Look at the board and point out something that might be scary. Ask the group to help you make it less scary.
Eg, “The shadows look spooky, but maybe they’re just from the lamp!”. Sometimes, when we look closely, things aren't as scary as they seem!
Explain why talking about fears can make you feel better. You can ask your group for their ideas.
It may help you feel supported or less alone. When we share our feelings, it's like letting out a big breath. It feels good to not keep secrets!
Share something that makes you feel safe, like a person, an object, or a place.
Eg, “I feel safe when I’m hugging my favorite stuffed toy in my room!” :)
As a group, find 8 characters on the board that seem scared. Work together to spot them all. Three, two, one, go!
If a friend was scared, what would you do to make them feel better?
Think about what makes you feel better when you're scared. A hug? A kind word? Eg, you can say ‘It’s okay, I’m here with you,’
Show the group what you look like when you’re scared.
You could make a frightened face or pretend your hands are shaking.
Look at the board and choose one animal that would be the best companion in this spooky setting. Explain why.
Eg, “I’d pick a bat because it can fly silently at night.”
Pick a character on the board and act out how they might feel. Let the group guess who it is.
Focus on their facial expressions and gestures.
Who do you like to talk to when you feel scared? Name one person.
It could be someone like a parent, teacher, or friend.
Tell a short story about a time when fear turned out to be helpful for you or someone else. If you find it hard to think of something, ask the group for suggestions.
Eg, “I was scared to perform in a play, but it made me practice more, and the performance turned out great!”
All players make very scary faces in 3... 2...1... Go!
Pretend to drink a magic potion that makes you brave. Show your superhero pose to the group, and let them guess your superpowers!
You could pretend to fly or show off super-strong fists.
Show how you calm yourself down when you’re scared. If you’re unsure, your group can share their calming strategies.
It could be hugging a blanket, taking a deep breath, or counting backward from ten. :)
Think of a friendly monster and describe it to the group.
Eg, “It has soft fur, big round eyes, and always smiles to make me feel safe.” :)
As a group, create a "Monster Dance" together. Make it as silly as you can!
Try stomping like a giant or flapping your arms like a bat. :)
Make a scared face and then a calm face. Let the group describe the changes they see.
As a team, choose colors representing fear and explain why you picked them.
Eg, “I’d choose black because it reminds me of the dark.”
Sense the spooky atmosphere and tell us what scares you. It's okay, we're all friends here!
If you’re unsure what to say, others in the group can give you ideas.
Show the group what you do when you’re afraid.
If it’s hard to think of something, imagine the last time you felt scared and how you reacted.
Close your eyes and think of a brave animal. Describe it so the group can guess what it is!
Talk about its size, color, or the sounds it makes.
