Tapestry of Faith: Sing to the Power: A Social Justice Program for Children Grades 4-5

Activity 2: Angel Presence Game

Activity time: 8 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Optional: Scarves or other fabric to cover eyes

Preparation for Activity

  • Find or create a large, open space to play this game.

Description of Activity

Choose one participant to be the first "angel." Have the others spread out, and stand with their hands at their sides and their eyes closed or covered. The "angel" chooses one person and quietly moves to stand behind them, stretching their arms over the person's shoulders without touching them. At any time, if a participant believes the "angel" is standing over them, they say "I feel an angel." If they are correct, they become the next "angel." If they are incorrect, the current "angel" continues. If an "angel" stands over a person for 10 seconds without being noticed, the "angel" taps that person on the shoulder and they sit down until a new person becomes the "angel." If one person remains as "angel" for too long, have that person select the next "angel." Play until everyone has a chance to be the "angel."

After the game, invite participants to reflect on the experience with questions such as:

  • How could you tell when there was an "angel" present?
  • Are there times when just having someone with you makes a difference, even if they don't say anything? Why do you think that is?

Including All Participants

If any participant uses a wheelchair, have everyone sit rather than stand. If a participant uses an electric wheelchair or crutches which make it impossible for them to approach silently as the "angel," have participants form a semi-circle at arms' length around the seated "angel," extend their arms, then close or cover their eyes. Instruct this "angel" to become present to one participant by hovering their hands over the arms of the person they select.