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What helps a child feel free to take risks?
At EducationALIVE, we believe play awakens courage, imagination and joy—helping us become more fully alive. Play isn't an escape from formation; play can form us.
This week we will be playing games as a class.
Getting to know each other can actually be fun!
Pay attention to your reactions: Is there a moment when you feel uncomfortable? Can you name why?
Sometimes being seen, being playful, or joining in can feel vulnerable. Notice that feeling—and see if you can move through awkwardness and enjoy being together.
A little awkwardness can be harmless. When something is playful and safe—not shaming, damaging, or about performing for others—it can be worth pushing through the awkwardness and joining in.
A space where people can be themselves—not comparing, performing, or trying to impress—is something special. It feel freeing and safe, and it's worth building together.
Play and Safety
Creating Safe Spaces
Play is at its best when everyone is free to participate, laugh, and belong.
Sometimes teasing, scaring, embarrassing, excluding,
or hurting someone gets dismissed as "just playing."
But when fun comes at someone else's expense, it is not longer heathy play.
Real play protects dignity!
FOR PEOPLE TO SHARE WITH OTHERS, THE SPACE SHOULD BE SAFE
LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT A SAFE CIRCLE INCLUDES:
A SAFE Circle is:
Supportive
Accepting
Focused and Fun (but not at another person’s expense)
Engaged and Encouraging
Safe Circles
A safe circle is a place where everyone belongs and is known. We listen to one another, speak honestly, ask questions, and treat every person with dignity.
Needed and Known
Everyone has a place in the circle. You don't have to perform, impress, or be like everyone else to belong. We notice one another, make room for evey voice , and help each person know they matter.
Honest Conversation
Safe circles give students room to listen, speak honestly, ask questions, and learn from one another without being ridiculed.
Respect and Dignity
We can laugh, disagree, and be ourselves without embarrassing, excluding, or diminishing someone else.
Demonstrate How to Have A Good Small Group Discussion
Red Ball Demonstration
A good conversation moves around the circle.
No one person controls it and no one is left out. Listen, ask questions, and help one another join in. What has to be true about a small group before people are willing to share thoughts, information, and opinions openly?
- The conversation should move around the circle—not stay with one person.
- The ball does not need to return to the leader after every response.
- It does not have to move in the same order each time.
- Keep the conversation going by listening, asking questions, and inviting others in.
The goal is a conversation where everyone has a chance to participate
Build Your Safe Circle
Small Group Discussion
- What needs to be true about a group before people feel comfortable sharing honestly?
- What can we do to make that true in our groups?
- What does it look like to "show up" for one another this semester?
Create Some Guidelines
Mentors, help your group create 3-5 guidelines that will help this circle stay safe, welcoming, and beneficial for everyone.
Next up
The Journey
Discover why this adventure matters and why it's worth investing in yourself.