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Don't Scrape the Snake
Recently, I posted a set of large group icebreakers that I experienced and enjoyed at the AEE Mid-South Conference, held at the end of February in Louisiana. I also had the opportunity to participate in a workshop in which we created our own activities; the results from my team are presented here. Although we've only tried this out with a few others, I think this one is a real winner. Would love to hear any feedback.
Supplies Needed:
- 1 spot per participant minus one, placed randomly on the floor within a few feet of each other.
- 1 20-30’ long rope, placed in a heap among/between the spots
- 1 hula hoop
- 1 blindfold
Directions/Facilitator Script:
- Everybody take your place on a spot (except for one person -- you can either let them rush for the available spots or have someone volunteer to be without). Are you comfortable? Wonderful, because now you can’t move (switch orientation -- whatever way you're facing is the way that you have to face for the duration of the activity) or step off of the spot.
- Everyone who is on a spot must now get two hands on the rope; make sure while you are passing the rope around that the rope does not cross itself.
- Your team goal: the Hula Hoop must move from one end of the rope to the other without it touching the rope or any person; the person holding/carrying the hoop is your volunteer; and, by the way, that person is blindfolded.
- Any questions? Begin.
Facilitator Notes:
-
If the hula hoop touches the rope or any person other than the carrier, possible consequences are
- Start over (not recommended as this is an intense activity, but maybe useful for a hot-shot group)
- Go back one person
- Nothing – just keep track of the number of touches and apparent reasons for the debrief.
- The event can be timed; after the first attempt, have participants brainstorm and then try again.
- Allow the blindfolded person to trade places with whomever whenever they want – state this on the front end.
- If this is a high-performing team, allow them to initially distribute the rope in any fashion they choose -- any crosses in the rope will add to the challenge.
Train-the-Trainer
- Learn how to facilitate activities in ways that promote real learning and long-term behavior change
- Enhance your facilitation skills - learn from leading practitioners
- Experience the activities yourself!
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