Here’s a therapeutic twist on the classic Go Fish card game. Self-control and impulse control are issues for many kids in school. This game helps children to take charge of their impulses instead of their impulses taking charge of them. Utilizes proven techniques for improving self control, including pausing to think about possible consequences, delaying gratification, self-talk, and problem solving strategies.
Includes two decks of 50 cards (one deck for grades K–2, the other for grades 3–5). Each card poses an open-ended question that the player must answer before he or she can request Henry Herring, Markey Mackerel, or any other fish needed for a match. Familiar and fun, Go Fish is an easy, affordable way for children to improve their social and emotional skills.
by Franklin Rubenstein, PhD
Sample cards:
| Topics: | Impulse Control / ADHD |
| Recommended ages: | Ages 6 through 10 |
| Grade level: | Grades K through 5 |
| Players: | 2 - 5 |
Therapists say this Go Fish-style game is a useful, effective counseling tool for elementary students. Kids and clients enjoy playing, and many like the prompts/questions, describing them as excellent and easy to understand. It’s also easy to learn, and the format means students only read/answer the cards they draw or request. No recurring drawbacks were mentioned.
