“Tell us about yourself” can be a surprisingly difficult request. Six small sentence endings make it easier, and give children control over what they share.
Contents
At a glance
- Time: 20–30 minutes
- Group: 6 or more
- Setting: Indoors
What you need
Paper, thick pens and removable tape.
How to play
- Write “I am…” at the top of a page and complete it six different ways. Examples might include a reader, a big sister, someone who notices details or a person learning to cook.
- Remind everyone that descriptions can be serious, ordinary or funny, and that private information should stay private.
- Display the pages around the room. Players walk through the gallery and notice things they have in common.
- Return to the group and invite, rather than require, each person to read one line.
Keep it comfortable
Avoid asking children to rank themselves or disclose family circumstances. Accept drawings, symbols or dictated answers from anyone who prefers them.
Try this variation
Use three prompts for younger children: something I enjoy, something I can do and something I am learning.
What children practise
The activity widens the idea of identity beyond performance and gives children several safe ways to be known.
