World Smile Day / Try Not to Smile Challenge
Try Not to Smile Challenge
Pairs face each other while one tries to make the other smile with silly faces, voices and jokes, with no touching allowed.
How to run it
- Sit children in pairs facing each other.
- One partner keeps a straight face while the other has 30 seconds to make them smile without touching.
- Swap roles, then rotate to new partners.
- Finish with a whole-group round where one child is 'it' in the middle.
You will need
- timer
Make it easier or harderYounger children can play for 10 seconds with an educator as partner; older children can only use facial expressions, with no sounds.
SafetySet a clear 'no touching, kind jokes only' rule before starting.
My Time Our Place · Outcome 3, Outcome 5Children share laughter and practise non-verbal communication, supporting positive relationships and wellbeing.
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