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
Activity
Spot-Check
Student Voice, Spot Check
Activity
Navigating by Our Stars
A downloadable activity where participants reflect and write about their deeply held values and write a message to a younger person to share their values.
Resources
Relational Culture Checkup
The Relational Culture Checkup is a tool for self-reflection designed for leaders and staff to learn about the relational culture of their organization.
Related Resources on Relational Practices
Resources
Infusing Trust-Building into Meetings (E2E)
Learn about the integral role trust plays in educator relationships and gain strategies for trust-building with colleagues.
Report / Brief
Mentoring Relationships as Catalysts for Strengthening Youth Social Capital
How developmentally strong mentoring relationships impact youth's lives including their social capital.
Guide
How to Use the Activities and Approaches
A brief guide to facilitating and using the activities and approaches designed for classroom and group settings.