Floating Balloons

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. 

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.)

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!