Simon Says … Revisited
No doubt you’ve played ‘Simon Says…’ at some point. Maybe it features heavily in your repertoire already? If not, I’d suggest it’s time to add it back in.
Here’s a couple of ideas that came up for me during Michelle Cumming’s recent workshop:
- Rather than eliminate folks who move or flinch when they shouldn’t, ask them to simply count the number of times they make a ‘mistake’ – this option elevates the level of engagement; and
- Use ‘Simon Says…’ to move your group from point A to point B. Everyone starts at one end – in a line or bunched up, it doesn’t matter – and issue a series of commands as Simon moves your group from one side of the gym, or playing field, etc to the other. If someone makes a mistake, ask this person to return to the starting line, or, better still, adopt the above friendlier option.
Have FUNN 
Do you know an even better variation? Please let me and the world know by clicking here…
Playing with Michelle Cummings
Hi folks, I spent a training day – as a participant (something I rarely get to do) – with Michelle Cummings this week. Michelle was visiting from the USA (as a guest of the ACA), where she offers a variety of team-building programs and training resources.
It was a fun day and I learned some new ideas and group games which I’ll be sharing with you here over the next few weeks, so stay tuned…
Click here if you’d like to learn more about Michelle and her creative resources.
Thanks Michelle, it was great to meet with you!
Tumblewing Glider
Guaranteed to engage your group, and keep them busy for ages.
At A Glance
Using a sheet of large cardboard to produce an updraft, an individual attempts to keep a lightweight paper-plane aloft for as long as possible.
What You Need
- Tumblewing template (click here for pdf)
- Telephone book paper
- Scissors
- Large sheet of cardboard – the bigger the better!
What To Do
Check out this video for a great example of what you’re aiming for.
Intrigued? I was hooked immediately.
To solve this mystery, you’ll need to download the Tumblewing template from the ABC Science website by clicking here. This excellent online resource tells you everything you need to know to get flying within minutes.
One suggestion – try printing the template directly onto telephone book paper (using your printer) to save time / hassle.
As described by the ABC Surfing Scientist, … “Tumblewing gliders are one of the most enchanting and curious paper flying contraptions ever conceived. They are simple to make, easy to fly and cost absolutely nothing. Constructed from lightweight telephone directory paper, they can be kept aloft almost indefinitely and tumble along on the updraft of air generated by a large sheet of cardboard (the paddle). In very still air and with a little practice, they can be steered in any direction, tumbling along at eyelevel just in front of the ‘pilot’…”
From my limited experience, the best flights are achieved in a large, still room (eg school hall or gymnasium). No good outside, or in drafty / heavily air-conditioned spaces. Even the movement of others close by can cause a tumblewing to crash and burn!
People – kids and adults alike – are mesmerised by this simple little glider. Have fun as a pilot, conduct competitions for longest flights, etc.
Variations
- Take a look at the Walkalong Airplane – this blows my mind! Click here to view a video of Phil Rossoni who is generally regarded to have popularised this amazing levitation experience.
Want to make a comment? Please let me and the world know by clicking here…
Thanks to Rich Klajnscek (Gloucester, MA) who passed this little gem onto me.
Knee Tag
Quick, simple tag exercise for groups of four or more.
At A Glance
In pairs, individuals attempt to tag the uncovered knees of their partner as often as possible.
What You Need
- An open, flat space.
What To Do
Divide your group into pairs, and ask each partnership to stand facing one another about a metre apart, and place their hands on their own knees.
Explain that a knee can only be tagged when it is not covered by that person’s hand. Also, a person is only entitled to move their feet when they place their hands on their stomach (ie leaving their knees uncovered). So all movements will occur with hands on tummies, and only when he/she stops moving can an individual cover their knees.
All tages are made with an open hand. Play several 30 second rounds, then swap partners.
Variations
- Allow every person to tag any other person.
- As above, but introduce the “Hands Up” rule. When this command is called, everyone must keep their hands on their tummies and never defend their knees. Only when “Hands Down” is called, may participants choose to cover their knees.
If you know of a cool variation to this game, please add a comment…
Adapted from Knee Tag in ‘Count Me In: Large Group Activities That Work’
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Who am I?
Hi, I'm Mark Collard.
This blog shares some of the most successful group games, team-building activities & programming tips I know.
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