This game is a variation of the classic Italian children’s game Strega Comanda Colore, where instead of finding a specific colour, children must express or act out emotions to avoid being caught by the “witch” (the chaser). It helps children develop emotional awareness in a playful and engaging way.

Skill focus

Primary Skill Focus

• Emotional awareness, regulation and communication

Complementary/Secondary Skill Focus

• Empathy
• Resilience
• Creativity

Age group	Student number	Duration
6-10 years old	6 to 20 children	15-25 minutes

How to play – brief game rules

1. Select one child to be the “Witch” and have them stand in the centre of the playing area (indoor or outdoor).
2. The rest of the children move around freely, walking or skipping within the space, making sure to stay alert.
3. At a chosen moment, the Witch loudly calls out:

Witch commands emotion… [name of an emotion]!”

(For example: “Witch commands emotion… joy!”)

4. All other children must immediately stop and express the emotion through:

• Facial expression (e.g., a big smile for joy)
• Body language (e.g., jumping with excitement)
• A short, mimed situation (e.g., pretending to open a birthday gift)

5. While they express the emotion, the Witch tries to tag someone before they begin their expression.
6. If a child is tagged before expressing the emotion, they become “frozen” and must stand still in place.
7. Another player can unfreeze the frozen child by:

• Touching them
• Saying a real-life situation where someone might feel that emotion
  (e.g., “You feel joy when your dog runs to greet you!”)

8. The game continues with new emotions chosen by the Witch each round.
9. After a few rounds, rotate roles so that different children have the chance to be the Witch.
10. The game ends when each child has had a turn or after a set time limit.