Mark coming to Perth 8th Feb
Mark will be presenting his popular one-day interactive workshop – MORE THAN JUST FUN – in Perth, WA (Australia) next Wednesday 8th February.
Limited spaces still available – REGISTER TODAY http://www.inspireyourgroup.com/mtjfwa.htm
Come to be inspired, have FUNN, and learn some wonderful new ideas.
This workshop is GUARANTEED to be the most enjoyable, most rewarding PD session you’ll do all year!
Exercise As Brain Food
In the past 12 months there has been a growing mountain of research that has generated a lot of excitement in PE and adventure-based learning circles which speaks to the CRITICAL VALUE of integrating play and exercise in our lives, every day! Especially for kids.
Click the image at right to read this short article.
As John Ratey says in his book ‘Spark,‘ exercise and play are as essential to human development and health as sleep and nutrition. I highly recommend reading his book for more details.
So… how often did you exercise / move your body today? That’s what it’s designed for.
Coloured Ball Debrief
Wonderfully creative and random way to debrief your group’s experience.
At A Glance
Participants are asked to randomly pull a ball out of a bag, the colour of which will direct the focus of their response.
What You Need
- Selection of balls (different colours) or other multi-coloured items.
- Form one large or several small groups.
- Everyone standing or sitting in a circle.
What To Do
I love to use this technique because it’s creative and produces totally random results.
It may sound like… “In a moment, I will pull a series of balls out of this hat. Each of the balls is a different colour, and each colour represents something in particular about today’s lesson. For example, when I pull a yellow ball out of the hat I want you to share a highlight, if I pull a black ball I want you to share something about today you didn’t like, if I pull a red ball I want you to share something you saw someone else do today, or if I pull a blue ball, I want you to share something you learned today. Okay, our first ball is…”
Variations
- Choose to direct each question for the whole group to answer.
- Pass the bag around the circle so each person can pull their own coloured ball.
- Return the ball back into the bag after each response.
Click here to make a comment, or share a variation of this exercise…
One Minute Debrief
One of the quickest and easiest debriefing techniques ever devised!
At A Glance
A group is asked to respond rapidly to one or more questions in no more than sixty seconds.
What You Need
- Form one large or several small groups.
- Everyone standing or sitting in a circle.
What To Do
This is perfect for those moments when you have very little time to debrief your group’s experrience.
It may sound like this… “Using my watch, you have exactly 60 seconds to share whatever you’re thinking about two important questions (or topics). Are you ready? Okay, your first question is … (enter question, time elapses) … ten seconds remaining … Okay, second question is .. (enter question) .. quick, less than ten seconds to go …”
Variation
- Use this timed strategy with the Whip Around technique, to encourage everyone to participate.
Click here to make a comment, or share a variation of this exercise…
End Of Year Gifts
In the spirit of Xmas, here are three gifts I’d like to pass onto you.
I have received so much value from each of these three resources during the year, I feel compelled to share them with you too (the first two are free):
Seth Godin’s Blog – Seth is a brilliant thinker. I receive his short blog every day, and it’s always one of the first things I read. I think he’s one of the world’s most brilliant entrepreneurial thinkers, and pushes me to enter my “stretch zone” to be remarkable all the time. Click HERE to subscribe to Seth’s free blog today.
TED (Technology, Entertainment & Design) – This site is all about ideas worth spreading. If you like to be inspired, gob-smacked and down-right moved, then drop into this site on a regular occasion. It’s free and features only the best people and thinkers in their fields.
Spark: The Revolutionary New Science Of Exercise & The Brain (John Ratey) – If you’re interested in how physical activity and play are related to developing more effective learners (think students), then you MUST get this book. I heard John give an address in Boston a few months ago, and there was a standing ovation. We need to hear and heed John’s message. If you live in Australia or New Zealand, you can get his book ‘Spark’ by clicking this link and entering the discount code “Inspire.”
Happy holidays everyone!
PS: See you in the new year, when I launch an exciting NEW initiative – the ultimate on-line resource of games and activities that inspire groups to play, trust and learn!
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Spot The Difference
An activity about noticing what’s different about another.
At A Glance
In pairs, partners take turns to alter a set number of things about their appearance, and then invite the other to identify those changes.
What You Need
- 5 – 10 minutes.
What To Do
Noticing the little things about people can develop trust and a connection with others in a group. This knowledge and a discussion of the impact the little things have on the effectiveness of a group can often move a group forward.
Break your group into pairs, and invite each partnership to stand with their backs to the other. Taking turns, one person will agree to alter three things of their physical appearance, eg roll up their sleeves, swap an earring to the other ear, and untie a shoe-lace. When ready, both partners will turn around and face each other and the “unaltered” person will try to identify every change in their partner’s appearance. They then switch roles. At first, this is a relatively simple task.
Now, without notice, ask each partnership to repeat the exercise, but this time, altering a further three (or whatever number you desire) physical effects of their appearance. The odds are your group will groan as they cry out they can’t think of anything else to change. But that’s a lie, they just haven’t thought about it thoroughly.
For example, note how many people do not think to alter their facial expression, or if they did, how many of their partners were focused on material changes and missed the bigger than usual smile, or frown.
You could go even further and suggest the thoughts of a person could change too. All of these tangible and intangible effects make a big difference to a group’s process – and are often wonderful talking points.
Variation
- As above, but invite groups as large as five or more people to alter X number of things about their appearance, inviting another group to identify the changes. Note, not everybody needs to change something.
Taken from ‘No Props: Great Games with No Equipment’
If you know of a cool variation to this exercise, please add a comment…
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Copy Claps
Wonderfully engaging non-verbal opener for large groups.
At A Glance
Without saying a word, a leader initiates a series of claps – each one slightly more complex than the one before – inviting the group to copy their moves.
What You Need
- 1 minute
- A large group, the bigger the better
What To Do
Start by saying nothing. Simply get people’s attention (look at video for a good example) and initiate your first simple, single clap. Make it loud and proud. Most folks will follow suit.
Then, respond with two claps (the group copies) and then three claps. By now, the group will have caught on to what’s going on.
You whole object now is to continue to present a series of increasingly complex (yet still fun) claps and slaps until the group reaches the point of utter bemusement. End with a courteous series of claps that morph into applause.
You will now have your group’s attention, they will be smiling, and are ready to hear what you have to say.
Variations
- The sky’s the limit – introduce a variety of sounds from whistles, thigh-slaps, hoots and hollering! Just make it fun.
- See Clapping Game in Count Me In: Large Group Activities That Work (p 86) for another excellent energiser that is guaranteed to raise the energy of your group and make ‘em laugh!
Thanks Nate for sharing this little gem.
Want to make a comment? Please let me and the world know by clicking here…
Train Station Greetings
An hilarious, silly exercise to energise your group.
At A Glance
Two people spy each other on opposite sides of the group and approach one another in ‘slow-motion’ until they are within a metre of each other, and then suddenly they each turn away and look for a new person to start the process over again.
What You Need
- Large group, of say 30+ people
- 5 mins
What To Do
Your sequence and framing of this exercise are very important, so approach with care. If you present when the group is not ready to ‘play’ and act a little silly, it could bomb.
With your group huddled around you (or standing in a circle, doesn’t matter), suggest that you would like everyone to imagine that they are waiting on a train platform in the good old days to meet a long lost friend.
By demonstration, you see them (on the other side of the group to where you are standing) and start waving madly and moving towards them – BUT, in slow-motion. All movements, gestures and sounds are in slo-mo.
By way of a volunteer, ask someone (you have spied) to adopt a similar slo-mo approach to you. Then, suddenly when the two of you are about a metre apart, you discover to your mutual horror that this person is not who you thought it was, and quickly look away.
Eah person then randomly spies a new ‘long lost friend’ (on the other side of the group to them) and they resume the same slo-mo approach toward one another, etc, etc.
Variation
- As above, but perform all of the slo-mo greetings without sounds.
Want to make a comment? Please let me and the world know by clicking here…
Who! by Karl Rohnke
A name game you can play with a large group.
At A Glance
Standing in the centre of a circle of people, a person points to someone and yells “Who” inviting them to trade places, before the new person repeats the sequence.
What You Need
- 5-10 mins
What To Do
Earlier this month, I visited Boston to be a part of Project Adventure’s 40th Anniversary celebrations. What a blast, especially to mix with the likes of Karl Rohnke and many other awesome PA staff and alumni.
Karl, Nate Folan (PA staffer) and I were invited to share a few games with everyone at the welcoming session, and this was Karl’s opener! Click here to view Clap Trap, another fun activity Karl introduced.
Start by asking your group to form a circle. With you in the centre, point to someone (perhaps, who you don’t know) in the circle and yell loudly ‘Who!” This will invite this person to walk towards you, and as you meet you could shake hands and exchange greetings, perhaps even using one another’s name.
You now moves into the circle where the second person was standing, inviting the latter to resume the pointing and greeting routine.
Once it appears that the group has grasped what is going on, randomly introduce a second, third, fourth, etc persons into the centre of the circle to ramp up the enegry and participation.
Variation
- For groups that already have a good level of ‘name-knowingness’, try Fill Me In.
Thanks Karl 
If you know of a fun variation to this game, please add a comment here …
Taking Play Seriously
Hi folks, I was sitting in a plane on Monday heading to Boston (to celebrate Project Adventure’s 40th anniversary this weekend), and read with interest the following newspaper articles from The Age (10/10/11):
- Exercise Linked To Higher Test Scores - in short, the more your students move and play, the more they learn in ALL areas of their education.
- Let The Children Play – New National Guidelines Advise - finally, official recognition that play makes a powerful difference to the quality of kid’s learning.
And, then today, Don MacDowall passed on a note regarding next week’s forum ‘Taking Play Seriously’ which, sadly, I can’t get to but figured some of you (in VIC) would be interested. Here’s the details (click here for pdf):
Taking Play Seriously forum: encouraging debate on risk and active recreation to assist in identifying the next steps for strategy and policy. Includes international keynote speaker Tim Gill, one of the UK’s leading thinkers on childhood and advocate for change.
Wednesday 19 October 2011, 2:00pm to 4.30pm
State Library, Village Roadshow Theatrette, Entry 3, 179 La Trobe Street, Melbourne
RSVP By Wednesday 12 October to rsvp@vichealth.vic.gov.au or call 0408 147 914
Enjoy!
Ice-Breaker Exchange
Simple, non-threatening game to get people interacting and sharing.
At A Glance
Starting with a question card each, partners ask each other the question on their card, before swapping cards and then seeking a new partner to ask their new question.
What You Need
- Set of Ice-Breaker Question cards
What To Do
In advance, prepare a set of ‘ice-breaker’ type questions on a series of index cards – one question per card. There are hundreds of questions you could use, but to save time, click here for a set of 24 great ice-breaker questions ready to print onto index cards. As you develop more questions, make them as open, non-threatening and interesting as possible.
Next, randomly distribute one card per person. Then, ask each person to find a partner who has similar length of hair to them (or any other fun, random way of splitting your group into pairs).
The action starts with each person asking their partner the question on their card. After this person has responded, the partner asks the question on their card. Upon completing this exchange, they swap cards, and then each seek a new partner. Repeat over and over.
Variations
- Form groups of three or more, inviting each person in the group to respond to each question, before swapping cardsd and forming a new group.
- For more energetic groups, replace the questions with actions. For example, ‘Perform ten star-jumps in a row,’ ‘Shake the hand of five different people within 30 seconds,’ and ‘Run around the outside of the group as quickly as possible.’
If you know of a fun variation to this game, please add a comment here …
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) …”
Variation
- 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.
What To Do
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, individual attempt to tag the uncovered knees of thier 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.
What You Need
- 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…
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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