The ‘Cool it’ game Item 068

The ‘Cool it’ game – is a game about managing anger. The game will promote discussion on anger management and the recognition of anger. Anger affirmations are used along with cool it cards which give lots of ideas for calming down.

The Cool it game could be played on a one to one basis or a group basis. My suggestion is no more than four children.

To make the game

Photocopy or print the game board onto A3 paper then laminate

Print all the cards, laminate and cut into separate cards

Print the ‘my choices board with either the 3 boxes or 6 boxes’ depending on the children you are working with (one for each child)

The game consists of:

40 Affirmation cards

40 Cool it cards

2 types My choices board

A game board

You will also need counters, dry wipe pens and a die to play.

How to play

Choose the person to go first by each throwing the die and the highest number thrown goes first.  Go clockwise from that person.

The first person throws the die and moves their counter that number of spaces.

They must answer the question they land on; however, if they land on affirmation then they must read this out to the rest of the group. Ask the child if they agree with the statement. They may or may not. When they land on a ‘cool it ’ they must read it out and explain what it means. If they cannot explain it then ask if anyone else can help?  If they think they would like to try this ‘cool it’ they can write it on their ‘My choices board’. The aim is for each child to have either 3 or 6 choices to try when they start to become angry. Continue going round the board until each child has filled their board with ideas.

There isn’t a winner as such with this game as the aim is for the children to learn about their anger

You can photocopy the ‘My choices’ card at the end of the session for the child to take away.