Excellerate Icebreakers Energisers Guide V2012

Quick Icebreakers, Energisers and Team Building Games
A Complimentary DIY Guide for trainers and team leaders

Excellerate Performance www.excellerate.co.nz
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Quick Icebreakers, Energisers and Team Building Games
Icebreakers for Introductions

Simple icebreakers to help participants relax and get to know each other
Games to Get Things Going

Icebreakers, energies and activities to break down barriers and boost energy levels
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Forming Smaller Groups

A few activities to quickly organise participants into smaller groups
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Simple Team Building Games

Energisers and activities suitable for small groups and work teams
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More Advanced Team Building Games

Activities that involve higher levels of trust, risk and physical activity
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Learning Reviews
Activities to close a session and capture learning
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2010 Excellerate Performance | Training and Coaching for Leaders and Teams Check out the website for more free DIY team building resources and tools
www.excellerate.co.nz
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A Quick Word
This compilation is the result of sifting through and collecting hundreds of games and exercises over the years - thanks to the generosity of so many trainers, educators and facilitators who willingly share their ideas in the public domain. In the same spirit, you are welcome use, copy and share this booklet freely as long as it remains in its complete form with the copyright intact. You may not, however, sell or distribute as part of any other product or service for sale. I hope it serves as a useful addition to your own collection while saving you a little time in the never-ending search for ideas to keep training fresh, fun and relevant. Happy learning!
A few quick tips

Plan Ahead Be clear on your goals. Choose the right game for the right group. Prepare for what could go wrong, have a back up plan and be prepared to improvise if the icebreaker isnt working. Make sure your venue and equipment is ready, and always plan for more than youll need Be Safe Emotional and physical safety is always a priority. If people dont want to participate, respect their wishes. Consider involving them as an observer and ask for their feedback when you debrief activities. It is powerful learning and their insights can prove very useful with the wider group. Set Up Success Make sure you have enough time. Always introduce the game by providing clear instructions and demonstrating if required. Explain ground rules clearly and reinforce safety consciousness. Display your ground rules and agreements on a flipchart if necessary. Have Fun Dont limit icebreakers to the beginning of a session. Use them to revitalize a group and maintain high energy and dont let participants stay in cliques or small groups for too long.
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Icebreakers for Introductions

NAME TAGS 1 Props: Provide a wide selection of coloured construction paper, felt, sparkle glue, markers, crayons, glitter, regular glue, pipe cleaners, string, and other props. Procedure As people arrive, ask them to make their nametag. Encourage them to express themselves, and embellish as much as they want. The more fantastic the better! To attach nametags use double sided tape or straight pins. Variation: Create personalised name tent cards NAME TAGS 2 Props 5" x 7" card for a nametag for each person/markers Procedure: Instructions for preparing the nametag 1. Put your name in the centre of your card. 2. In the upper left corner, write four things that you like to do. 3. In the upper right corner, write your four favourite singers or groups. 4. In the lower left corner, write your four favourite movies. 5. In the lower right corner, write four adjectives that describe you. When everyone has finished, get them to mingle with the group for a few minutes. Without talking, they are to read the upper left corner of the other group members' cards. When the time is up, they are to find one or two people who are most like them, introduce themselves and discuss what their commonalities. When time is up, they are to mingle again reading the upper right corner of the other group members' cards. They then find the one or two people most like them. Repeat with the process with lower left corner and lower right corner information. To ensure everyone visits with several people, you could implement a rule that no two people can be in the same group more than once. NAME TAGS 3 Prepare a nametag for each participant and place the nametags in a box. As each participant arrives have them pick a nametag from the box. Participants locate the person whose nametag they drew and introduce themselves. (This is especially useful for larger groups20 or more.) NAME TAG 4 (or Tent Card) "My Slogan" Explain that many organizations have slogans or sayings that reflect their values and are easy for customers to remember. For example, the Coca-Cola Company uses the slogan, Have a Coke and a Smile. Ask each person to write (or borrow) a slogan to describe him or herself and share it with the group
Page |5 NAME TAGS 5 Star Wars Names Props: Nil/Name labels optional Use this before a more active team game eg Balloon Ball or Juggling and then make it a rule that people can only address each other by their Star War Names. Your First Name: Take the First 2 letters of your last name + first 3 letters of your first name Your Last Name: Take the First 2 letters of your Boss' (or wife/flatmate/sports coach/teacher etc) first name + first 3 letters of the city you were born in. For example Trish Tyson from Wellington and Daniel = TyTri Dawell (Tip: if you want people to use these names for the remainder of your session then use quick stick name labels) Two Minute Mix and Mingle Props: Watch/timer and whistle Especially useful when you have limited space and a large group. Ask people to pair up, introduce themselves and chat for 2 minutes with each other about whatever interests them. When 2 minutes are up, blow your whistle. When they hear your signal, everyone is to find a new partner and chat for the next 2 minutes. If you have flexibility, allow enough time for everyone to have 2 minutes with every other person. If you have time after the mixer, ask each person to give his or her name, and share something interesting they learned from someone else. Variation: You can also provide preplanned questions. If you were a comic strip character, who would you be and why? What thought or message would you want to put in a fortune cookie? If you won a lottery ticket and had a million dollars, what would you do with it? Youve been given access to a time machine. Where and when would you travel to? If you could be any superhero and have super powers, which one would you like to have and why? What award would you love to win and for what achievement? If you could transport yourself anywhere instantly, where would you go and why? In your opinion, which animal is the best (or most beautiful) and why? What is one item that you really should throw away, but probably never will? Growing up, what were your favourite toys to play with as a child? If you were an animal, what would you be and why? What is one goal youd like to accomplish during your lifetime? When you were little, who was your favourite super hero and why? Who is your hero? (a parent, a celebrity, an influential person in ones life) Whats your favourite thing to do in the summer?
Page |6 If they made a movie of your life, what would it be about and which actor would you want to play you? If you were an ice cream flavour, which one would you be and why? Whats your favourite cartoon character, and why? If you could visit any place in the world, where would you choose to go and why Whats your ideal dream job? Are you a morning or night person? What are your favourite hobbies? What are your pet peeves or interesting things about you that you dislike? Whats the weirdest thing youve ever eaten? Name one of your favourite things about someone in your family. Tell us about a unique or quirky habit of yours. If someone made a movie of your life would it be a drama, a comedy, a romanticcomedy, action film, or science fiction? Circle of Friends A great greeting (or departure exercise) for a large group who will be spending more than one day together and the opportunity to meet everyone is minimal. Props: Nil Procedure: Form two large circles one inside the other and have the people in the inside circle face the people in the outside circle. Ask the circles to take one step in the opposite directions, allowing them to meet each new person as the circle continues to move very slowly. If you have time ask them to share one of the most important things they want to take away from the day/session or the greatest insight/discovery/action they are taking away from the session/seminar. Secret Celebrity /Cities Props: Prepared Index Cards/tape Procedure: As each participant arrives, tape a 3 x 5 index card on their back with the name of a famous person or city. They must circulate in the room and ask questions that can ONLY be answered with a Yes or No to identify clues that will help them find out the name of the person or city on their index card. Eg Santa Claus, John Wayne, Casablanca, London. Variation: Substitute a variety of well-known TV advertisements for celebritys names.
Page |7 A Great Pair Props: Prepared Name Cards Procedure. Give a slip of paper with the name of a famous people partnerships or couples to each person in the group. E.g. Romeo and Juliet, Bonnie and Clyde, David and Goliath. After all the slips of paper have been distributed, each participant is to find their partner and introduce themselves. Ask them to identify any similarities/characteristics they may share with their famous couples. Motion Name Game Props: Nil Procedure. Have everyone stand in a circle. Anyone can begin by saying his/her name and demonstrating a [physical] motion to go with it. When the person is done, the entire group repeats the name and the motion. Then, the second person (to the left or right) introduces him/herself and does a motion. The entire group repeats that name/motion and then the first name/motion. This continues until each person has given their name and done their motion, and the entire group has repeated everyones name and motions. The Interview Props: Prepared interview questions Procedure: Break the group into two-person teams (have them pick a partner that they know the least about). Have them interview each other for ten fifteen minutes (You can also prepare questions ahead of time or provide general guidelines for the interview). They need to learn about what each other likes about their job, past jobs, family life, hobbies, favourite sport, etc. After the interviews, reassemble the group and have each person introduce their partner to the group Find Your Type Props: Sets of 3x5 cards with matching animals, enough for each person to have a card Procedure: Get the group in a circle and tell them they cant speak. Give each person a card with an animal. Tell them to find their mates by doing something (an action) the animal would do or by making the animals noise. Start them all at the same time. Once theyve found their partner they introduce themselves and ask them to identify any characteristics they may share with their animal. Birthday Party Props: Nil Procedure: Select one person from the group and ask him/her the date of his/her birth. Then declare the current date as that persons birthday. Announce to the group that today is (insert persons name) birthday. Explain to the birthday person that all of these people have been invited to his/her party, but they dont know each other. As host/hostess, s/he must go around and introduce the attendees to each other. However, s/he only has three minutes (time may change as size of group increases). The host/hostess needs to ensure the guests exchange names, shake hands and greet each other warmly. The birthday person may start off with someone they already know or introduce him/herself to a person s/he doesnt know and begin from there.
Page |8 Name Arrange Props: Nil Procedure: Once everyone has been introduced, arrange yourselves alphabetically by your first name, WITHOUT TALKING. When you are done, or think you are done, check your group by calling out your names. This is also an example of a Quick Line Up. Variation/Momentum: Now arrange yourselves alphabetically by last name, WITHOUT TALKING! Check your group and when youre done give a cheer! Name Games Props: Nil Procedure: Organise the group into a circle. Tell everyone to select an adjective starting with the first letter of their own first name and add it to the front of their first name e.g. Adventurous Adam. Then, introduce yourself, and tell the person next to you to introduce you and then himself/herself. For example, Hi my name is Terrific Tim. The next person then says, That is Terrific Tim and I am _____ _____. Repeat this process until each person is introduced. Each person farther down the circle will then introduce everybody in front of them then finally, himself/herself. Variation for Larger Groups: Break the group into several smaller groups (use another game to achieve this) so each group has about six to eight people. Keeping groups small eases the anxiety about learning names. When a group feels comfortable with the names of its members, it can join with another group and go through the same or similar process to learn even more names The Name Train Props: Nil Procedure: Participants stand in a circle, facing inwards. One volunteers to be the locomotive eg Jen volunteers to be the locomotive. The locomotive chugs around the inside of the circle before stopping to exchange introductions with one of the participant in the circle. Hi, Im Jen. Whats your name? My name is Tim. Jen repeats Tims name three times, Tim, Tim, Tim while doing a semaphoric cheer (Moving arms and legs in some movement) After this cheer, Jen turns her back to Tim and Tim grasps Jen hips. Jen, is now the engine and Tim is the caboose. The train chugs around the circle and stops at another person. When reaching another person, the engine asks for the persons name. Both engine and caboose go through the three cheers of the new persons name along with their individual semaphoric body movements. The new person becomes the engine while Jen becomes one of the cars and Tim remains the caboose. Start with an engine who is not too self-conscious about yelling and cheering in front of the group. The next person selected, the caboose, should also be someone who is not selfconscious about bringing up the rear.
Page |9 Name Toss (Name Juggling) Props: Nil Procedure: Use soft juggling instruments for this activity eg Yarn balls, rubber chickens, tennis balls stuffed into a socks. Arrange the group into a circle. For large groups, break them into smaller groups of six to ten people. Start with one person holding a ball. This person tosses the ball (underhanded only) to another person in the group. This person catches the ball and tosses to another. This continues until each person has caught the ball. The last person to catch the ball tosses it back to the person who tossed first. The next round of tossing is accompanied by the names of the people in the group. The tosser calls out his or her name and asks the person to whom s/he first passed the ball his/her name. The second person replies and the first tosses the ball. The second person, now with the ball, asks for the name of the person to whom s/he tossed the ball in the first go-round. This continues until all names are called out and the person who started the whole thing has the ball. The third session begins exactly like the second, except the tosser just calls out the name of the person who catches the ball. The pattern of tossing is the same, but after the second person has called the name and tossed the ball to the third person, the first person calls out the name of the second person and tosses him/her another ball. Keep adding balls until the air is filled will the names of everyone in the group and the collision of numerous airborne objects. Variation: An effective energiser for later in the day where instead of real names use participants Star War names. (See P14) Make a Date Props: paper plates/marker/pens Procedure: Give each participant a paper plate. Have them draw the face of a clock on their plate with a line next to each number. Then have participants walk around a find a date for each hour, writing their name by the hour. No one can make a date with more than one person per hour. After everyone has made their dates, speed up time and allow 1-3 minutes for each hour. The facilitator then asks a question for discussion on each date. Alphabet Getting to Know You Props: Prepared Alphabet Sheet Procedure: As people enter the room, give everyone a pre-typed sheet of paper with each letter of the alphabet on the vertical left side or a word relevant to your session. For example: Name: A ______________________________________________________T B ______________________________________________________E C ______________________________________________________A D______________________________________________________M Everyone is to find out something about the other that begins with one of the letters. Keep people moving every few minutes.
P a g e | 10 My First Job Props: Nil Procedure: Have participants introduce themselves, share their name and something they learned during their first paying job. Play suitable music quietly in the background (to create a cocktail party atmosphere) then turn it up a little louder as a cue for people to move on and meet someone else. Variations: "Good or New" Ask each person to share something good or new they have experienced in the last 24 hours. Dinner for Two If you could have dinner with one person, living or from history, who would that person be and what are your reasons for selecting him/her? True Colours Props: Nil Procedure: The facilitator calls out a colour of the rainbow - for example RED: Red typically is the stop/turn- off colour - so each member of the group quickly shares one thing (that they can disclose in public) that is really a turn off. Orange: is the motivation colour - what motivates them? Yellow: is the inspiration or creativity colour - what was the best idea they've had? Green: is the money colour - what they plan to do for money? Blue: is the sky's the limit colour - what is your favourite aspiration for your future? Indigo: is different colour what is the most daring thing they ever did? Purple: is the colour of royalty - if you were ruler of the universe / company for a day - what is the first thing you would do? Self-Introduction Props: Prepared Sheet for each person Procedure: Each person is to complete the paragraph below and then share their answers (as many or as few as they are comfortable) with the rest of the group.
Hello, my name is_________ and my role/job is__________with (company). My hometown is _______________and I really like it there because___________. I always dreamed that someday I would_________ , and that dream has _________ true. I feel__________about it now! Some things I like to do include___________. There are many things I am good at and one of them is___________. I did a really interesting thing once and that was_____________. My family consists of _______________. If I could change one thing about myself it would be________________. Still, I _____________________am really glad to be here right now because __________________. I would really like to get together with __________________ anyone who be interested in ___________________. The one thing I want to be remembered for is _____________________________. As far as future plans are concerned, I hope for ____________________someday.
P a g e | 11 Bingo Props: Prepared Bingo Cards for each person Procedure: Each member receives a Bingo Card. The blocks are filled with information about the people attending the session. Members walk around the room and interview the other members trying to find someone to sign one of the boxes containing information pertaining to the person. No name may be used more than twice. Bingo may be vertical, diagonal, or horizontal. Prizes are awarded to the winners of Bingo. Name Bingo Props: Blank Bingo Cards for each person/ small prizes Procedure: A variation of the previous game but the Bingo card is blank. Members get other members to sign their squares. Everyone must fill their cards with names. The first person to fill all of the squares with the necessary information is declared the winner. Prizes are awarded. The winners card is then read by the leader and verified. The leader then calls out names of all the people in the group. As his/her name is called, the person must stand and give the answers to questions asked: Name, year, hometown, team, department, company etc. Compile a list of appropriately funny questions to ask each person. This is an easy way to allow the group members to introduce t Hum Singer Props: Index cards of songs Procedure: Each person receives an index card with the title of a well-known song. You may want to use both sides of the card for two rounds of this game, but be sure to delineate the sides so every one is on the same page. People hum or sing the tune of the song found on his/her card. The goal is for each person to find the other person(s) who are humming/ singing the same song. Once the group is formed, participants exchange information about themselves Been There Done That Props: Copies of prepared list of 25 items for each person Procedure: A Variation of Bingo. Prior to the meeting, make a list of about 25 items relating to work and home life. Ensure there is plenty of space below each item (3 or 4 lines) and then make enough copies for each person. Allow about 30 minutes for the activity. Give each person a copy of the list and have him or her find someone who can sign one of the lines. (You can also have them put their job title, company name and phone number next to their names great for networking) Give prizes for the first one completed, most names (you can have more that one name next to an item), last one completed, etc. Finish the Sentence Props: Prepared interview questions Procedure: Participants make a circle and the leader asks a series of incomplete sentences to each person in the group one after the other. The idea is that if there is not enough time to think too much, spontaneous and honest answers will be given. Try to have enough sentences to have at least two rounds. Variation: For very large groups and where time is limited create a set of question cards for each group. You can divide participants into groups, issue the cards and then remix the groups for a second round using a different set of question cards.
P a g e | 12 Examples of incomplete sentences are: The best job I ever had was... The worst project I ever worked on was... The riskiest thing I ever did was... If I could throw caution to the winds and really risk, I would. . . . . The most important decision of my life was/is. . . . . If you had to describe yourself using three words, they would be The comic character I would like to be like is. . . . . If I could be anybody besides myself, I would be As a child, my favourite game was. . . . . . My favourite movie of all times is. . . . . . What makes me laugh is. . . . . . Today, I like to play by. . . . . . . Today I feel.... The person in front of me.... This group.... I don't want.... Later I hope to.... I have.... My present fear is..... I am.... I love.... This is a good technique for moving on to a new subject e.g. When starting a session, "I am in this course because..." For time management, "One time I felt most stressed because I did not have enough time was ..." Shoe Game Props: Nil Procedure: Everyone takes off their left shoe and throws it into a pile in the middle of the circle. Mix- up the shoe pile and then invite everyone to select a shoe, other than their own, and find the owner. Give them a few minutes to introduce themselves eg name, hometown, an embarrassing moment, (often this exercise @) or one they are proud of etc. Identification Props: Nil Procedure: Organise people into pairs or groups of four. Tell them to introduce themselves and then have each partner or group member look in their purse/wallet/briefcase to find something that is significant to them. Each participant then shares with group members
P a g e | 13 why the item is significant. The exercise continues until everyone has had his or her turn. The session resumes as each member introduces their partner, or a person from their group, while sharing something significant about them. My Slogan Props: Nil Procedure: Explain that many companies have slogans or "mottoes" which reflect their values. For example, Air New Zealand: 'Amazing Journeys. Everyday MacDonalds: Im lovin it Ask each person to write (or borrow) a slogan to describe him or herself and share that with the group The Circles of _________________________ (insert own name) Props: Paper/flipchart/markers Procedure: Have participants draw a large circle on a sheet of paper and other smaller circles radiating outwards. Get them to write their name in the central circle and then in the satellite circles write the names of groups with which they identify e.g, gender, age group, culture, social, political, professional, sporting etc. Ask participants to move around the room to find and get to know three other people who are most and/or least similar to themselves. Human Treasure Hunt: Props: Prepared list of criteria/items Procedure: It is important to keep the pace of this game rather fast. Frame the activity: On this treasure hunt were going to search for things we have within us and not necessarily on us. Your goal is to meet as many people as you can and find the similarities between you. If you dont know the person(s), be sure to introduce yourself. Ready? Examples: Find another person who has the same shoe size as you; Find three people who live in a different type of living group than you Find three other people who enjoy the same type of music; Find two other people who drink at least one cup of coffee each day and tell each other your favourite thing about coffee; or Find two other people who dont drink coffee on a regular basis, Tell each other why you dont like coffee (or how you avoided becoming a caffeine addict) Find two people who enjoy the same recreational activities (biking, swimming, watching tv, reading, playing music, etc.) Group Variation: The facilitator directs the group to form groups. Give the group enough time to incorporate and then introduce themselves to one another. Examples. Get into a group of... Three and introduce yourself A different group of five people and introduce yourself A group of people who have shirts of the same colour and introduce yourself People whose names have the same first vowel in their first name
P a g e | 14 People who were born in the same season (fall, winter, spring, summer)...in your season group, arrange yourselves by birth date (month and day) Information List Props: Prepared Information Lists Purpose: Use this with groups who will meet more than once and for longer courses. It allows for humorous re-introduction of group members. Procedure: During the first meeting/session have each group member fill-out a questionnaire. Eg If you were a shoe, what would it be and why? What is your most embarrassing moment? What is the least favourite food? Without telling names, tell a funny story about one of your bosses/workmates etc; if you could only watch one television show for the rest of your life, which one would it be and the reason(s) Collect the completed questionnaires and cut them up and organize the responses into question groups. At a later time/day/different meeting, select a question and pass the slips out to the group. Each person with a slip must find the individual who wrote it, then have people disclose their response to the group.
Sweet Confessions Props: Basket of candy (Wrapped for hygiene) Procedure: Candy Key Code (e.g. For Mini choc bars KitKats = Favourite Movie, Favourite Magazine, Favourite Song, or Favourite Book; Time Out = Favourite Holiday Spot, Place you would like to visit, place you would like to least visit, or worst holiday; Lollipop =Number of years in current job, Where you work, what you do or brief description of your first job Crunchie = Something about where you live, where you grew up, your Family, your Town/City, Picnic Bar = Wildcard [tell us anything]) Instructions Choose four candies from the bowl without looking. What makes this candy different from other candy is that each flavour is associated with a fact about you. In a moment, a candy code will be revealed, indicating which facts you should share. Once the code has been revealed you may begin your confession. Variations Allow people to take as many candies as they like from the basket and reveal something random about themselves for each candy they take. M & Ms Variation: Pass a bowl of M & Ms around the room. Instruct the group to take some of the chocolate treats, but dont eat them. Once everyone has selected their candies, tell the group that they will disclose one piece of information about themselves for each M & M they took from the bowl. (Or colour code the M&Ms similar to the activity above) Variation: You can do the same exercise with square sheets from rolls of toilet paper. Pass around the roll and participants take as many sheets as they want, they must reveal one fact for each square of paper.
P a g e | 15 Variation: Use spool of thread. Pass around a spool of thread and instruct each person to break off a piece. Dont tell them why or how much to pull off. Each person then wraps the thread around his/her index finger. Everyone takes turns telling something about her/himself for each wrap of thread. ABCs of Me Props: Paper, Markers, Tape Time: Allow five to ten minutes for set-up and drawing. Procedure: 1. You have been hired by to illustrate a poster to help children learn their ABCs. By happy coincidence, you are the subject of the poster. 2. First, take a piece of flipchart paper and write your FIRST name vertically down the left side. 3. Next, choose a word that starts with each letter of your name. The word should describe something about you. Write those words horizontally across the paper, using the letters of your name as the first letter of each descriptive word. 4. After you have listed your words, draw an accompanying picture to illustrate each. 5. When you are finished, tape your poster to the wall. When all posters are complete, have people introduce themselves using their name drawing. Depending on the size of the group, you may want to debrief in smaller groups. If possible, leave the drawings posted throughout your session. Variations Narrow the focus of the words. For instance, all words must be adjectives, nouns, or verbs related to work, foods you like, etc.
P a g e | 16 Race for the Truth Props: 2 Long Pieces of String for the Start and Finish Lines, List of statements related to the group Time: Allow five to ten minutes for this activity. Procedure: 1. You and the other runners in the room are about to embark on a race for the truth. Your goal is to cross the finish line as quickly as possible by truthfully answering questions about yourself as you follow the facilitators directions 2. Line up on the starting line as directed by the facilitator. In a moment you will hear a statement. If it is true about you, move forward one step. If it is false, remain at the finish line. Use statements like: I have worked here more that one year. I think we have too many meetings around here. I understand xyz aspect of my job. 3. Once all first moves have been made, the facilitator will make another statement. Again, if it is true, move forward one step. If it is false, remain on the starting line if you have not yet advanced. If you have advanced past the starting line, take one step back. 4. Repeat step three until the first runner completes the race. Variations: Narrow the scope of the statements to relate to issues at work, the subject of the session
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Games to get things Going

Activities to break down barriers and boost energy levels Im Seeking Common Ground Props: Enough chairs for all participants, minus one. Procedure: Group sits in a circle of chairs with one person standing in the middle (no empty chairs). The person in the middle says. I seek common ground with people who were born south of Wellington! Anyone who was, including the person asking the question, must get up and run across the circle to find a new seat. You cant take the seat of the person next to you. There will be one person left in the middle who must ask the next question. Statements include: people who wear glasses. Likes vanilla ice cream better than chocolate. The facilitator may ask the first few questions to get the game going and set the tone, then handover to the to participant in the middle. SUDDENLY... Purpose: Energiser As the group facilitator you can start a story with a sentence that ends in SUDDENLY. (Or choose someone from the group) For example; 'Yesterday I went to the zoo and was passing the elephant enclosure when SUDDENLY.....' The next person then has to add to the story with his own sentence that ends in SUDDENLY. Continue the story until everyone has contributed. The story becomes more bizarre as each person adds their sentence. Musical Partners Props: Music/cd participant Procedure: This game can only be played in an area with plenty of space. Each person is to select a partner and stand beside them. There must be an odd one out, standing by him/herself. Begin playing the music. Each time you stop the music, members must change partners (run and grab someone else) Variation: Keep the momentum going. Call out a random numbers eg 7. The group has to form sub groups of 7. Call out 5 and the group has to reform into sub groups of 5. Increase the complexity and call out two numbers 4 and 2 where the group has to form into two groups one of four members and one of two. (Groups seem to really love this one) The Clock Props: None (stopwatch) Procedure: Create a large circle by having the group join hands. Mark one spot inside the circle as 12 Oclock and another as 6 Oclock. Have the group rotate in one direction, returning to the start position, in as little time as possible. After discussing strategies, the group can try to improve its previous record. Youll need the stopwatch if you do this.
P a g e | 18 Black Knight, White Knight Props: None Procedure: Define a space appropriate for the size of the group. Tell everyone they are a knight. Appoint one person to be The Black Knight. Tell the knights that they can move like a knight in chess (define if necessary). Allow the white knights to move the black. If the black knight tags a white knight, the white knight becomes a black knight. Note: At the end of the game everyone will be a black knight. Impulse Props: Stopwatch Procedure: Have the group form a circle and hold hands. Ask them to send a pulse signal through the group. Time it. Challenge the group to do it faster. Note: If you allow them several opportunities to try this, make sure you have a timer that will display hundredths of a second. Variation: One participant begins the game by doing an action and sending it around the circle. After each person in the circle has done the action, the next person sends another action around. Variation: Send two different actions the opposite way! Blooop Props: Balloons (1 per group of 5) Procedure: Break out large group into small groups of 4-6, and give each a balloon to inflate. In small groups, join hands to and form circle. The objective is to keep the balloon off the floor by batting it, without letting go of hands. If the balloon touches the floor, the group losses its hands, meaning they cant let their hands touch the balloon; as balloon keeps hitting the floor, they loose elbows, shoulders, heads, thighs. Facilitator may have groups "carry" balloon across an area, or just have them work in place for [X] amount of time. Variation: The entire group makes a huge circle and puts their arms around their neighbours shoulders. As the music plays, they pass balloons around the circle using their legs. Start with three or four balloons. When the music stops, the person left with balloon is eliminated from the group. As the group gets smaller, take balloons away. Eventually there will be two people left and only one balloon Human Scissors/Paper/Rock Props: None Procedure: This is the human-size version of scissors/paper/rock. The end zones need to be clearly defined. To begin, each team huddles and decides on which play to run- either rock, paper or scissors. Then the two teams meet in the playing area. If your teams symbol wins, you chase the other team back into its end zone, trying to tag the team members before they get there. If your teams symbol loses, you must dash back to your own end zone before youre caught. Those people who get caught change to the other team. The game ends when everyone is on the same team.
P a g e | 19 Brain Motivator Props: Group/Category cards for each person, small prizes Procedure: Divide members into small groups using a one of the following two methods: Count participants off 1...2...3... depending on the number of groups you need. All 1 s form a group, all 2s from another group etc or distribute paper with colours, animal names, bird names, rock bands etc. Those with the same word form a group. Ask the groups to make a list of as many of the following as possible in, one minute: eg Place names in New Zealand beginning with W, Peoples names which are also names of occupations eg. Mason, Gardner, Cook etc. Names of rivers in New Zealand, Boys names beginning with J. Winners are the group with the most different answers, which no other group came up with. Hand out small prizes for the winning team e.g. sweets Five Changes Props: Nil Procedure Have people pair-up. Once theyve found a partner, have them sit or stand back-to- back. While back-to-back, have each person changes five things (things they can change) about their appearance. After the changes are made, have the partners turn around and identify the changes made by their partner. Do this one more time and see if you can identify those changes. Human Knots Props: Nil Procedure Divide the group into smaller groups of eight to ten. People stand in a circle and place their hands into the centre. Instruct them to join hands with two different people but not those who are standing next either side of them. A human knot is born. The goal is to untie the knot without letting go of hands. Tube Pass Props: Bicycle tube Procedure: Organise the group into a circle and get them to join hands. Then ask them to pass a bicycle inner tube around the circle without either breaking the circle or letting the tube touch the ground. Human Machine Props: Nil Procedure: One person comes to the front of the group and performs a type of mechanical operation or movement, including sound effects. The operation needs to have some type of beginning and end to the movement. The end of the operation allows for the next person to come up and perform another operation that feeds off of the first operations end movement, but is different in nature. This allows for a third person to add onto the machine. Let people add on at their discretion without directing.
P a g e | 20 Pass the Orange, Please Props: Orange or any small object Procedure: Divide the group into two equally numbered teams. Arrange the teams so they face one another. Team members then join hands. This leaves two free hands on each team (the two people at the ends of each line). Give the orange to one of the end people on each team. The task is to pass the orange from one end to the other without unclasping the hands of the team. The orange cannot be passed or kicked along the ground. If the orange drops, it must be picked up while all hands remain clasped. Clap Snap Association Props: Nil Procedure: Gather group in a circle sitting on the floor. Start by teaching them the clap, clap, snap, snap left, snap, snap right and repeat several times till they get the hang of it. Then explain that they are going to free associate. At the end of the second snap to the right the first participant says the first word that comes to their mind. Keep going clockwise around the circle until you get to the end. (Note: food or sex always comes up!) Tell the Participants to shout out their words loudly so all can hear over the clapping and snapping. Categories Props: None Participants have to think of as many things as they can that match a particular category. Form a circle and begin a one-two rhythm (Clap-snap, or slap(legs)-clap). One person says, in rhythm, "I am thinking of .." whatever the category is, and then says something that fits the category. On the second beat after the first person, the second person says something that fits the category, and so on around the circle. Example: "I-am-thinking-of-kinds-of-fruits" (Clap) "Apple" (Clap) "Orange" (Clap) "Strawberries" (Clap) "Banana" (Clap) "Watermelon" The category chosen depends on the type of group, session theme and interests of the participants. Explain that the objective of the game is to keep the category traveling around the circle as long as possible, even if the participants who get stuck or repeat are out. This way, the participant choosing the category wont come up with an obscure one that only they know the answers to. It's okay if saying the category items takes longer than one beat, because of multiple syllables, but participants are not allowed to pause for more than one beat between the end of the last persons item and their item. Everyone continues this process until someone gets stuck or repeats an item. When this happens, the participants can either start over with a new category, keeping the person who got stuck in the circle, or the person who got stuck could be "out" and the same category could be repeated until there is only one person left. If everyone stays in, the leader could time the participants to see for how long they can continue.
P a g e | 21 Juggling Balls Props: Random selection of small objects Procedure: Using several objects (such as tennis balls, hackey sacs and koosh balls) members establish a random order of throwing and catching objects within the group as they attempt to juggle several objects simultaneously. (Follow on with Warp Speed) Warp Speed Props: balls Procedure: Warp Speed begins the same as Group Juggling. The group starts in a circle formation but instead of adding objects, the group must comprise a way of moving the object in the same name pattern under time constraints. Let the group come up with the time constraint. The object is to move the ball (or whatever) through EVERYONES hands as fast as possible. One person cannot hold onto the object at all times. 3 Noses Props: Nil Procedure: Have the group begin to wander around the room. When the leader calls out a command like three left elbows then as quick as you can, Participants should gather in groups of three with left elbows touching. Next do four butt cheeks, two right feet etc. End with three noses and/or four belly buttons. Mingling Scrabble Props: Alphabet cards for each person Procedure: Each person is given a card with a letter of the alphabet printed on the card. Tell the group their task is to arrange themselves into groups and to create words using use every letter in the group. The group can come up with many little words or a few longer words, as long as every letter is used. The group can then be directed to find new people and make new words. Be sure to include a proportionate number of vowels to consonants and go easy on Xs, Qs and Zs. Body Language Props: Nil Procedure: Split into two groups. Each group must plan and spell out words by using their bodies only (no hand signals or signs). The other group must figure out what they are spelling. Start with single words and move onto phrases, as the groups get better at spelling in this fashion. Give groups a selection of words that relate to your session eg teamwork, leadership, planning etc Storytelling Props: Nil Procedure: Seat the group in a circle and ask for suggestions on a genre of books (mystery, romance etc.) and then ask someone else for a title for the book the group is going to create. Have someone start telling the story. They will need to continue to tell the story until you (the leader) point to someone else. That person will need to pick up exactly where the other left off (even if its mid sentence or mid word). Continue until all but one person has
P a g e | 22 contributed and then say and the moral of the story is and point to the final person to finish it off
Anagrams Props: Cards, pen and paper for each person or team Create a set of cards with anagrams and display these around the room. Give each person pen and paper, or 1 set per team, with a time limit to solve the anagram Use general themes large cities, famous people or specific themes relevant to the session topic or the organisation. Variation: Make up anagrams of the participants' names and display as pairs on a flip chart for organsing pre-allocated partners and groups
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Forming Smaller Groups

A few activities to quickly organise participants into smaller groups Breakin Down the Group Ask the group to think of a number between 1 and 10. Ask the people with even numbers to move to one side and the odds to move to the other. Have the groups form a circle. Split the circle in half by dividing the circle along the diameter. Try to get an equal number of people in each group. Then have those groups form a circle. Divide these two circles by the same method to get four, approximately equal groups. The reason for 1- 10 numbering is to break up people who tend to stick together no matter what Quick Line Up The leader calls out a variety of commands to the group and they line up according to the command as quickly as possible. Once in a line divide quickly into groups eg first 5, next 5 etc Examples: 1. Line up in order by shoe size. 2. Line up in order by length of arm's reach. 3. Line up in order alphabetically by favourite colour. 4. Line up in order by number of siblings you have. 5. Line up in order by hair colour, lightest to darkest. 6. Line up in order by age, youngest to oldest. 7. Line up in order by length of time with current employer. 8. Line up in order alphabetically by first name. 9. Line up in order alphabetically by last name. 10. Line up in order by number of pets owned. 11. Line up in order by hair length, longest to shortest. 12. Line up in order by the number of bones you've ever broken.
Ping Pong Props: You will need as many ping pong balls as you have people. Decide in advance how many groups you want and how many people in each group. Prepare the ping-pong balls by writing a group number on each ball. For example, if you have twelve people working in three groups of four people, write 1 on four of the balls, 2 on another five balls and 3 on the last five balls. Throw the balls to the participants until everyone has caught or retrieved a ball. Then ask them to work with the people who have the same-numbered balls as themselves. Variation: To create groups with different combinations of people throughout the day write the numbers in different colours or use letters with numbers, Variation: If throwing the balls around would create too much chaos, place the numbered balls in a box, pass the box around using the lucky dip method, or invite participants to "dip" for a ball when they arrive.
P a g e | 24 Musical Partners Props: Music/cd player This works well as an energiser and introductory icebreaker too. It needs an area with plenty of space for free movement. Procedure: Each person is to select a partner and stand beside them. There must be an odd one out, standing by him/herself. Begin playing the music. Each time you stop the music, members must change partners (run and grab someone else) Keep the momentum going. Call out a random numbers eg 7. The group has to form sub groups of 7. Call out 5 and the group has to reform into sub groups of 5. Increase the complexity and call out two numbers 4 and 2 where the group has to form into two groups one of four members and one of two. Finish by calling the out number combination you need to form groups for the next activity Barnyard Props: Pre-made cards (enough for every participant) Procedure: Determine how many groups you need and how many people in each group. Then select as many animals as you need to for the number of groups eg If you want four groups, have four animals). Make the number of cards for every animal youve chosen to match the number of people you want in your groups. E.g. 6 chicken cards, 6 cow cards, 6 donkey cards and 6 pig cards). Hand out cards randomly and tell people not to not tell anyone their animal. When you give the signal, have them make the sound of their animal as loud as possible until they find their entire group. Shuffle The Deck Mixer Prop: Playing Cards Give everyone a playing card as they arrive and then throughout the day use various combinations of the cards to form groups eg 4 groups = suite / 2 groups = colour / Pairs = two pairs. Use picture cards to allocate roles eg Queens = Scribe Kings = group leader Joker = Observers etc... Icebreaker Variation: Call out different card combinations to form a group. Example: four of a kind, a flush, two pairs, etc. Once in their groups, have them answer pre-planned icebreaker questions. Comic Strip Chaos Prop: Prepared Comic Strips Procedure: Each participant takes a turn at picking a comic frame out of the large container. After the entire group has each chosen one, the participants begin to search for others with the same comic strip sequence. After the participants have found everyone in their group, they must arrange themselves so that the sequence of frames are in chronological order to form the comic strip correctly. Upon completion of sequence, the newly formed group sits down together.
P a g e | 25 Pop-a-palooza Props: Balloons (different colours) for each person/ paper/ pen Procedure: As people arrive have each one write his/her name on a piece of paper then blow up their balloon and put the piece of paper inside the balloon. All the balloons are then put into an area (away from everyone) When you are ready to begin your group work, give each person a balloon. They are to pop the balloon and find the person whose name was in the balloon they popped. Play some upbeat music while the popping and partnering is going on. Balloon Trolley Props: 1x Balloon for each person Procedure: Give each person a balloon. The team stands in a line with a balloon separating each person. The team must move as one, from point A to point B. Balloons can't fall. No hands allowed.
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Simple Team Building Games

Simple activities and games for groups and work teams Spider Web Props: Yarn or ball of string Procedure: The group forms a circle. One person has a skein of yarn. S/he tells why s/he enjoys the group and tosses the skein to another person. This person states why s/he enjoys the group and tosses the skein to another person. This continues until everyone in the group has caught the skein. The web formed between all of the members illustrates the individuality of the group and the ties that bind them into a group. (This can also be adapted as an end of session/learning review) Quote Quest Props: Selection of Quotes, 3x5 Cards Procedure: Write one or two words of a famous quote on a card until you have the complete quote on a set of cards. This will result in some cards only having one word and other may have multiple words. Be sure to include all capitalization and punctuation, as this will assist the group in constructing the sentence. Avoid selecting esoteric or difficult quotes. Choose quotes that have some significance to the groups purpose or the session topic. Issue the shuffled cards, one to each group member and ask them to assemble the cards in the correct sequence to complete the quote. (You can choose to provide hints or not) Once they have done this have the group arrange themselves physically in the same order of the words to complete the quote. Once they have organised themselves, have the group read the quote by each person speaking the word(s) in succession. This serves as an accuracy check. Balloon Ball Props: Supply of two different coloured balloons Procedure: Divide the group into two teams and give each team a bag of balloons of equal number e.g. Team 1 Red and Team 2 Blue. Allocate Team Ones goal i.e. their target at one end of the room and Team Twos Target at the opposite end of room. Brief the Team on the Rules: Objective: To win the team is to score as many goals as possible in the time allowed A goal is scored by hitting the designated team target with the balloon Team members must position themselves around the room. Once team members are in position they are not allowed to move from it. (No walking, crawling etc) Each balloon must be FULLY blown up before it can be passed. If a balloon bursts before hitting the target a new balloon may be blown up to replace it. Team members are not permitted to HOLD the balloon i.e. hands, knees etc.
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BALLOON BASH Props: Per Team: 1 x long sausage balloon, 1 x round balloon, 1 x medium size cardboard box Divide the group into teams. Select a member from each team and give her/him one round and one long balloon. Using the long balloon as a bat the players must drive the round balloon into a box at the other end of the game space and run back to their next team-mate. S/he in turn does likewise and so on till every member has completed the task. The team that completes the task first is the winner. The Magic Wand Props: Nil (or a wand if you wish) Procedure: You have just found a magic wand that allows you to change three work related activities. You can change anything you want. How would you change yourself, your job, your boss, coworkers, an important project, etc? Have them discuss why it is important to make the change. Another variation is to have them discuss what they would change if they become the boss for a month. Marooned Props: Flip Chart and markers Procedure: You are marooned on an island. What five items (use a different number of items depending upon the size of each team) would you have brought with you if you knew there was a chance that you might be stranded. They are only allowed five items per team, not per person. Have them write their items on a flip chart and discuss and defend their choices with the whole group. Traffic Jam Props: Squares (e.g. carpet tiles) Procedure: Divide the group into even numbers of six, eight, etc. If there is an odd number of people have them help observe the activity and provide feedback afterwards during the debriefing. Place marked squares (one more than the number of people in the group) on the floor in a straight line. Have each person stand on a square, leaving the centre space open. The challenge is for the groups on either side of the centre unmarked box to completely change to the other side, by moving one at a time, like a game of checkers. Players may move into the vacant spot next to them, or they may jump another player on the opposite side, but they cannot jump a player from their own side. Players may not move backwards, and two people cannot move at once. After the group has figured out a solution to the traffic jam, have them show the leader.
P a g e | 28 Too Many Cooks Props: Cut recipes from old Magazines or photocopy from a Recipe book. Separate the Title, Ingredients, and Instructions etc. Several small prizes for the winning team Time: Allow 10 - 12 minutes. Once a team calls bon appetite, have them introduce themselves and read their recipe in order. Instructions Your group has inherited a successful restaurant from Chef Charlie, a long lost relative however Charlie was very disorganized. The only recipes you can find are on torn strips of paper. You have to make sense of it all and quickly because the restaurant is opening tonight. 1. Each member of the group will be given part of recipe (an ingredient, instruction, etc.). 2. Your job is to put yourselves in order as quickly as possible. Your recipe must make sense. 3. When your group is done, loudly announce bon appetite to signal the end of the game. Variations For an added challenge, this game can be made considerably more difficult if groups are not pre- designated before the recipe pieces are distributed. Participants must then not only find the correct order but the correct recipe as well. The Lava Pit Props: 20 paper plates, scotch/masking tape Time Limit: A time limit can be imposed Procedure: Make up a story that the group is being chased and they need to get across a field of hot lava to safety. Give each group about 1/3 the number of paper plates as people. Explain that when they step on these plates they will not sink into the lava. The group must figure out how to get the entire group from point A to point B (marked by scotch tape on the floor), from one side of the Hot Lava Pit to the other. Only one person can be on a plate at a time, and the plates may be picked up and moved. If a person falls off their plate into the lava they die but get a second life - they must return to the beginning (point A) and start again. The key to the game is that only part of the team will be able to cross the field at a time and one person will need to work their way back across the field to help the rest of the team across. Masks Props: Cardboard/scissors/markers/glue/coloured paper etc Procedure: Give each participant piece of cardboard and ask them to cut out a face shape (same size as their own face). They can cut eyes and a mouth if they choose. Then ask them to decorate the face. One side represents what they feel people see/know/believe about them (the outside). The other side represents what he/she feels about her/himself (i.e. the inside, what people do not necessarily know or see, etc.) The participants then share (wear) their masks with the group.
P a g e | 29 Pieces of the Puzzle Props: Prepared puzzle pieces for each person Procedure: Hand out the puzzle pieces and have participants decorate their piece to represent who they are and what they feel they can contribute to the group Eg strengths, talents, skills, experience etc. Once participants are done, have them present their piece to the rest of the group. Finally participants assemble the full puzzle using all the pieces. This can stand by itself or can be followed with a discussion on team membership, collaboration, contribution etc. What Kind of Team? Props: Flip chart/Markers Procedure: Divide the team into small groups of 4-6 people. Have each group discuss and identify an analogy for their team. For example: "We are like a 3-ring circus -- because we have many things going on at once and it feels chaotic at times." Optional: Get the groups to illustrate and record their analogy for presentation to the rest of the team. Then have teams share. "Picture Perfect" Props: Flip chart/Markers Procedure: Have each person on a team draw a picture or series of pictures to represent their current view of the team. Post the flip charts around the room. Allow time for a tour of the team gallery tour then have the rest of the group explain what they see in each other's pictures. Mouse Trap Attack Props: 1 x spring loaded mouse traps per team, A large supply of rolled up paper balls Procedure: Organise participants into teams of equal numbers (6 per team is ideal) Each team has it's mouse traps cocked at one side of the room on the floor. At the other side of the room, opposite each group of mouse traps, are three attacking team members from the other teams.The attackers are armed with rolled up balls of paper. Space members the remaining team's members (defenders) at equal distances down the length of the room. Each team is allowed up to three defenders for their mouse traps. Defenders must sit on the floor half way between their mouse traps and the defenders. The attackers must lob the paper balls over the heads of the defenders and set off the mouse traps. Defenders can stretch up, wave their arms etc but they are not allowed to move from their spot. The winning team is the one that has the last loaded mouse trap.
P a g e | 30 Balloon Monster Props: 50 balloons and roll of tape for each team. Procedure: Mark a starting line and cone or marker around which contestants must race about 30 yards away. Divide the group into small teams (4-5 in each team) Each team blows up balloons to a minimum diameter - you might want judges to approve the sizes or have a loop of string through which the balloons can not pass. The tape is wrapped around one of the team members with the sticky side out. Each balloon is stuck to this person. When all the balloons are stuck on, they must run around the course and back. Scoring system: 10 points for the first team finished, 7 for 2nd, and 3 for 3rd. 3 points for each balloon that is still on the runner at the end. The Team T-shirt Relay Game Props: Extra large one size fits all Tshirts, one TShirt for each team, optional - small prize for winning team Organise into your group into teams of equal size Odd numbered teams - use these people as judges to ensure the teams play by the rules Have the teams line up in single file. The first person in each team puts on an extra-large T-shirt. At a signal to start the game, the person in the T-shirt turns to the person behind him. They grasp each others hands and hang on tightly. Other members in the team then manoeuvre the T-shirt off the first person, down the arms, and over the joined hands to the arms of the second person, they pull the T-shirt onto the second person. When the T-shirt is completely on the second person, they release their grasp of the hands of the first person, then second person turns to a third team member and tightly grasps both of his hands. The team transfers the t-shirt from the second person to the third person, the second and third persons maintaining their grasp of each others hands throughout the transfer process. The game continues until the T-shirt has transferred to every team member and the last person in the team is wearing the shirt. If the paired team members break their grasp they have to start again Variation/Follow Up Use blank logo-free white T-shirts for the game. Then either before or after the game have the teams design their own team T-shirt by creating their own logo and slogan (using felt pens or paints). Get the Team to select the winning T-shirt. Display the T-Shirt in the team's work area Have team members sign the back of every T-shirt (a simple metaphor for team membership/unity) Use the T-shirts for awards during the day e.g. have the team select the MVP of the day, game etc.
P a g e | 31 FLAGS Props: Flipchart, markers, paints Ask each person to draw a flag which includes symbols or pictures describing who they are, what's important to them and/or what they enjoy. Each flag is divided into 4 or 6 segments. Each segment can contain a picture i.e. favourite emotion, favourite food, a hobby, a talent/skill, where you were born, your family etc Give everyone 20 minutes to draw their flags. Ask the group to share their flags and explain the meaning of what they drew. Display the flags around the room so people can wander around during their breaks checking out the flags Variation: Depending on the size of the team, divide into smaller groups of about 4 team members Give each group one sheet of Flip Chart and allocate each group a section of the flag Designate each section of the flag based on any combination of the following: Team purpose, values, vision, mission, talents, strengths, goals, customers, challenges... Invite each group to present their flipchart flag Tape each of the flipcharts together to form a giant team flag. (This looks awesome when displayed in the training room) Second Variation: I have found this to be an excellent activity for very large teams made up of smaller sub groups/units and project teams. In this case have each sub team create their own flag based on the same criteria but include the requirement that they must (symbolically) identify their contribution to the larger team as well. When these flipcharts are assembled "the flag" becomes a very powerful visual of the contribution of each sub team to the larger groups mission. Tip: Make sure you allow plenty of time for the presentation segment for this variation
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More Advanced Team Building Games

These activities involve a degree of trust, risk and physical activity. Reinforce ground rules and make sure you have a spotter to prevent physical injury. Some activities may be better towards the end of the day once people have established rapport. Blindfold Line Up Procedure: Use blindfolds or ask the group to close their eyes and keep them closed for the remainder of the game. In the bumpers position for protection, ask the group to mill around without talking. After 10-15 seconds, ask them to stop and put their hands down. Assign each person a number by tapping them on the shoulder and saying the number at the same time. Then tell them to line themselves up by number without talking or opening their eyes United We Stand Procedure: Try this in pairs first, then groups of three, then fours and work up to the entire group. Sit on the ground, back-to-back, knees bent and elbows locked. Try to stand up without falling down. For the large group, sit as tightly packed as possible and work in unison. Lap Sitting Procedure: Participants stand shoulder to shoulder and form a circle. Participants are all facing in towards the centre of the circle. All participants then turn left (or right) and face the back of the person in front of him/her. Tighten the circle and round out any corners. Place your hands on the hips of the person in front of you. As the leader counts to three, carefully guide that persons bottom onto your lap. This game requires a great deal of trust and communication. The Yurt Circle Procedure: Participants stand in a circle, facing in, holding hands, and shoulder-toshoulder. Starting with one participant, have the group count off by twos (1,2,1,2,1,2 etc.). Before you start check that 1s or 2s are not standing next to one another. Each participant places his/her feet closely together. On the count of three the 1s lean forward and the 2s back. The group is supported by the cantilever action of the opposing forces between the 1s and 2s. Participants need to keep their arms and legs straight. Dont let go of hands. At first, only lean a little and increase the angle of the lean with each creation of the yurt circle. On the next count of three the 1s lean backward and the 2s lean forward. Go slowly and mirror your two neighbours movements. This will allow for maximum support offered to each person.
P a g e | 33 Blind Walk Props Blindfolds for half of the group, Obstacle course items. Procedure: This is variation of the Trust Walk. Set up an obstacle course with a designated route e.g. Indoors tables, chairs, masking tape boundaries, cardboard boxes etc. Blindfold half the group with a seeing partner who guides the blindfolded partner through the course. Variation: Debrief notes Rotate the Seeing Eye partner with the blindfolded partner half way through the obstacle course. Other constraints can be included e.g. No touching or use of hands or no speech or only the Seeing Eye guide can speak The Trust Walk Props: Nil Procedure: Before initiating this activity, let the group know that anyone feels uncomfortable with the activity that it is all right to opt out. Have the group form a line and hold hands. Everyone then closes his/her eyes except for the first and last person in line. It is the job of these people to keep the entire group safe while on the walk. The first person in the line is the leader who then takes the group on a very slow walk. The Leaders instruction must be passed on down the line. The last person assists the leader by calling out what is happening at the end of the line. After a time, have the two people switch roles. This can be a powerful activity for a group learning about leading and following roles in a group. Just because a person is a follower does not mean s/he is passive and blindly followers all of the leaders instructions. Followers have the duty to take care of themselves and those around them. This is illustrated by the communication of the persons needs (I need to slow down... please stop... ) Wind in the Willows Props: Nil Procedure: A group of six to eight people form a tight circle standing shoulder to shoulder. One member enters the centre of the circle. This person, with hands clasped in the zoom position (arms extended and cross at the elbow, rotate hands so palms face each other, touch palms, intermesh fingers, rotate hands down and up so hands are against the chest), keeps his/her body straight and taut. S/he then leans forward allowing the members of the circle to gently break his/her fall and pass them around the circle. Skin the Snake Props: Nil Procedure: Participants divide into teams of up to twenty-five members each. The teams line up single- file. Each participant reaches back between his/her legs and grasps the extended hand of the person behind him/her. This chaining continues down the line. Only the first and last person in the line will have a free hand. At the signal (eg a count of three) the last person in the line will lay down on his/her back; the person just in front of the last person will back up by straddling and walking (more like a shuffle) over this persons body and lies down on his/her back. The feet of this person will be next to the shoulders of the person lying down.
P a g e | 34 This goes on while the entire team is still holding hands. When the last person has laid down and touched his/her head to the group, s/he gets up and walks forward and pulls the other members up. This is skinning the snake. The first team up without unclasping hands is the winner. Before the game starts, define what will happen if a team unclasps hands. Perfect Shapes. Props: Long piece of rope and one blindfold for each person. Tell the group they are to make a large loop out of a piece of rope and place it on the ground. Show them what shape they need to make whilst maintaining contact with the loop at all times. Give the team time to formulate their plan When they are ready all members kneel down and place one hand on the rope, with the other hand they position their blindfolds Once the blindfolds are in place they can stand up and initiate their plan. When the team think that they have the perfect shape they should place the rope carefully on the floor, all at the same time and then remove their blindfolds. If the group are not successful the first time get them to re-evaluate their plan and try again. Variation: Set a time limit for the group to complete the task, depending on the complexity of the loop (shape) they have to make It's surprising how accurate groups can be with a bit of practice. This game can be played with a variety of different shapes.
P a g e | 35
A Few Learning Reviews

A few reviews to close your session and capture the learning. Ball-Toss Props: bean bag/balls Procedure: Use this to review a session with a lot of information. (It can also be used midway through a workshop eg just before lunch) Have everyone stand up and form a circle where everyone is facing inwards and looking at each other. Toss a ball or bean bag to a person and have them describe what they thought the most important learning concept was. They then toss the ball onto the next person who explains their most important concept. Continue until everyone has caught the ball at least once and explained one important concept. Process Ball Props: bean bag/ball Procedure: This is similar to the previous exercise, but each person describes one step of a process or concept when the ball is tossed to him or her. The facilitator (or learner) records this on a flip chart. Eg after covering "Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs," you would start the ball toss by having everyone give one step in the pyramid of needs, e.g. Safety, Physiological, Esteem, etc. Beach Ball Props: Large beach ball Write numbers on the ball with a corresponding numbered list of questions. Group the team in a circle facing each other and throw the ball to someone. Team members then choose a number, without seeing the list, and are asked to respond to the question That person then throws the ball to someone else and the game continues until everyone has had a couple of turns. Toy Story Props: Lego/building blocks Procedure: Using Lego have each person or a small group build a model of the main concept thats been presented. After a given time, invite each person/group present their model to the wider group. They should describe how their model relates to their work or the subject being taught.
P a g e | 36 The Frame Props: Blank, Cards/Pens Procedure: Give each learner four blank cards and ask them to record four different responses on the topic/subject: "What were main concepts or learning points of the material we just covered?" Give them about five minutes to complete the exercise, then collect the cards, shuffle them, and randomly deal three cards to each learner. (Note: If desired, the trainer can make up four cards of her own, but they should be philosophically unacceptable with the principles presented - play devil's advocate.) Ask everyone to read the cards and then to arrange them in order of personal preference. Place the extra cards on the table and allow them to replace the cards in their hand that they do not like. Next, ask them to exchange cards with each other. They must exchange at least one card. After about three minutes, form into teams and ask each team to select the three cards they like the best. Give them time to choose, and then have them create a graphic poster to reflect the final three cards. Select or vote on best poster that best represents the topic. Spider Web Props: Yarn or ball of string Procedure: The group forms a circle. One person has a skein of yarn. S/he describes their greatest take away of day and what they will do differently at work - then they toss the skein to another person and then to another. This continues until everyone in the group has caught the skein. The web formed between all of the members illustrates the network of learning through the integration and linking of principles/concepts/topics. Calm Down! Props: Nil Procedure: Reflection is one of the most powerful learning techniques. Have the learners get into a comfortable position lay their heads on their desks or lay on the floor. Then, have them reflect on what they have just learned. After about four- five minutes call out a key word or short phase and have them reflect on this for a few minutes. Repeat one or two more times then gather everyone into a circle and have them share what they believe are the most important points and how they can best use this at their place of work. Spell it Out Props: Flip Chart, Marker Pens Select a key word from the session (e.g. Teamwork, Resolution) Depending on participant numbers organise into pairs or small groups Ask participants to write a word or phrase from the workshop that corresponds to each letter of the word and then have each group present their flipchart Variation: Give different groups different key words

Excellerate Icebreakers Energisers Guide V2012

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Quick Icebreakers, Energisers and Team Building Games

A Complimentary DIY Guide for trainers and team leaders

Quick Icebreakers, Energisers and Team Building Games

Icebreakers for Introductions

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More Advanced Team Building Games

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Icebreakers for Introductions

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More Advanced Team Building Games

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