Tapestry of Faith: Love Surrounds Us: A Program on the UU Principles and Beloved Community for Grades K-1

Activity 3: Forgiveness Fun Game

Activity time: 10 minutes

Preparation for Activity

  • Clear an open space.

Description of Activity

This adaptation of the game Red Light, Green Light gives participants a chance to relax while saying the words "I forgive you" and "You are forgiven."

Explain the game: One person, designated "It" or "the stoplight," faces away from the rest of the group. The group lines up as far as they can get from the stoplight. When the stoplight yells "Forgiveness" all participants can move forward. As they move they say, "We forgive you." This will help the stoplight hear when participants get closer. The stoplight can turn around and yell, "Stop!" anytime to stop the movement forward. The stoplight should wait until all others have stopped moving forward, then turn away from the group again, saying, "Forgiveness." The first player to touch the stoplight gets to be the next stoplight.

Process the game after several times. Ask participants:

  • When we play games, do we always forgive people who are the winners?
  • What are some ways that our games can treat others fairly?

Including All Participants

Participants with accessibility issues can use whatever form of movement works best for them. When the age span is great, it helps to have the stoplight ("It") or a leader vary the movement actions forward. Skipping, hopping, jumping or galloping will all work.