Three Wishes Magic Wand
Three Wishes Magic Wand: Affirming Wishes to Express Care is a 30-minute activity where participants take turns sharing a wish they have for their life. The rest of the group listens and writes down positive words of encouragement for the person who shared.
Our research shows that words of encouragement are important for expressing care in relationships. This activity helps participants learn to express care for each other by affirming each other’s wishes.
Planning and Preparation: This 30-minute activity works with 6-8 participants. You will need a magic wand (could be a toy wand, a cool-looking talking stick, a decorated pencil or stick, or any item that can be passed), blank index cards, pens or pencils, colorful sticky notes, a white board or poster paper, and a timer (optional). Works best in a space where the whole group can sit in a circle and hear one another. Facilitators should set expectations for the group to be supportive so that participants feel comfortable sharing. Some participants may need followup afterwards.
Developmental Relationship Element: Express Care.
CASEL Competencies: listening, giving/receiving feedback, communication, self-awareness, social awareness, relationship skills.
Objective: Build and strengthen relationships among participants and between participants and leaders. Deepen understanding of Express Care within Search Institute's developmental relationships framework.
Activity
Three Wishes Magic Wand
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
Podcast
Rooted in Relationships: Episode 2.8 Jessica Calarco
Episode 2.8 - Jessica Calarco - Bridging the Gap: Building trust by offering help
Activity
Strengthening Young People’s Web of Support
Support young people in identifying relationships and connections that they may want to strengthen.
Webinar
State of Developmental Assets Webinar 2024
Join us as we explore the State of Developmental Assets in this annual webinar.
Related Resources on Relational Practices
Activity
So You Think You Can Listen?
A relationship-building activity where participants take turns sharing about themselves and sharing positive words about the person who shares.
Report / Brief
Impactful Practices and Strategies in Out-of-School Time Programs: Relationships are the Work
Impactful practices in out-of-school time programs, with practical strategies to strengthen relationships, youth voice, belonging, and opportunity.
Measure / Assessment / Evaluation
Youth Opportunity Checkup
A self-reflection and conversation tool designed for leaders and staff to assess the core domains of becoming a social capital promoting organization.