Joyful Julie

Topic
- Language
Learning skills
- Cooperation
- Language, reading & writing
- Communication & expression
Activity type
- Ball game
Materials
- Basic
- Self-made
Age
- 6 - 11 years
- 12 - 14 years
5 - 15 minutes
+5 players
Easy
Medium
Small (office, pavement)

Contributors

Mobile School

View profile

Everything you need to play this game

Large cardboard or poster board
Magazines, printed images, or drawing supplies
Scissors
Glue
Markers or pens
A soft ball (e.g., foam or beach ball)

Make it yourself

Step 1

Divide the poster into 5 sections

Use a marker or washi tape to clearly mark 5 areas.

Label each section with one category:

🥕 Food
🐶 Animals
🧸 Objects
😊 Emotions
🚗 Transport

Step 2

Fill each category with images

Let the players cut out pictures from magazines, print them, or draw them.

Glue or tape the images under the correct category.

Step 3

Add the local language words

Next to each image, write the word in the local language (e.g., Romanian, Greek, Dutch, etc.)

Use large, clear handwriting.

Step 4

Make it playful and colorful

Decorate with borders, stickers, or fun fonts to make the board visually inviting.

Good job!

A step-by-step guide to play the game

Players form two lines (or a circle if easier for the group).

Place the game poster in a visible spot for everyone.

The first player walks to the poster and points to a picture.

They say the word aloud in their own language (e.g., Arabic, Ukrainian).

They then throw the ball to another player.

The receiving player must say the same word in their own local language.

Now this new player chooses a new image on the board, says the word in their own language and throws the ball to another player, who says it in their own language.

The game continues in a rhythm of speaking, throwing, translating, and laughing!

Extra game information

This game concept was developed by a team of Sanoma during a StreetwiZe leadership expedition in Lanaken, Belgium.

Variations

Same-letter challenge: All chosen words must start with the same letter.
Ball trick: Add a twist before throwing (e.g., spin, bounce, one-eye closed).
Word twins: Find words that sound similar across languages.
Speed round: Set a timer—how many word pairs can the group complete in 2 minutes?

What people said about this game

Be the first to write a review

If you have played this game please help inform other people by giving a review.

Have you played Joyful Julie game?

Don’t hesitate, share your feedback and help others to pick the right games. Tell us how it was and how the children reacted? Or do you have any advice for other players, a fun variation, a possible improvement?