fitCLUB

Floating Balloons

Help kids recognize how feelings and emotions are connected to energy. Then, use this activity to show them how energy level impacts healthy choices.

Group of kids sitting in a circle having a discussion
Small group of kids writing their thoughts on paper
Small group of kids playing fitClub balloon toss game
Kids running around cones in a gym
Girl looking too tired to eat the food on the table
Group of kids doing stretching exercises on yoga mats
Home fitClub Session 2-Energize Your Healthy Habits S2 Activity 3-Floating Balloons

Activity Purpose

Playing this balloon game helps kids recognize how their feelings and emotions are connected to their energy and willingness to make healthy choices.

Objectives

  • Recognize that feelings and emotions (mood) and energy (recharge) influence physical activity (move) choices throughout the day.

Preparation

  • Talk Time: Kids sit and stretch or stand and march in place. Be sure they are a safe distance (arm’s length) apart.
  • Activity: Blow balloons up prior to this activity. Be ready to distribute a Mood Activity Card and a marker to each kid.
  • Wrap Up: Kids sit in a circle for discussion.

Talk Time

Introduction

Have you ever thought about how your feelings and emotions are connected to your energy level? When you are feel energized, it's easy to make fit choices, but when you feel angry or bored it is more difficult to make fit choices.

This activity will help you to be able to recognize how your feelings and emotions are connected to your energy. Later we will learn things you can do to help yourself when feelings and emotions put you in a mood that makes it difficult to make fit choices. 

Do The Activity

Activity Instructions
  1. Give each kid 1 inflated balloon. 
  2. Kids draw a Mood Activity Card and write the feeling or emotion shown on the card on the balloon with a permanent marker.
  3. Kids return the permanent marker and card to the leader.
  4. Set a timer for 1 minute and shout, "GO!"
  5. Kids throw the balloons into the air and try to keep all balloons off the ground. 
  6. When time is up, shout, "catch a balloon!" Each kid catches a balloon, then the group forms a circle and marches in place (or other leader-selected movement). 
  7. Leader draws a Mood Activity Card and asks the person who has the balloon matching the card this question:
  • If you are feeling _________, what is your energy like?
    (Accept high, medium, or low—any answer that kids can justify. Some feelings and emotions may be associated with more than one energy level. Help kids recognize that feelings, emotions, and energy are connected.)

Wrap Up

Reflections

Q: Let's talk about how your feelings and emotions are connected to your energy and willingness to make fit choices. How would you explain this connection?
A: Any response that indicates an understanding that different feelings and emotions influence your motivation to be active.

Challenge

Stop and think! When you stop and think about your feelings and emotions you are on the path to healthy choices!

Next Activity

Time: 5 Minutes

What You'll Need

Resources
Materials
  • Balloons
  • Permanent Marker
  • Timer
Helpful Tips
  • Add challenges to the game! Keep the balloon in the air by using only 1 arm and holding the other arm behind your back, catch the balloon with your knees, or stand on 1 foot while holding the balloon. 
  • If a child has a latex allergy, use beach balls instead of balloons. 
 

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