In a Pinch – Positivity 21

“Positivity 21” classroom counting game is a simple yet fun game often used for team-building, decision-making, or as an icebreaker. Here’s how to play:

Objective: The goal is NOT to be the person who says “21”.
Setup: Players stand or sit in a circle.
Time: A complete game with 20 students takes about 5 minutes.

Directions:

1. One player starts by saying the number “1”. The next player can say up to three numbers in sequence. For example, the second player can choose to say just “2” or “2, 3” or “2, 3, 4”.
2. Play continues around the circle, each player saying up to three numbers in sequence.
3. The player forced to say “21” is eliminated.

Build in Positivity: The person who says “20” compliments the eliminated student. Consider offering ten ideas for a compliment if a student needs help thinking of one.

Variations:

• To make the game more challenging, change the rules so players can say between one and four numbers or pick a different target number.
• Instead of counting to 21, count by multiples of a number. “Count to 49 by 7’s” or “Count to 36 by 6’s” are perfect examples (and perfect squares!)

-Edtomorrow Team