When I Lose a Game is a child-friendly social story and activity pack designed to help children understand and manage their emotions when they lose during play. This printable resource supports emotional regulation, social skills, and positive behaviour by encouraging respectful reactions, calming strategies, and good sportsmanship.
The pack includes a simple, reassuring story that explains that losing is a normal part of playing games and that it is okay to feel disappointed. It then guides children through helpful responses, such as taking a deep breath, saying “Good game!”, and staying kind—even when they feel upset.
Alongside the story, this extended activity pack includes a wide variety of interactive worksheets and practical tools to help children learn, practise and reflect on their responses:
Activities include:
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“How I Feel When I Win or Lose” drawing and emotion-labelling worksheet
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Two pages of calming strategies, with over 40 practical ideas children can try when feeling frustrated or overwhelmed
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Helpful vs Unhelpful Reactions sorting task to reinforce respectful behaviour after losing
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Role-play cards with real-life scenarios to practise kind and calm responses
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A comic strip worksheet to help children reflect on what happened during a difficult game and what they could do next time
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A fill-in-the-blanks activity to build emotional awareness and coping strategies
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A printable certificate to celebrate staying calm and kind when losing
This resource is ideal for:
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Teaching sportsmanship and emotional regulation in primary school settings
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Use with children who find it hard to lose games or take turns
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One-to-one behaviour or mentoring work
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Nurture groups, SEND support or play therapy
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Foster care, early help, and family-based emotional support work
When I Lose a Game helps children learn that they can feel proud of themselves—not just when they win, but when they respond with kindness and self-control. It is a valuable tool for teaching emotional resilience and social responsibility in a fun, accessible way.
