I Appreciate My Neighbour

Name and Purpose

I Appreciate My Neighbour is an energetic circle mixer that celebrates what players have in common.
Players practise quick movement, listening, and recognising each other with warmth and humour.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 10-40 players | 10-20 minutes | Large open area; gym or field with room for the full group in a circle

Materials

Chairs or personal place markers (backpacks, cones, folded towels) — one per player, minus one
Optional: cones to mark the outer boundary for larger groups

Quick-Run Card

Set up a circle of markers with one fewer than the number of players.
One volunteer steps to the centre without a marker.
Caller says: “I appreciate my neighbour because they are [a shared trait]” (e.g., “wearing something blue”).
Everyone who matches moves to a new marker at least two spots away. Caller also moves for a spot.
The player left without a marker is the new caller.

Setup and Boundaries

How to Play

Everyone stands behind a marker in the circle. One volunteer moves to the centre.
Centre player says: “I appreciate my neighbour because they [shared trait].”
Everyone who matches the description moves to a new marker at least two spots away from their starting position.
The centre player also moves for any open marker.
The player left without a marker becomes the new centre player and caller.
Continue for as many rounds as the group is enjoying. End with a final call that brings everyone together (e.g., “I appreciate my neighbour because they are here with me today!”).

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Move quickly, make bold calls, and celebrate every match
S (Support): Cheer the caller; help players find open markers when the round is hectic
Q (Quiet): Move calmly at a walk; choose a low-key description when in the centre
O (Observer): Watch one round from the side of the circle; step in when ready

Inclusion Adaptations

Calls should focus on preferences, experiences, and clothing details — not physical characteristics or abilities
Walk-only rule ensures the pace is accessible for all movement levels

Stewardship Moment

Use existing backpacks or water bottles as markers so no new materials are needed.
Reflection: “Every time someone called a trait, hands went up. What does that tell you about this group?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “In this game the person in the centre calls out something that might be true about others in the group. You move if it applies to you. You are never required to move if a call does not feel right for you. For those not comfortable being in the centre, swapping with a volunteer is always fine.”
Mid-game check: After 5-6 rounds, pause briefly. “Thumbs up, sideways, or down — how are we doing?”
Opt-out/re-entry: Any player can sit at the edge of the circle for a round. They re-enter at the start of the next round.

Risks and Mitigation

Collisions when many players move at once: walk rule; staff models it; keep the circle large enough
A call that accidentally singles out or embarrasses a player: coach callers to keep descriptions positive and general
Centre player stuck for multiple rounds: offer a prompt card with starter ideas

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Name and Colour”: each person says their name and a colour they are wearing
“Two-Second Wave”: everyone walks the circle and waves to each person they pass in two seconds or less

Debrief Questions

What? “What was a call where more people moved than you expected?”
So What? “How does it feel to be seen and appreciated, even for a small thing like wearing blue?”
Now What? “How can you notice and appreciate something about a teammate every day this week?”

Cleanup and Reset