Hands-on Group Activities for Self-Esteem

The key to successful hands-on group activities for self-esteem is to offer praise throughout the activity. Provide challenging activities that end with a sense of accomplishment for everyone involved. Everyone is a winner in hands-on group activities.

Function of the Activities

• The function of hands-on group activities for self-esteem is to enable participants to feel better about themselves during and after the activity is complete. The group leader provides positive feedback. A sense of accomplishment, belonging and team bonding are the primary functions of these types of activities.

Bumper Bowling

• Set up the bowling lane with bumpers to prevent any gutter balls. The group plays as a team. Each person is high-fived after each roll. Set a team goal for the total number of pins for the group to knock down by the end of the game.

Candy Game

• Five or more participants sit in a circle with 10 pieces of candy each. The first person states something positive about themselves or a talent they possess. Any group member with the same trait gives the person a piece of candy and a pat on the back.

Self-Esteem Gauntlet

• Arrange the participants into two equal standing lines with space between them. Have one person go through the center. Group members on both sides to give high-five signs, hugs, pat on the back, smiles and words of praise.

Human Sculpture Game

• The group leader calls out a situation or event. For example, the leader calls out the phrase standing in line to check out a library book. The group participants talk to one another about how to pose together to act out the situation and freeze in their positions.