Balloon Circle
Balloon Circle: Sharing Power is the Only Way to Keep Afloat is a 30-minute activity where participants collaborate to keep a balloon floating in the air. Participants stand in a circle, close enough so their hands can touch. They can bump it with their hands or other body parts as long as it stays in the air and doesn’t touch the ground. After one person touches it, they cannot touch it again until two other people have touched it. Facilitator uses a timer to keep track of how long the balloon stays afloat, and can add additional balloons for an additional challenge.
Planning and Preparation: This is a 30-minute activity that can be done with 10-12 participants; if you have more, consider splitting into smaller groups. You’ll need balloons of various colors (up to three per group) and a stopwatch or other method of tracking time. An indoor space with a high ceiling is ideal, because wind can make doing it outdoors challenging.
Developmental Relationship Element: Share Power.
CASEL Competencies: communication, negotiating, collaborating, self-management, relationship skills, responsible decision-making.
Objective: Build and strengthen relationships among participants. Deepen understanding of Share Power in Search Institute’s developmental relationships framework.
Activity
Balloon Circle
Resource Audience
Resource Type
Read Time
Participants
# of Participants
Task Group Size
Task Length
More Activities to Build Strong Relationships in Your Classroom or Group

Resources
Telephone Pictionary
This classic group activity helps your young people practice listening and learn about each others sparks.

Guide
Social Capital Assessment + Learning for Equity (SCALE) Measures
The Social Capital Assessment + Learning for Equity (SCALE) Measures User Guide and Technical Manual are tools that help organizations build social capital.

Activity
What Makes You Happy?
Activity where participants share their deep interests, talents, or activities — their sparks — with a group.
Related Resources on Relational Practices

Report / Brief
Developmental Assets Framework
The developmental assets framework identifies 40 research-based, positive experiences and qualities that influence young people’s development.

Tool / Playbook
DR + Math Toolkit
The DR + Math Toolkit supports and encourages math tutors and educators in building culturally responsive developmental relationships with young people.

Activity
Letter for Your Future Self
Activity where participants write a letter to their future self about what they can do in the present to work toward their goals.