Balloon Games!
Kagan Strategies from Silly Sports and Goofy Games
Big Idea:
Exercise and team building produce endorphins. Endorphins trigger a positive feeling in the body, similar to that of morphine. A positive and energizing outlook on life can accompany that feeling. Endorphins also reduce anxiety and stress, slowing down the production of cortisol. Activities can also be an important part of team-building, helping to develop academic identity with a new partner or group.
Guaranteed to be relaxing and fun!
When to use:
Kagan recommends doing games at least once a week to build classroom culture and promote learning.
Step-by-Step Directions
Pencil Balloon Triads
Become the 'Balloon Beauties" by being the first to finish the relay!
Strategy Variations: Spice it up!
Balloon Dance
Put papers inside the balloons with different comprehension questions that student have to answer when their balloons are popped!
Balloon Volleyball
Have students shout vocabulary words before they hit the balloon!
Pencil Balloon Triads
Add in more psychomotor challenges, like hopping on one foot, walking with arms out, moving with eyes closed while someone else gives directions, or hopping backwards.