Fill The Gap Debrief
Simple & creative technique to invite your group to share.
At A Glance
Participants are asked to complete a sentence started by the leader to explore a particular topic.
What You Need
- Form one large or several small groups.
- All kids standing or sitting in a circle.
What To Do
Here’s a simple debriefing technique that is easy to understand and will help you direct the focus of your group’s conversation.
It may sound like… “I would like each person to complete the rest of this sentence, to describe their own experience. Today, the most challenging thing I did was dot, dot, dot (or enter topic or question) …”
- To be sure every person has an opportunity to share, use the ‘Whip Around’ strategy as well.
Click here to make a comment, or share a variation of this exercise…
Whip Around Debrief
Quick and simple technique to debrief a group’s experience.
At A Glance
Situated in a circle, each person in turn is asked to briefly respond to a question.
What You Need
- Everyone standing or sitting in a circle.
This is one of my favourite ways to process a group’s experience – it’s quick, simple to understand and allows everyone to speak.
It may sound like … “Starting with whoever answers first, and then we’ll work our way around the circle in a clockwise direction, (enter question…) ”
Variations
- Whip around the circle the first time asking for only one word or phrase answers. Then, whip around a second time asking for each kid to use the word or phrase they chose in a sentence so that it helps the group understand what they chose it.
- Can be usefully integrated with other techniques discussed in the Debriefing Strategies section.
Click here to make a comment, or share a variation of this exercise…
Do Schools Kill Creativity?
Folks, please find time today – not tomorrow – to view this video of an address Sir Ken Robinson made some years ago for TED – I’ve been an avid viewer of TED presentations for some years now (it’s free), and it is nothing if not revolutionary.
Click here to view Sir Ken’s address entitled: Do Schools Kill Creativity?
I urge every educator to watch this video. It’s funny, moving and tells the truth about what’s wrong with our schools.
By all means, share this video with others (click link below). Or leave a comment here.
Have a great day!
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’
Simon Says Stretch
A golden oldie enhanced with several great variations.
At A Glance
Participants attempt to strictly follow a series of physical instructions on your command, or be eliminated.
- Flat, open space.
What To Do
Ask your group to stand directly in front of you, in a circle, in lines, or distributed evenly throughout an area, where every person has ample space to move.
Explain that your name is ‘Simon’ and you are the leader, which means that everything you command must be followed – exactly!
However, this trick is, only those commands that are prefaced with the words “Simon Says…” should be obeyed.
Start by announcing that you will only ever command the following moves: Left Arm UP, Left Arm DOWN, Right Arm UP and Right Arm DOWN. Or, Both Arms UP or Both Arms DOWN.
As with all commands, I recommend that you add a matching movement to your command (or not!).
Explain that once the game starts, if anyone initiates or completes a move without the command “Simon Says…” – or performs the wrong move – they simply add a point to their total. Or, you could simply eliminate them, but aiming to score the least number of points is much more fun!
To build suspense, issue a series of “Simon Says…” commands one after the other, and then quickly follow up with an instruction sans the “Simon Says…” piece.
Variations
- As above, but substitute your commands with any series of fun movements and stretches, such as Jumping Jacks, Sit Ups, Attention, etc.
- Introduce a championship round in which you add the command “Simon Says … Clap Your Hands Once (Twice, etc).”
- Click here for latest fun “Simon Says…” variations.
Do you know a fun variation? Please add a quick comment by clicking here…
Metronome
A fun, new initiative that’s very addictive
At A Glance
Individuals navigate through a field of spots and MUST be on a spot when the beat sounds.
What You Need
- One polyspot per person plus half again as many spots (if you have 20 people, you’ll need 30 spots)
- One hula-hoop
- Stop-watch
What To Do
This is pretty new to me, so I’m still having fun working with it.
In advance, spread a set of polyspots (rubber spots about 30cm diameter) randomly throughout an area, with approx 3 or 4 large steps between them. Lay the hoop in the middle of the playing area.
Describe to your group what a metronome is, you know, that strange ticking device that sounds a beat over and over without stopping, often used to keep time in music. Explain that the challenge is for everyone in the group to either be on a spot or in the hoop at the sound of every beat (unless you can find a real metronome, clapping of your hands, beating a drum, etc).
Start by asking every student to stand on a spot. There can only be one person on a spot or inside the hoop at a time, and movement between spots can only be done between the beats of the metronome.
If anyone is caught off a spot as the metronome sounds, or more than one person is discovered on a spot (or hoop), the action stops, and the time is recorded. Between rounds, allow your group a few minutes to plan their strategy. The aim is to record the longest time.
Variations
- As above, but explain that the metronome will beat at an ever-so-slightly faster pace with each round.
- As above, but designate the hoop as a resting point, where up to three people can stand for up to five beats.
- Start with the hoop at the farthest end of the playing area (which has spots spread throughout). Your group starts at opposite end, and aims to move everyone through the hoop as quickly as possible – but only by moving people between beats, one person on a spot at a time, etc.
Have FUNN!
If you can think of a cool variation to this activity, please add a comment…
Do The Work
Just wanted to share a wonderful tip which was inspired today by one of my favourite authors and thinkers, Seth Godin:
He wrote that a guy asked his friend, the writer David Foster Wallace, “Say, Dave, how’d y’get t’be so dang smart?”
His answer: “I did the reading.”
Here’s the kicker… no one said the preparation part was fun, but yes, it’s important.
I wonder, then, why we believe we can skip the preparation (the hard yards, the years of experience, the getting of wisdom) and still expect to be so dang smart (or good, or expert, etc) at what we do?
My suggestion … do the work, and the results will follow.
Frame Your Group’s Experience
To “frame” is simply another word for “prepare.”
In other words, for an experience (no matter the program or curriculum) to be successful, you MUST prepare your group in advance.
Appropriately framing an activity – that is, to “set the scene,” or provide a context in which the activity will take place – is one of the most valuable tools I employ to help groups achieve their goals, that is, be successful. Otherwise, your group may not be ready – in most cases, emotionally under-prepared – for what is about to happen.
People have a natural proclivity to want to know why they are doing what they are doing. Framing goes a long way towards answering these questions, as well as reducing anxiety, providing clarity, and generally coaxing people forward into your program.
Everything you do programmatically provides the context in which the next activity/experience is framed. For example:
- Your language – it’s not just what you say, but how you say it. Your intentions, tone, and body language shout volumes about what you’re thinking and what is expected;
- Lead-up activities – like building blocks, each activity (or experience) should aim to complement the next, rather than subvert it. To illustrate, leading into a serious discussion with a very energetic, bounce-off-the-wall type of activity is unlikely to result in a settled, composed or focused group of people.
- Your general approach to facilitation – for exmaple, if you operate under the premise of “challenge by choice,” but your overall demeanour or instructions provide no room for choice, you are likely to turn people off.
Ask yourself, “Have I done everything to prepare my group – emotionally, mentally and physically – for this experience?” “Do they know what they are getting into, and why?”
If not, think about what lead-up activities (or experiences) you could use to prepare thy way, or perhaps what introduction / briefing might be necessary to soothe the group into the activity.
Adapted from Things I’ve Learned Along The Way article in ‘No Props: Great Games with No Equipment.’
Bang, You’re Dead!
A lateral thinking exercise which underscores that “truth is obvious to those who know it.”
At A Glance
The leader points to one person sitting among many others in a group and says “Bang, you’re dead.” The group must then identify who has actually been eliminated and how this occured.
- A comfortable, open space
- Minimum of 8 people
- 5 – 15 minutes
What To Do
This is one of those classic “what’s the key?” exercises in which the leader subtly does something while distracting their group with something else, with a view that over time, the group will gradually catch on.
I suggest you start by sitting roughly in a circle (but it’s not critical), and then point your finger to anyone in the group and say “BANG, you’re dead!”
Extra style points are awarded if you elongate the words as you wag your finger about aimlessly, such as “BANG, yooooouuuurr…”, then sharply focus your finger on one person with a rousing “… dead!”
After some moments have passed, ask your group to nominate who it is you unceremoniously eliminated. As you may have guessed, it has nothing to do with who is pointed at – the key I often use is that the deceased will always be the first person to speak after you have said the word “dead.” So, listen carefully.
To this end, it’s a good idea to allow some time to elapse (and therefore provide a space for a number of people to speak up – they always do) before you reveal who it is you took out.
Variations
- For those working in a zero-tolerance environment, substitute the leader’s words with “Surprise” or any other useful sounding word(s).
- Rather than point, sit with your legs crossed (or uncrossed), making sure that your right (or left) foot is pointing to a particular individual (the dead person). So for each round, you adjust your sitting (foot) position, say the magic words, and then sift through the various guesses until the deceased is identified correctly.
- As in all ‘what’s the key?’ variations, invite those members of the group who think they have it, to have a go.
Adapted from ‘What’s The Key?’ taken from ‘No Props: Great Games with No Equipment.’
If you know of a cool variation to this exercise, please add a comment…
Circle Tag
A tag game that will have your group running in circles.
At A Glance
Starting in a circle, individuals run clock-wise in an attempt to tag as many people in front of them until they are tagged and eliminated from the game.
What You Need
- Flat even ground on which to run
- Chalk or boundary markers
What To Do
Having picked the perfect spot to conduct a lot of running, ask your group to form a large circle, with about a metre between each person. Using chalk or boundary markers (not rope), mark the inside of the circle where people are standing.
Next, explain that everyone’s goal is the same – to stay in the game as long as possible, and maybe even, be the last person standing. Then, on your command “GO,” instruct everyone to run clockwise on the outside perimeter of the circle tagging any person in front of them. Or, in other words, everyone is “IT,” but everyone (taggers and taggees) must run in the same direction.
You should expect within 10 seconds or so, more than 2/3 of the group will have been eliminated. Ask all eliminated persons to assume a position standing on the boundary (this also keeps the chasing to the outside of the circle).
Gradually, fewer and fewer people are left chasing each other, and ultimately, one person remains. Ta da!
Variation
- For smaller groups, of say only 10 people, each person is entitled to be tagged 2 or 3 times (you decide) before they are eliminated.
If you know of a cool variation to this exercise, please add a comment…
Change Up
A simple line-up initiative using a deck of cards.
At A Glance
A group attempts to form a line as quickly as possible according to the numerical sequence of the playing card each person is holding.
What You Need
- Regular deck of cards
- Stop-watch
- 15 – 30 minutes
What To Do
This initiative has become one of my latest favourites because it’s so simple, and always provides plenty of opportunity for discussion at the end.
Start by randomly distributing one card (face-down) from a regular deck of cards to each person in the group. Ask people not to look at their card, or show it to another person.
Explain that you will issue two loud commands for each of several rounds – GO, and STOP.
On “GO,” you invite everyone to turn their card over (for the first time) and then as quickly as possible, form one straight line according to the numerical order of the cards, aces high. That is, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King, Ace – regardless of suits, so if three people were holding 7′s, it would not matter in what order they stood provided they all lined up between the 6′s and 8′s. Using a stop-watch, your job is to time how long this process takes.
Between each round, the group is entitled to pool their creative resources and try to think of ways to improve their time. When the group is prepared to be timed again, explain that you want all cards turned face down again, and then with a simple one-for-one swap, invite everyone to mingle and make as many trades as posible… until you say “STOP.” At this point, without turning the cards over, invite the group to do whatever it needs to do to be ready for the next command… “GO” which means the clock starts ticking again.
Hint, be sure to focus the group’s efforts on solving the “timing” problem, and not the method in which the cards are “randomly” distributed between each round.
Good solutions not only feature good problem-solving and decision-making skills, but also an emphasis on systems and creativity.
Variations
- Same as above, yet explain the criterion of success is the alphabetical order of the cards (not numerical). You will literally hear the cogs grinding in people’s heads as they grapple with this change. So, now, suits do matter (Clubs, Diamonds, Hearts, Spades – in that order) when two or more of the same card value occur. For example, the 3′s will now necessarly sit between the 6′s and the 2′s (… six, three, two …)
- Use a bunch of coins, and distribute as above, with the goal of forming a line according to the order of their year of manufacture, eg 1978, 1982, 1983, 1991…
If you know of a cool variation to this exercise, please add a comment…
When Is An Ice-Breaker Not An Ice-Breaker?
I’ve just finished writing an article for a new Squidoo lens I’ve created which focuses on getting the most out of your ice-breakers and group games.
Click here to find out when an ice-breaker is not an ice-breaker.
Even experienced practitioners will learn something from this post, because I identify five CRITICAL attributes every ice-breaker must have to ensure that it is successful. In fact, I’m betting that much of what you’re calling an “ice-breaker” is NOT an ice-breaker at all!
And, certainly if you’re new to using games and activities, it’s a MUST-read.
Do you agree with me? Click HERE to leave a comment …
PS: If you’re a fellow squid, feel free to LIKE my lens
About Now
A simple sixty second guessing game.
At A Glance
Individuals standing as a part of their group will sit down when they estimate sixty seconds has elapsed since the starting command of “now.”
What You Need
- A comfortable, open space for people to sit on the ground
- A time piece with a second hand
- 5 – 10 minutes
What To Do
Bunch your group together in front of you with sufficient room for each person to sit on the ground, but don’t sit down yet! With a time piece at the ready, instruct your group to sit down when they believe exactly 60 seconds has elapsed. Note, there is no talking permitted during the exercise, so that individuals assume full responsibility for when they believe the sixty seconds as expired.
Obviously, it will be necessary for people to not look at their watches as they perform this task, ie if the temptation is too great, ask that all watches be removed. Also, you are well advised to check that the area you are playing in does not have a clock on the wall (but that’s another story).
The time starts ticking when you call out “NOW”, and off they go. It’s extraordinary how quick some people believe one minute will pass, or how long. Purely out of interest, note the person(s) who sits at or closest to the sixty-minute mark.
Observe how group pressure plays a part in people’s decision-making processes. It will look like corn popping in reverse – a few early sits, then a few more, then a flurry of them for an extended period, and then some late ones. And then of course, there’s always a few tough, residual corns that just refuse to pop (and get burned)!
Variations
- Same deal, but this time the group can communicate with each other all they like, before and during the exercise, with the objective of having everyone sit at the same time. Emphasis is on seeking consensus, as well as achieving a group-sit as close to one minute as possible.
- Stand your group in a line at the edge of a wide space, and ask them to walk to the other side at a pace which will have them cross a designated line at exactly sixty-seconds.
If you know of a cool variation to this exercise, please add a comment…
2011 PD Workshops Posted
Hey folks, I’ve been meaning to remind you all that I have posted a stack of one-day professional development workshop dates for VIC, TAS, NSW and QLD….
>>> CLICK HERE TO VIEW WORKSHOP DATES <<<
And of course, most of my time is spent delivering custom workshops of this nature all over the place. If you’re interested in having me come to you (your group), let me know.
Have a great day! Mark
TP Shuffle On A Rope
Indoor (and outdoor) variation of a classic initiative.
At A Glance
A group standing on a straight line of rope attempts to re-order their positions, ensuring that all movements are made with at least one foot on the rope at all times.
What You Need
- Long piece of rope (say 10m for 25 people)
What To Do
The original TP Shuffle is a wonderful group initiative, but as it required a long 5 to 8 metre pole (TP = telephone pole) laying on its side, it was not always readily accessible. Until now…
Lay a long rope in a straight line on the floor (or relatively even ground) and ask your group to stand directly onto it with both feet.
Next, explain that you would like them to now re-arrange their current positions according to a particular sequence, for exmaple, the month and date of their birth. So, at one end of the rope it is possible that someone may be standing with a birth date of 1 January, and next to them, 2nd of January, and so on, through the days and months to 31 December at the opposite end of the rope.
However, here’s the kicker – all movements must be made with at least one foot always touching the rope. If at any time, one or more people involved in a move should discover that both of their feet are not touching the rope, they will incur a penalty. Penalties can also be incurred if any other part of the body (such as a hand or butt) shoudl touch the ground – often because they were used to break a fall.
Typically, penalties vary from simply counting the number of infractions, to requiring the offender to move to the end of the rope opposite to the direction they were travelling. For example, if a person with a birth date of September should come off the rope, they must start over from the January end of the rope. Yeah, tough, I know!
While clearly the task is not performed while balancing on a telephone pole, this variation does offer many of the benefits of the original, including the development of creativity, support and communication skills.
Variations
- Vary the sequence criteria, such as last two digits of their mobile phone number, street number, height, shoe size, length of hair, etc.
- Complete the task with several members of the group blindfolded.
If you know of a cool variation to this exercise, please add a comment…
Acronyms
Hey folks, just received a note from a long-time client describing his joy at using a wonderful variation of one of my all-time favourite arrival activities – ACRONYMS!
He recently encountered your typical group of disengaged young people, and soon after he rolled out this exercise, he’d broken the ice and had them in fits of laughter.
First, here’s the activity…
At A Glance
A group attempts to decipher a variety of acronyms as they are presented one after another.
What You Need
- List of ‘acronyms’ printed on index cards or sheets of paper
- Paper and pens (optional)
- 10 – 20 mins
What To Do
You know how it feels when the clock says it’s time to start, but it’s obvious that not everyone is here. I hate waiting, so I have developed a bunch of really simple, non-threatening activities that can occupy (think reward) those folks who are on time, yet not disrupt the group’s fun when the late-comers finally appear.
Well in advance, grab a magazine, newspaper or both and start flicking through the pages spotting as many acronyms (you know, a word that is formed from the initials of other words) as you can. I’m sure you know many off the top of your head. Write these ‘words’ onto a set of index cards or sheets of paper. You’ll need at least 40 or more.
Can’t think of any? Check out pages 57 & 232 on Count Me In for dozens of them, such as:
PIN DOA QANTAS LASER NATO AD
ANZAC FAQ BBC BMW LED HMS
RAM FUBAR NIMBY ATM SCUBA pH
MGM WHO FUNN UFO DINK RSVP
MASH GSOH CEO UNESCO ISBN IVF
The basic idea is to present this series of cards, turning one card over at a time, asking your group to decipher as many of the acronyms as they can, in as little time as possible. Get it right (bing!) and you show the next card. Can’t work it out, either tell them the answer, or put the card aside to work on later as you move onto the next one.
As an opening (arrival) activity, let me describe my all-time favourite version…
I make an ‘unofficial’ start by asking people to bunch on in, sit them down (often on the floor), introduce myself briefly and pull out the cards. Within a few minutes and a dozen or so cards, I have not only fostered engagement and some laughter (I often encourage silly answers). I’ve found this to be an awesome, creative way to kick off many programs.
And, hey, did you know that A C R O N Y M is really an acronym? A Contrived Reduction Of Nomenclature Yielding Mnemonics, or Abbreviated Codes Rarely Or Never Yielding Meaning. Or, how about Annoyingly Cryptic References Of Names You Make-up?
Variations
- Separate into smaller groups, and hand each a number of acronym cards. Their object is to correctly guess as many as possible, perhaps within a time limit.
- As above, but this time add a number of blank index cards and supply a magazine or newspaper. Each small group is now challenged to find a variety of acronyms within the pages, write them on the blank cards, and invite another group to translate as many as possible.
- Use a series of common and humourous text / SMS abbreviations as your acronyms. Terms such as IMHO (in my humble opinion), LOL (laugh out loud, or lots of love), ISO (in search of), and tons of others*. Click HERE for a list of 50 of the most common SMS / Text phrases to get you started.
* Thanks to Andrew Davis, Wodonga VIC for this last variation
Taken from ‘Count Me In: Large Group Activities That Work.’
One Car – Two Siblings
** [note - if you've got a better name for this activity, please leave a comment here] **
Sitting in a train on my way to open a conference this week, looking for a novel opener, I came up with this fantastic idea (a twist to the wonderfully successful Commonalities) … and it worked a treat, so I wanted to share it with you.
It’s always tough to ‘break the ice’ when people are seated in rows, or in a lecture theatre, or round a table – hard to move people about. And this is exactly what I had to work with. Here’s what I did…
I asked people to partner up with one or two other people sitting close to them. After quick introductions are exchanged, I invited each group to have a conversation in which they sought out all the “things” they (all) had in common … but with one proviso. Starting at one, and moving through the numbers as high as they could go within three minutes, their object was to find that number of things / objects / experiences they had in common. As this explanation was met with a few blank faces, an illustration followed.
For example, starting at one, the group may discover that they all own ONE car. Then they might discover they all have TWO siblings. Moving on, they have all taken THREE overseas holidays, and all have FOUR letters in their first names, and so on.
On this particular morning, one group of three people got as high as EIGHT – apparently, they all had the numeral eight in their street address (which, maybe, is stretching the framework of the game – but who cares – they were talking and interacting and, best of all, along with 100 other people, were laughing and generating TONS of energy….)
… and voila – a new ice-breaker!
Try it out, and tell me what you think …