Forehead Challenge

Name and Purpose

• Forehead Challenge is a silly, low-stakes individual challenge played in a group setting.
• It builds confidence through shared laughter and personal persistence.

a.k.a.

• After Eight Challenge, Forehead Flip

Age / Group / Time / Space

• Ages 8-16 | 6-30 players | 10-15 minutes | Small indoor or outdoor space; participants seated

Materials

• One small flat item per player: a clean coin, flat button, or folded sticky note work well.
• Optional: thin mints or wafer cookies for groups where food use is appropriate and no dietary concerns exist.
• Chairs or a flat seated surface for each player.

Quick-Run Card

1. Give each player one small flat item.
2. Players tilt their heads back and balance the item on their forehead.
3. On go, each player tries to move the item to their mouth using only facial muscles. No hands.
4. Celebrate every attempt, successful or not.
5. Debrief: what surprised you about the challenge?

Setup and Boundaries

• Arrange chairs in a loose circle or rows so players can see each other.
• Signal: a raised hand means pause. A clap means stop and look up.
• Check that players are seated stably before beginning.

How to Play

1. Describe the challenge: tilt your head back, balance your item on your forehead, and try to move it to your mouth using only your face. No hands.
2. Give everyone a moment to get settled and comfortable.
3. Call go. Players attempt the challenge at their own pace.
4. Staff narrate effort out loud: Nice focus. Great attempt. Look at that concentration.
5. After a first round, players may try again or swap to the Support role and cheer others on.
6. There is no winner or loser. The goal is the attempt.

I-OPt Options

• A (Active): Attempt the full challenge independently.
• S (Support): Cheer for others, call out encouragement, track how many players succeed.
• Q (Quiet): Attempt the challenge without spectators by facing slightly away from the group.
• O (Observer): Watch the first round, then decide whether to join in round two.

Inclusion Adaptations

• Players who prefer not to tilt their heads back can place the item on the back of their hand and try to flip it to their palm instead.
• Larger, lighter items (like a folded sticky note) are easier for players who want a more achievable version.

Stewardship Moment

• Using coins or buttons means nothing is wasted. Collect all items after play for reuse.
• Reflection: We got just as much fun out of a coin as we would have from a whole box of chocolates. What does that say about what makes something enjoyable?

Consent

• Pre-brief: This is a solo challenge done together. You are only competing with yourself. For those not comfortable tilting their heads back, the hand-flip version is another great option.
• Mid-game check: After round one, check in: thumbs up, sideways, or down. Want another round?
• Opt-out/re-entry: Players can watch and cheer at any point. Rejoin by simply picking up an item.

Risks and Mitigation

• If using food: confirm no dietary restrictions or allergies before play.
• Tipping backward in chair: ensure chairs are stable and players sit well back in the seat.
• Public embarrassment from failing: staff narrate effort positively, never mock dropped items.

Warm-Up Suggestions

• Eyebrow Wiggle Race: who can wiggle their eyebrows the fastest? Gets faces warmed up.
• Silly Face Mirror: pairs mirror each other’s faces for 30 seconds.

Debrief Questions

• What? What strategy did you try? Did it work?
• So What? What did it feel like to try something awkward in front of others?
• Now What? When in real life do you have to focus and try something that feels a little ridiculous?

Cleanup and Reset

• Collect all coins or buttons and store for reuse.
• If food was used, collect any wrappers and dispose responsibly.