This is a team-based adaptation of Colour Jenga where students take turns removing a block from a Jenga tower and placing it on top without collapsing it. Each block colour is linked to a Connectedness category, so when a colour is drawn, the team completes a fast “buddy-system” prompt (10–20 seconds). The tower may still fall – but the real goal is to practice belonging, support, empathy, and teamwork while staying calm and respectful under pressure.
Skill focus
Primary Skill Focus
- Connectedness
Complementary/Secondary Skill Focus
- Emotional awareness, regulation and communication
- Valuing people and nature
| Age group | Student number | Duration |
| 6–10 years old | 2–24 children (in groups) | 25–40 minutes |
How to play – brief game rules
A) Core rules (kept the same)
- Build the tower in alternating directions.
- Students play in teams (not individuals). Teams sit around the tower.
- On each turn, a team removes one block from below the topmost complete level.
- The team announces the block colour, completes the quick prompt for that colour, then places the block on top.
- If the tower collapses, the class does a short “repair moment,” rebuilds together, and continues.
B) Buddy-System rules (the key adaptation)
To make connectedness the main point, each team has rotating roles:
- Builder (Extractor): carefully removes the block
- Voice: reads the colour prompt + answers briefly
- Buddy (Supporter): gives supportive help (calm reminder, encouragement, notices feelings)
Roles rotate every turn, so every child experiences being supported and supporting others.
Important: The team succeeds together. There is no “blame” if the tower falls—only learning and repairing.”