Thumball Conversation Starters

Thumball is a soft stuffed ball to throw, roll, or pass in a circle or randomly. Catch it! Look under your thumb. Respond to the prompt. Kids absolutely love this interactive tool that will get them talking and sharing. Without even knowing it, you will be encouraging the use of interpersonal skills including taking turns, eye contact, listening, responding, valuing similarities and respecting individual differences! We have a bunch of different categories for you to choose from, so check out what we have and pick the best option for you! All thumballs are 4″ in diameter (except when noted otherwise).

ANGER MANAGEMENT – Players read and respond to prompts about how to gain insights about different types of anger, and increase anger control skills. Discussion may include anger buttons, levels of frustration, “Know-Before-I-Blow”, un-stressing skills, consequences and benefits of self-control.

BEST, WORST, FIRST –  Helps to stimulate conversations about player’s best, worst or first life experiences. Great conversation starter and team builder. Blue/White, 32 panels.

EMPATHY – Players respond to prompts on this ball around the topic of empathy. They are encouraged to discuss how to stand in someone else’s shoes, show good listening, and make skillful statements to others as they experience any of several emotions. The Thumball offers a fun way for students to discuss the topic of empathy which affects them personally, socially, and academically. Empathy training should be a fundamental part of any anti-bullying program. When students learn to better understand and appreciate the feelings and perspectives of others, they become less likely to be bullies and more willing to reach out to any of their peers who might be bully victims.

ICE BREAKER –  The name says it all! One of the best Icebreakers ever! Learn more about yourself and others with participation in this team building activity. Allows adults of all ages to get to know each other. Great for parties at home out around town corporate training and team building, counseling, and therapy. Silver/Black 32 panels Thumball (6″).

MOVE YOUR BODY – Throw it. Catch it. Respond to the panel under your thumb. Increase physical activity by acting out the movements used when playing sports enjoying hobbies and performing exercises. Enhances co-ordination and activates muscle groups. Use sitting in a chair standing up or full body expression in the gym. Great prompts for charades and improvisational games. Teal/Yellow 32 panel Thumball. All ages.

MY ABCS – A perfect choice for teachers parents and game-lovers everywhere. Associate letter symbols with their sound. Access specific words with beginning sounds and increase challenge by requiring words to be from specified categories. A great tool for anyone learning their letters or working on speech. Multi-colored 32 panel Thumball.

NUMBERS – Multi-colored 12 panels Numbers Thumball to improve counting number identification and one to one correspondence. Create and solve addition subtraction and multiplication equations.

PERSONAL STRENGTHS – Kids absolutely love this interactive tool that will get them talking and sharing. Without even knowing it, you will be encouraging the use of interpersonal skills including taking turns, eye contact, listening, responding, valuing similarities and respecting individual differences. Players are encouraged to discuss how to recognize their assets and how to use them to help deal with school issues and other challenges. It is a fun way for students to discuss how using personal strengths can help with decisions involving friends, succeeding in school, controlling anger and using other good judgement.

SELF-CONTROL – Players are encouraged to discuss self-control and how to use it in social and emotional situations. Topics include recognizing big deals, understanding unhealthy thoughts, avoiding overreacting, calming yourself, and more. This fun way to talk about self-control helps students share their own personal responses and learn to listen and respect the responses of their peers.

VIRTUES AND VALUES – Each letter of the alphabet is represented with 3 words. Choose a characteristic that represents you or another. Discuss attributes you would like to have more or less of. Encourages self-reflection and goal setting. Red/Blue 32 panel Thumball. Age: teens – adults.

WHO ARE YOU? – Fun innovative way for children to get acquainted. Stimulates social conversation and develops inter-personal communication skills. Showing interest in others by asking questions and actively listening to responses lays a foundation for friendships and improved relationships. Green/Blue 32 panel Thumball.