Go Fish: Swimming Toward Self Control Card Game

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:

• Name two ways to keep control of your temper
• Think about the pause button on the remote control for your TV. If you had a pause button for yourself, how might it help you.
• How do you feel when you have done something and really wish you hadn't?