The Statue Game
A simple game to practice focus, self-control, and mindfulness.
Mindful Movement and Skilled Attention
A study by Clark et al. (2015) indicates that controlled physical efforts can improve behavioral impulses, while attentiveness can be improved “via lessons that challenge the coordination of attention.”
In simple terms, practicing mindful movement and skilled attention (focal points of the Statue Game) can help kids manage impulsive behaviors. Most kids struggle with some degree of impulsivity, but kids with ADHD may particularly benefit from games that exercise self-control.
How to Play:
This game can be played with 2 or more people.
First, choose one person to be the observer. The other players will be statues.
The observer gets to set the scene by describing the environment. Where are we today? Describe the location using the 5 senses.
Example: We are in a garden. We see: lush flowers and playful squirrels. We hear: colorful song birds. We feel: warm sun and soft grass. We taste: sweet honey. We smell: fragrant roses.
When the scene is set, the observer turns their back to the statues and counts to 10 out loud. While the observer is counting, the statues may move around the room. When the observer gets to 10, the statues must strike a pose and freeze.
The observer may move around the room inspecting the statues. When the observer looks away, the statues may move, but they must freeze again before the observer sees them.
If a statue is caught moving, they are “out.” The last person standing gets to be the next observer.
Note: Because it often becomes an issue, remind kids that small movements are unavoidable and statues are allowed to blink and breathe without penalty!
Talking Points:
After the game, gather to talk about how it felt to play.
Did you prefer being the observer or the statue? Why?
How did you feel when you got “out?”
Was it hard to stay still when the observer was watching?
What did you like about this game?
What didn’t you like about this game?
What’s the Point?
This game helps kids practice the following:
Intentional Movement
Impulse Control
Sustained Attention
“Bodily movement has long been employed as a foundation for cultivating mental skills such as attention, self-control or mindfulness, with recent studies documenting the positive impacts of mindful movement training (Clark et al., 2015).”
The Statue Game employs the mind-body connection in a playful, engaging way to help kids develop these essential skills.
Check our our printable yoga sequence for more mindful movement activities!
RESOURCES
Clark, D., Schumann, F., & Mostofsky, S. H. (2015). Mindful movement and skilled attention. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2015.00297
