youthspeakoutint.orgHot Potato Appreciation
Reminding ourselves of what we appreciate allows us to think about what it would be like if we did not have it. Many young children and even adults say they appreciate their technology and digital devices. Aside from technology, think about all the things you are thankful for in your life. Some examples are mom, dad, grandparents, school, teachers, and great friends. In this activity, participants will toss around a round object that represents the “hot potato” that is too hot to hold or handle. Each person who catches the object must share who or what they appreciate and quickly toss the object to another player. To make this activity more exciting and engaging, family members can add claps or chants during the activity as the object gets tossed around.
Begin by choosing the appropriate grade level for the child or children in your family:
What You Will Need
- Any round household object (similar to a potato)
- Family members
Activity
- Parents or guardians, begin the activity by holding the object and saying, “Hot potato, hot potato! What are you thankful for?” (This question only needs to be asked once to start the activity.)
- Toss the object to another participant. They will catch it and pretend it is too hot to hold.
- Whenever someone catches the object, they will tell the group what they are thankful for. For example, they might say, “Mommy and Daddy!” or “Sunny day!”
- Repeat this process (tossing the object from one person to another) until everyone participating has had a chance to catch it and share what they are thankful for.
- Optional: Take a photo of your family enjoying this activity or record a video showcasing who you appreciate and why you appreciate them.
Talk About It
Here are some things your family can talk about as you play this game:
- What are you most thankful for?
- What did you feel thankful for yesterday? Do you think you’ll feel thankful about something new tomorrow?
- What can you do to help someone else feel thankful today?
What You Will Need
- Any round household object (similar to a potato)
- Family members
Activity
- Begin the activity by holding the object and saying, “Hot potato, hot potato! What do you appreciate?” (This question only needs to be asked once to start the activity.)
- Toss the object to another participant. They will catch it and pretend it is too hot to hold.
- Whenever someone catches the object, they will tell the group what they are thankful for. For example, they might say, “Mommy and Daddy!” or “Sunny day!”
- Repeat this process (tossing the object from one person to another) until everyone participating has had a chance to catch it and share what they are thankful for.
- Optional: Take a photo of your family enjoying this activity or record a video showcasing who you appreciate and why you appreciate them.
Talk About It
Here are some things your family can talk about as you play this game:
- What are you most grateful for? Why?
- How does it feel to think about the things you appreciate?
- Do you think you would have a different response in one year? Five years? How about ten years? When you grow up, what do you think you will appreciate most?
What You Will Need
- Any round household object (similar to a potato)
- Family members
Activity
- Begin the activity by holding the object and saying, “Hot potato, hot potato! What do you appreciate?” (This question only needs to be asked once to start the activity.)
- Toss the object to another participant. They will catch it and pretend it is too hot to hold.
- Whenever someone catches the object, they will tell the group what they are thankful for. For example, they might say, “Mommy and Daddy!” or “Sunny day!”
- Repeat this process (tossing the object from one person to another) until everyone participating has had a chance to catch it and share what they are thankful for.
- Optional: Take a photo of your family enjoying this activity or record a video showcasing who you appreciate and why you appreciate them.
Talk About It
Here are some things your family can talk about as you play this game:
- Was it difficult to come up with responses? How fast were you able to say what you appreciate?
- What was the first thing that came to mind when you considered who or what you appreciate? What person first came to mind?
- With more time, can you think of more things you appreciate that you’d like to share?
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