OVERVIEW
Last night students were introduced to the two ways to deal with pressure—healthy and harmful—and then in small group, they identified pressures they are facing each day. In this small group time, you’ll dive further into how students might be turning to harmful ways to deal with pressure and why that isn’t the best option.
OPENING GAME (OPTIONAL)
Instructions: We’re going to play a game, and I want you to pay attention to how it feels, not just who wins. Each of you is going to have a balloon tied to your ankle. At first it might feel fine, but as the game goes on, things get louder, faster, and more intense. After the game, we’re going to talk about how this connects to pressure—the kind we feel every day at school, with friends, online, and at home.
How to Play: Have each student inflate one balloon (medium size—not overfilled). Tie the balloon securely to one ankle using the string. Have everyone spread out in a large, open space. (Take this game outside if that’s best for your host home, or use walking only instead of running. You can also shrink the play area but limit the number of players at one time. Split into two heats, then have winners face off.)
Students try to pop other players’ balloons by stepping on them. At the same time, students should protect their own balloon. If your balloon pops, you’re out and step to the side.
The game continues until one student remains with their balloon unpopped.
Rules: No pushing, grabbing, or kicking—only stomping balloons. Stay inside the designated area. Play safely and respectfully.
WATCH
CONVERSATION STARTERS
So far this weekend, what have you learned about pressure?
If your group played the balloon stomp game, discuss these questions:
How did you feel when the game first started?
How did it feel when more balloons were popping around you?
Did it feel harder to protect your balloon as time went on?
GROUP ACTIVITY
First, lay out the activity cards on the floor or table, GRAY SIDE UP (harmful ways to deal with pressure).
Start the conversation:
These are some harmful ways to deal with pressure.
Look at the cards and count how many you’ve turned to deal with pressure. Share that number with the group.
Think back to a time you were facing a lot of pressure. What was going on, and how did you deal with that pressure?
(Example: I had a big end-of-quarter test last year. I was really overwhelmed with how much work needed to be done for the study guide that I procrastinated studying for days. In the end, I was more overwhelmed.)
When you’ve used harmful ways to deal with pressure, how did they leave you feeling in the moment? The next day? Did they help or only add more pressure?
WRAP UP
Do you feel like you are facing pressure today?
Leaders, thank students for sharing with you and let them know that you’re there for them and that your small group will be there for them.
Close in prayer.