Compliment Tag Facilitation Guide Compliment Tag
Boost Self-Esteem through Play
Time
60 MIN
OBJECTIVE
Boost self-esteem and foster a positive environment while being physically active through the giving and receiving of positive affirmations.
MATERIALS
Open space for running
Soft foam ball
Compliment Spark Sheets
Reflection Sheets
AUDIENCE
Achievers (Ages 9-10)
Perfect for building social-emotional skills in active learners.
Phase 1: Icebreaker (10 min)
Compliment Ball Toss
Gather students in a circle. Model the activity by tossing a ball to a student and giving a genuine compliment (e.g., "You have a great smile!"). The catcher tosses it to someone else with a new compliment. Continue until everyone has received one.
Tip: Encourage eye contact when giving the compliment to make it more impactful.
Phase 2: Introduction (10 min)
Explain that the class will play Compliment Tag .
In this version, tagging someone isn't "out"—it's an opportunity to lift them up!
Emphasize that compliments must be genuine and specific .
The tagged person becomes "it" only after receiving their affirmation.
Phase 3: The Game (40 min)
1. Start: Choose one student to be "It."
2. Chase: "It" chases others in the designated safe zone.
3. Tag & Affirm: When tagged, "It" stops and gives a clear compliment. (e.g., "You are a great friend!")
4. The Switch: The receiver acknowledges the compliment and becomes the new "It."
5. Monitor: Watch for students who haven't been tagged and nudge "It" to head their way.
Phase 4: Wrap-Up (10 min)
Gather back in a circle for a final reflection:
"How did it feel to give a compliment while playing?"
"Which compliment really made your day?"
"Why do positive affirmations matter?"
Compliment Tag Reflection Sheet Post-Game Reflection
Compliment Tag Activity
Name:
Date:
1
How did you feel when you received a compliment during the game?
2
How did you feel when you gave a compliment to someone else?
3
What was the most memorable compliment you received or gave today? Why?
"One kind word can change someone's entire day."
Compliment Tag Spark Sheet Compliment Spark Sheet
Brainstorm ideas before the game!
Name:
Sometimes it's hard to think of a great compliment when you're running fast! Use this sheet to brainstorm some ideas so you're ready to "spark" someone's day during the game.
Personality
Examples: Brave, Kind, Creative, Patient
Skills & Talents
Examples: Fast runner, Great listener, Good at math
Helping Others
Examples: Always shares, Includes everyone, Helpful partner
Just Because
Examples: Great energy, Makes me laugh, Awesome style
Game Rule #1
Make it Genuine!
A real compliment is always better than a fake one. Look for the true strengths in your classmates!
Compliment Tag Slides Compliment Tag
The game where everyone wins!
Fast Action
Positive Energy
Compliment Ball Toss
Before we run, let's practice our Affirmation Skills.
1
Toss the ball to a classmate.
2
Give them a genuine compliment.
3
They catch it, smile, and pass it on!
"I love how you always share your supplies with others!"
HOW TO PLAY
01
CHASE
The person who is "It" tries to tag their classmates in the safe zone.
02
TAG & TALK
When you tag someone, you must give them a specific compliment.
03
SWITCH
The person you tagged becomes the NEW "It" and starts chasing!
Need an Idea?
Character
"You are so kind to everyone!"
"You are an amazing listener!"
"I love your creative ideas!"
"You're always so helpful!"
Effort
"You work so hard in class!"
"I'm impressed by your focus!"
"You are a great teammate!"
"You never give up!"
Cool Down & Chat
"How did it feel when you received a compliment during the game?"
"How did it feel when you gave a compliment?"
"Why do words have so much power?"
