5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Game | Playpedia

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5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Game

TOF

Description

A calming mindfullness activity where students silently observe their surroundings using all five senses.

Details

7 - 10 years, 11 - 19 years

Any number of players

10 to 30 minutes

No materials

Tags

Emotional Expression, Reflection, Calm/Reflective, Empathy Building, Body Awareness, Listening Skills, Remote-Friendly

Instructions:

Students silently observe and name:
• 5 things they can see
• 4 things they can touch
• 3 things they can hear
• 2 things they can smell
• 1 thing they can taste or feel inside (emotion)

Variations & tips:

1. Incorporate movement by asking students to walk around the room (or outdoors) as they do the exercise.

2. Use guided imagery e.g. "Close your eyes and imagine you are sitting in a garden on a quiet morning. What do you see?"

3. Have a Group Share at the end of the activity, where students can describe what they sensed and how they feel.

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