FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE
BEST FOR: GRADES K-3
ACTIVITY LEVEL: MODERATE
This game will build children's self-esteem.
You'll need one Hula Hoop and two large jars. For each child,
you'll need a Ping-Pong ball with his or her name written on it
with a permanent felt-tip marker.
Place the Hula Hoop on the floor in the center of the room. Have
the children sit around the Hula Hoop. Place the balls in one
jar.
Choose one child to draw a ball from the container. Put the ball
back in the second jar. Have that child step into the "Friendship
Circle" and invite the child whose name is written on the ball to
join him or her in the Friendship Circle.
After both children are in the circle, the first child tells three
reasons the second child would be a good friend. The first child
steps out of the circle and the second child draws another
ball.
This process continues until every child has been in the
Friendship Circle. There should be two children in the circle
throughout the game.
A variation of this game is for the teacher to draw a ball, have
that child stand by him or her, and tell three gifts from Jesus to
that child. Continue this game until all the balls have been
drawn.
Patty Baker
Mesquite, Texas
Excerpted from Children's Ministry Magazine. Subscribe
today!
