Case Study: Circus Skills Day – A Creative Approach to Teaching Decider Life Skills
Overview
Skills+ North Wales recently hosted a vibrant and inclusive Circus Skills Day at Longfields, made possible through generous fundraising. The event brought together young people from Action for Children services and Skills+ participants for a day that blended fun, creativity, and emotional learning.
Creative Approach
The day began with a high-energy circus workshop, where young people explored juggling, plate spinning, diabolo, and flower sticks. This playful environment helped build trust, confidence, and group cohesion—laying the groundwork for deeper emotional learning.
Following the physical activities, participants transitioned into a calm, reflective space to engage with Decider Life Skills. These sessions were designed to be accessible and engaging, using real-life scenarios and interactive discussions to teach practical strategies for emotional regulation, decision-making, and resilience.
Some of the skills taught
During the sessions, young people learned and practiced key Decider Skills including:
The 54321 Skill – a grounding technique that helps manage anxiety and bring attention to the present moment by focusing on five senses.
The Fizz Skill – a strategy to identify rising emotional tension (“the fizz”) and take action before it escalates, promoting self-awareness and emotional control.
These skills were taught through relatable examples, group discussion, and hands-on activities that made the learning both fun and memorable.
Innovative Integration
One standout moment was the biscuit decorating activity, which creatively reinforced emotional literacy. Using icing and decorations, participants expressed different emotions learned during the Decider sessions. Turning each biscuit into a visual representation of their inner world. This hands-on approach made abstract concepts tangible and memorable.
Feedback & Impact
Young people responded positively to the Decider sessions, with many sharing how the skills helped them feel more in control and confident. One participant said:
“I didn’t know there were actual steps I could take when I feel overwhelmed. Now I’ve got something I can do instead of just getting angry.”
Another added:
“The biscuit activity helped me talk about feelings without it being awkward. It was fun but also made me think.”
To support continued self-care, each attendee received a self-soothe bag filled with calming items and reminders of the skills they learned, encouraging them to apply Decider strategies beyond the event.
Conclusion
This event demonstrated how creative, experiential learning can enhance the delivery of Decider Life Skills. By embedding emotional education into a fun and supportive environment, Skills+ empowered young people with tools for lifelong wellbeing. The Circus Skills Day is a powerful example of how Decider Skills can be adapted to suit diverse groups and settings, making emotional learning both accessible and impactful.