were the hardest? Why?

1. How did it feel to convey emotions without speaking? What did you notice about your own non‐verbal cues?

1. What surprised you about how your classmates expressed or guessed emotions?

1. How can being more aware of body language help you support a friend who might be upset or stressed?

1. One action step: Think of one situation this week where you will pay closer attention to someone’s body language. Share your plan with a partner.

Closing:
Praise students for their observations and encourage them to practice these skills daily. Remind them that understanding non‐verbal cues is a powerful way to show empathy and strengthen friendships.