playmeo https://www.playmeo.com Fun, Interactive Group Games Online Database Mon, 26 Aug 2024 05:40:33 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 https://www.playmeo.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/cropped-icon_shadow_big-600x600px-32x32.png playmeo https://www.playmeo.com 32 32 How to Remember People’s Names without Name-Tags https://www.playmeo.com/how-to-remember-peoples-names/ https://www.playmeo.com/how-to-remember-peoples-names/#respond Tue, 27 Aug 2024 12:00:59 +0000 https://www.playmeo.com/?p=176000 https://www.playmeo.com/how-to-remember-peoples-names/feed/ 0 Fun Icebreaker Questions for Work, Meetings & Events https://www.playmeo.com/fun-icebreaker-questions-for-work-meetings-events/ https://www.playmeo.com/fun-icebreaker-questions-for-work-meetings-events/#respond Tue, 20 Aug 2024 12:00:09 +0000 https://www.playmeo.com/?p=173628 https://www.playmeo.com/fun-icebreaker-questions-for-work-meetings-events/feed/ 0 4 x Quick & Easy No Prop Teambuilding Activities https://www.playmeo.com/4-x-quick-easy-no-prop-teambuilding-activities/ https://www.playmeo.com/4-x-quick-easy-no-prop-teambuilding-activities/#respond Tue, 13 Aug 2024 12:00:21 +0000 https://www.playmeo.com/?p=173361 https://www.playmeo.com/4-x-quick-easy-no-prop-teambuilding-activities/feed/ 0 New Open Enrolment Workshops – Australia & USA https://www.playmeo.com/new-open-enrolment-workshops/ https://www.playmeo.com/new-open-enrolment-workshops/#respond Mon, 05 Aug 2024 20:00:01 +0000 https://www.playmeo.com/?p=173165 https://www.playmeo.com/new-open-enrolment-workshops/feed/ 0 20+ Fun & Engaging Ways to Form Mixed Teams https://www.playmeo.com/20-fun-engaging-ways-to-form-mixed-teams/ https://www.playmeo.com/20-fun-engaging-ways-to-form-mixed-teams/#comments Tue, 30 Jul 2024 12:00:42 +0000 https://www.playmeo.com/?p=171409 https://www.playmeo.com/20-fun-engaging-ways-to-form-mixed-teams/feed/ 1 20+ Fun & Engaging Ways to Form Random Pairs https://www.playmeo.com/20-fun-engaging-ways-to-form-random-pairs/ https://www.playmeo.com/20-fun-engaging-ways-to-form-random-pairs/#comments Mon, 22 Jul 2024 20:00:37 +0000 https://www.playmeo.com/?p=171407 https://www.playmeo.com/20-fun-engaging-ways-to-form-random-pairs/feed/ 5 How Do You Make a Good Icebreaker Question? https://www.playmeo.com/how-do-you-make-a-good-icebreaker-question/ Mon, 15 Jul 2024 20:00:10 +0000 https://www.playmeo.com/?p=171165 Fun Team-Building Games for Small Groups https://www.playmeo.com/fun-team-building-games-for-small-groups/ https://www.playmeo.com/fun-team-building-games-for-small-groups/#comments Mon, 08 Jul 2024 20:00:22 +0000 https://www.playmeo.com/?p=167466 Are you looking for a list of fun team-building games for really small groups that are engaging, quick and easy to present? You know, teambuilding games for 2, 3 or 4 people?

If regularly work with small groups, I’m sure you get a little tired of always having to adapt large group activities for your teambuilding programs.

If this sounds like you, then playmeo has got your covered.

 

Team-Building Activities for 2, 3 or 4 People

 

A quick search through any activity book or online platform will quickly confirm that the programming world is mostly focused on groups of at least 10 or more people. Sadly, many of these activity ideas don’t work well with small groups.

Thankfully, there are dozens of fun and very simple team-building activity ideas you can lead with small groups of 2, 3 or 4 people – and playmeo features more than you’ll ever need.

This list could be very long, so I’ll keep it short and sweet and focus on five of my go-to favourites when I want to focus on team building and problem-solving skills.

 

List of Teambuilding Activities for Small Groups

 

Click the links below to scroll directly to the activity.

Leaning Tower of Feetza

 

If you don’t have a lot of time, this quick and easy team-building exercise is for you. Provided your team are wearing shoes, then you don’t need any further equipment. The basic premise is for your team to build the tallest free-standing structure in less than three minutes using just their shoes. Yep, it’s as simple (and as difficult) as that. This exercise is ideal for inspiring lots of creativity, not to mention ample opportunities for your team to sharpen their communication and collaboration skills.

Recommended group size: At least 2 people

Typical duration: 3 – 5  minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Simple set-up
  • Quick execution
  • Promotes teamwork
  • Inspires creativity
  • Highly interactive

 

Marshmallow Challenge

 

This is a classic team-based problem-solving exercise that is perfect for small groups of 2, 3 or 4 people. We have led this exercise dozens of times which means you’re going to love that our content features a video recording of a real group playing the game that will help you develop valuable insights into how to lead the game with confidence and ease – click the play button above. Once you have collected and distributed a short list of resources, you can step back from your group and observe how they solve the problem of elevating a marshmallow as far off the ground as possible.

Recommended group size: 2 – 4 people

Typical duration: 20 – 25 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Playful & fun
  • Simple props
  • Promotes creativity
  • Builds problem-solving skills
  • Many metaphors

 

Get Twenty

 

This team-building activity is great for those in your small group who are mathematically inclined. Now, having said that, this does not eliminate anyone who struggles with maths, but having at least one person in your team who is good with numbers will be useful. All you need is a regular deck of playing cards. Distribute 5 cards to your group and ask them to arrange the cards so that when they combine with any mathematical function (ie add, subtract, multiply and divide) the result will equal twenty, hence the Get Twenty activity name. Sometimes it’s easy, sometimes it’s not – it’s all in the cards you are dealt. Which… is a wonderful metaphor to build upon when it comes time to debrief the exercise to draw some learning from the activity.

Recommended group size: 2 to 4 people

Typical duration: 5 – 10 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Simple set-up
  • Promotes collaboration
  • Focus on critical thinking
  • Ideal maths game
  • Virtual options

 

Memory Card Game

 

Remember when your grandma placed a bunch of items on a tray and asked you to memorise them? Before you knew it, the tray was removed from sight and you were invited to remember as many of the items as possible. Well, take that idea and add a liberal dose of energy and fun into the mix. After a couple of minutes of preparation, you’ll be set-up and ready to challenge your group to work together and solve the problem of remembering where matching cards are laid. If your group is prepared to go to the next level, invite them to create the 10 or 12 sets of matching cards based on their ideas of the essential ingredients of a productive team.

Recommended group size: 3 – 4 people

Typical duration: 5 – 10 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Familiar concept
  • Promotes collaboration
  • Sharpens memory skills
  • Sparks powerful conversations
  • Multiple variations

 

Flip Over Ten

 

If your team likes the Memory Card Game (or not) then try this super-fun problem-solving exercise. This time, there is only one card for each asset. The trick is that the group needs to discover them in numerical order, ie from Ace then 2 then 3 then 4 etc. As you can expect, cards will be flipped over early, so your group will need to work hard to recall where these cards are for future reference. This exercise is ideal for any team working on continuous improvement because each round will be timed, with your team challenged to record the fastest possible time. You can expect lots of fast-paced action and wonderful opportunities for honing your team’s planning, communication and creativity skills.

Recommended group size: 2 – 4 people

Typical duration: 10 – 15 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Simple set-up
  • Sharpens observation skills
  • Fosters collaboration
  • Active

 

Create Team Skills the Fun Way

 

Team-building activities are an invaluable way to help groups develop essential life skills while having fun. From boosting confidence with games like the Leaning Tower of Feetza to fostering creativity with Get Twenty, these activities encourage teamwork, communication, and problem-solving in a thoroughly fun and engaging way.

Why not try these team-building activities and see how they can bring your group closer?

Our online activity database features 100s of great team-building activities for small groups. The five described above are just the tip of the iceberg.

If you like what you see here, consider becoming a member of playmeo to unlock 530+ fun group games & activities suitable small and large groups.

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The 20 Best Team Building Activities for Teens https://www.playmeo.com/the-20-best-team-building-activities-for-teens/ Mon, 01 Jul 2024 20:00:55 +0000 https://www.playmeo.com/?p=169600 The importance of team-building activities for teens

 

We all know how important team-building activities are for teenagers. They help young people develop social skills, build trust, and learn to work together. But let’s face it: not all team-building activities are created equally.

 

Fun and engaging activities

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of fun team-building activities your teens will enjoy. These activities are perfect for schools, youth groups, or any gathering where you want to promote teamwork and connection.

 

Building essential skills

Team-building games engage teens in activities that build communication, leadership, and teamwork skills. These activities are designed to be interactive, enjoyable, and effective in developing important life skills. They help teens communicate effectively, work collaboratively, and develop a strong team spirit.

 

The best activities for teens

If you are looking for the best team-building activities for teens or fun team-building exercises, this list has got you covered.

 

Benefits of fun team building activities for teens

 

Fun team-building games do more than fill time—they’re a fantastic way to help teens learn valuable life skills. These activities teach communication, leadership, and cooperation while having a good time.

Plus, they get teens off their screens and interacting face-to-face, which we could all use more of these days! When teenagers work together to solve problems or complete challenges, they build trust and form stronger relationships.

It’s all about creating an environment where they feel connected and supported.

 

Tips for working with teenagers

 

Teens are like most other (human) groups. They crave social connections and want to feel loved, valued and meaningfully connected. That said, there are some unique characteristics of teenagers you should consider in your program design and leadership:

 

Be active

Young people are hard-wired to move, so be sure that whatever team activities you plan will move their bodies. Sitting still and being quiet for long periods is the worst thing you can do when planning a team activity.

You need only look at a typical school classroom to understand why kids are often bored.

 

Go with the flow

You need a plan, but be flexible and prepared to change it. If something you or your group of teens say or do appears to fire them up, go with it.

Think on your feet to integrate their sudden interest in your program. For example, if skateboarding is their thing, discuss how trust and team skills show up in this activity.

 

Honour choices

None of us likes to be told what to do, and this is especially true for young people who desperately want to be treated as adults.

A powerful approach is to give teenagers more agency and a voice in what’s happening. Now, this is not a license for your group to take over your program but rather an imperative for you to create a safe learning space for these young people to interact and learn together.

The safer it is, the more willing and able they will be to participate.

 

Make it about them

If your group feels that the program is truly designed with them in mind, they will be more motivated to be involved. If they feel like they are the square peg being squashed into a round hole, you’ll be pushing them uphill all day.

Teenagers are still learning that the world does not revolve around them, so be interested in them, ask them how they are doing, and take a genuine interest in their welfare. The more interested you are in them, the more interesting you will appear to your group.

 

Challenge them

Yeah, we know, teens can sometimes appear as if they don’t care and don’t want to be pushed, but in most cases, this is just a facade they erect because they may feel threatened and out of their comfort zone. Work hard to create a positive and safe environment for your teens.

When I say ‘challenge’, I’m not just talking about sports. Sporting activities are great and suit some young people but not all. Instead, consider presenting a series of physical team-building activities, such as the group initiatives described below.

 

Be yourself

Finally, try not to take yourself or your program too seriously. Exert your leadership but in a genuine, authentic and fair manner.

 

 

Our Top 20 Activity Recommendations

 

The team building activities below aren’t listed in any particular order, and they all regularly appear in the top 20 most viewed or used activities inside the playmeo activity database.

Their continued popularity cements our confidence that these activities work extremely well and will help you achieve the team-building results you are after.

These team-building activities will engage your group, promote teamwork, and provide fun and practical team-building experiences. Whether your teams compete in a challenging task or collaborate in a team-building activity, these recommendations are invaluable for building strong, cohesive teams.

What team-building activities are listed in this post?

 

 

Encanto

A fun and active partner activity that focuses on sharing strengths. Participants form pairs and share their ideal superpower with each other. They then guide their partner to a secret location using “cooler/warmer” prompts. After finding both locations, pairs meet at a midpoint to share one real-life strength, fostering self-awareness and connection.

Recommended group size: Pairs (2 people)

Typical duration: 5 – 10 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Simple
  • Fosters sharing
  • Builds self-awareness
  • Suits all group sizes
  • Partner activity

 

Name that Tune

The classic, fast-paced music guessing game. Participants, either individually or in small teams, listen to short snippets of popular and lesser-known songs and try to guess the song title and/or artist. Each correct answer earns a point, and the first to reach 10 points (or the highest score) wins. It’s a fun and playful activity that promotes friendly competition and collaboration.

Recommended group size: 30+ people

Typical duration: 15 – 20 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Very fun & playful
  • Friendly competition
  • Promotes collaboration
  • Many variations

 

Verbal Number Exchange

A simple problem-solving exercise to sharpen listening skills. Participants start by numbering off in a circle, then mingle and exchange numbers verbally with five different people, using no visual cues. After the exchanges, they reform the circle in numerical order based on their final number. This activity promotes collaboration, listening, and verbal communication skills.

Recommended group size: 30+ people

Typical duration: 10 – 15 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Simple set-up
  • Develops listening skills
  • Promotes collaboration
  • No props

 

Story Swap

This fun and thought-provoking exercise involves pairs sharing creative stories inspired by random images on We Engage cards. It’s a simple, non-threatening activity that promotes self-reflection and creativity and is an excellent icebreaker.

Recommended group size: Pairs (2 people)

Typical duration: 10 – 15 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Inspires creativity
  • Promotes self-reflection
  • Non-threatening
  • Simple props

 

Chopsticks

A fun partner game involving strategy and competition. Players face each other, each holding out two clenched hands with one finger extended on each hand. They take turns tapping each other’s fingers to add to the total number of fingers extended. If a hand reaches more than four fingers, it’s eliminated. Players can also transfer fingers between hands during their turn. The goal is to eliminate both hands of your partner. This playful game promotes critical thinking and can be played in multiple rounds with different partners.

Recommended group size: Pairs (2 people)

Typical duration: 2 – 5 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Playful & fun
  • Promotes critical thinking
  • Partner game
  • No props

 

Paper Stone Stacking

A creative and mindful activity based on nature wellness. Each participant writes a hope or dream on five separate sheets of paper, crumples them into ‘stones,’ and then attempts to stack and balance the stones. This activity promotes mindfulness, focus, and patience while fostering a sense of connectedness. Suitable for all group sizes, it encourages participants to reflect on the value of the exercise and its connection to their personal aspirations.

Recommended group size: Solo

Typical duration: 10 – 15 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Promotes mindfulness & focus
  • Develops patience
  • Builds connectedness
  • Adaptable to many topics
  • Suitable for all group sizes

 

Porcupine Progression

A very challenging engineering task for small groups. Participants are given a block of wood with one nail partially hammered into the center and 12 additional nails. The challenge is to balance all 12 nails on top of the vertical nail without any of them touching the wood or any other apparatus. This fascinating puzzle inspires creativity and fosters critical thinking, making it an ideal small-group initiative. Allow up to 30 minutes for participants to solve the problem, encouraging innovative and engineering-based solutions.

Recommended group size: Solo

Typical duration: 30 – 45 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Fascinating puzzle
  • Inspires creativity
  • Fosters critical thinking
  • Ideal small group initiative

 

Texas Big Foot

Texas Big Foot is a humorous and engaging circle activity for large groups. Participants hold hands with their neighbour and the group is asked to form a tight circle. The instructor then asks everyone to take a large step forward, and then another (if possible!). This game is an excellent icebreaker for large groups and gets everyone relaxed, laughing and interacting with each other.

Recommended group size: 10 – 30 people

Typical duration: 10 – 15 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Breaks the ice
  • Encourages laughter and fun
  • Suitable for large groups

 

One Up, One Down

A fantastic observation and lateral thinking exercise for groups. Participants sit in a circle and try to identify the ‘key’ to the game based on the position of people’s feet.

By predicting whether a person represents “One Up One Down,” “Two Up,” or “Two Down,” participants sharpen their critical thinking and observation skills. This simple yet challenging game encourages active engagement and offers a fun way to develop lateral thinking without the need for any props.

Recommended group size: 15 – 30 people

Typical duration: 10 – 15 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Promotes critical thinking
  • Sharpens observation skills
  • Simple What’s the Key? variation
  • No props

 

Upside Down

Upside down is a challenging, collaborative team-building activity for smaller groups. Participants are divided into teams of 2 to 6 people, each given a 2-meter length of PVC pipe.

The task is to fill the pipe with water and balance it vertically on one person’s palm. Teams must then carefully tip the pipe upside down two to four times, aiming to lose as little water as possible. The group that retains the most water wins.

This playful and physically engaging activity fosters collaboration and is perfect for summertime fun.

Recommended group size: 15 – 30 people

Typical duration: 10 – 15 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Promotes critical thinking
  • Sharpens observation skills
  • Simple What’s the Key? variation
  • No props

 

Ducks in a Row

This game playfully surfaces behavioural norms and is a great activity to include in a values-based group discussion. Using rubber ducks decorated to symbolise the group’s values, participants align the ducks in a row to represent their collective performance.

This metaphorical and physical representation fosters communication and helps put values into existence. By discussing which ducks (values) are out of line, the group can identify areas for improvement and commit to actions that align all their ducks in a row, enhancing their overall performance.

Recommended group size: 15 – 30 people

Typical duration: 20 – 30 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Powerful metaphor
  • Physical representation of values
  • Fosters communication
  • Puts values into existence
  • Simple reflection tool

 

Blind Maze

A team-based problem-solving exercise for small groups that promotes collaboration and effective communication. Participants navigate a maze created with ropes tied between trees while blindfolded, staying connected and following specific rules.

The goal is to find their way out of the maze without breaking the connection or opening their eyes. This activity encourages teamwork and offers multiple metaphors for overcoming challenges and achieving goals together.

Recommended group size: 8 – 15 people

Typical duration: 20 – 30 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Promotes collaboration
  • Focus on effective communication
  • Multiple metaphors

 

Pretty Darn Quick

A fast-paced, high-energy tag game for small groups. Participants form a circle, with one person nominating themselves as the leader who then assigns numbers to establish the order of play. At the leader’s signal, everyone jumps back and attempts to tag others’ feet while avoiding being tagged themselves.

Players are eliminated if their foot is tagged, if they move prematurely, or if they jump out of sequence. The game continues until only one person remains, who then becomes the leader for the next round. This energetic activity develops agility and fosters friendly competition.

Recommended group size: 3 – 8 people

Typical duration: 5 – 10 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Very active
  • Competitive
  • Develops agility
  • No props

 

Walk & Stop

An active game to inspire good listening and reflex skills. Participants spread out in a large open space and respond to commands to walk or stop. After practicing, the meanings of the commands are swapped, with “WALK” meaning stop and “STOP” meaning walk.

Additional commands like “NAME” (say your name) and “CLAP” (perform a clap) are introduced and their meanings are also swapped. This game develops communication, sharpens listening skills, and emphasises integrity through quick, accurate responses.

This activity is not as easy as it sounds and is a laugh-out-loud energiser for large groups.

Scroll above to learn how to present Walk & Stop in the best possible way.

Recommended group size: 30+ people

Typical duration: 5 – 10 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Simple, but not easy
  • Develops communication
  • Sharpens listening skills
  • Focus on integrity
  • No props

 

Around The World

Around the world is an active, fun, mathematical group energiser. Participants stand in designated areas representing different cities or countries they’d like to visit.

Each person aims to travel clockwise to every location within two minutes by winning quick games of Your Add against others in the same area. Winners advance to the next city, while losers stay and play again. The person who completes the most rotations within the allotted time wins.

This high-energy game promotes healthy competition and can be adapted for small or large groups.

Click play above to catch all of the action.

Recommended group size: 30+ people

Typical duration: 2 – 5 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Very active
  • Healthy competition
  • Small or large groups
  • Multiple variations
  • No props

 

Longest Shadow

A much loved outdoor group activity! Participants work together in a wide open space on a sunny day with the challenge to cast the longest continuous shadow possible, starting from a common line. Only bodies can be used to create the shadow, with no props or clothing allowed.

The group has 10 minutes to make multiple attempts, and the longest shadow is measured and recorded. This simple setup fosters creativity and collaboration while taking advantage of natural sunlight.

You can watch teams in action in the video above.

Recommended group size: 8 – 15 people

Typical duration: 15 – 20 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Simple to set-up
  • Inspires creativity
  • Fosters collaboration
  • No props

 

Knee Tag

A great group energiser, Knee Tag is an entertaining, high-energy tag game for pairs and large groups. Participants form pairs and stand facing each other with feet shoulder-width apart and hands on their own knees. The goal is to touch the unguarded knee of their partner to score points. After 20 seconds, the person with the most points wins. This simple, highly interactive game can be repeated with new partners or variations for continuous fun.

Click play above to watch our Knee Tag energiser in action.

Recommended group size: 15 – 30 people

Typical duration:2-5 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Simple
  • Very energetic
  • Highly interactive
  • Partner activity
  • No props

 

Leaning Tower of Feetza

This is a quick problem-solving activity for large and small groups. Participants form small teams and are tasked with building the tallest free-standing structure using only their shoes. Each team has exactly three minutes to complete the task.

This simple setup promotes teamwork, inspires creativity, and is highly interactive. The tallest structure wins, making it a fun and engaging activity for all, just as you will see in the video above.

Recommended group size: 3 – 8 people

Typical duration: 2 – 5 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Simple set-up
  • Quick execution
  • Promotes teamwork
  • Inspires creativity
  • Highly interactive

 

Human Spring

Human Spring is a dynamic trust-building exercise that is done in pairs. Group members find a partner and stand facing each other 60cm apart with feet shoulder-width apart. Both partners then raise their arms above their heads with palms facing each other.

Slowly leaning in until their hands meet, they then gently push away to spring back. The aim is to achieve a comfortable, rhythmic leaning and springing motion.

This physically challenging activity can be repeated with different partners to promote trust within the group.

Take a look at the video below to see how Human Spring works.

Recommended group size: Pairs (2 people)

Typical duration: 2 – 5 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Exciting
  • Challenging
  • Promotes trust
  • Partner activity
  • No props

 

Jump In Jump Out

A hilarious energiser game for large groups. Participants form a circle, holding hands and facing the centre.

The leader instructs the group to “SAY WHAT I SAY, AND DO WHAT I SAY” and practices commands like “JUMP IN,” “JUMP OUT,” “JUMP LEFT,” and “JUMP RIGHT” for 20 seconds. Then, the leader switches to “SAY THE OPPOSITE OF WHAT I SAY, AND DO WHAT I SAY,” continuing the commands for another 20 seconds.

This is a really fun game that is simple to explain but difficult to accomplish, triggering tons of laughter and energy.

Watch all of the fun in this active energiser in the video below.

Recommended group size: 15 – 30 people

Typical duration: 5 – 10 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Hilarious energiser
  • Triggers tons of laughter
  • Simple to explain, difficult to accomplish
  • Circle game
  • No props

 

Create an unstoppable team spirit!

 

Team-building activities are an invaluable way to help teenagers develop essential life skills while having fun. Handy! From boosting confidence with games like Encanto to fostering creativity with Story Swap, these activities encourage teamwork, communication, and problem-solving in an engaging and enjoyable way.

So, why not try these team-building activities and see how they can bring your group closer and help teens build stronger connections with those around them?

Our online activity database features hundreds of cool team-building activities for teenagers.

If you like what you see, consider becoming a member of playmeo to unlock 530+ fun group games & activities suitable for teens and adults alike.

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8 Activities to Explore Unconscious Bias https://www.playmeo.com/8-activities-to-explore-unconscious-bias/ Mon, 24 Jun 2024 20:00:24 +0000 https://www.playmeo.com/?p=167564 Understanding Unconscious Bias

 

Unconscious bias refers to the automatic and often unintentional associations or judgements we make about others based on their race, gender, age, or other characteristics. These biases can influence our behaviour and decisions without us even realising, affecting everything from hiring practices to daily interactions. Engaging in activities that explore and address unconscious bias is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment.

Unconscious bias training helps individuals recognise and mitigate these hidden biases. By participating in various activities, we can uncover our implicit associations and work towards reducing their impact. Whether through the Implicit Association Test or other interactive group exercises like the ones we’ve outlined in this post, these activities provide valuable insights into how biases shape our perceptions and actions.

The following activities are designed to explore unconscious bias in a fun and engaging way. They can be used as part of unconscious bias training to facilitate discussions and reflections on how these biases influence our behaviour.

Let’s dive into these activities and discover how they can help us build more inclusive communities!

 

In this post…

 

Classic Unconscious Bias

 

Do you know this story?

A man and his son are driving in a car one day when they get into a fatal accident. The man is killed instantly. The boy is knocked unconscious. He is still alive and is rushed to the hospital for immediate surgery. The doctor enters the emergency room, looks at the boy, and says, “I can’t operate on this boy, he is my son.”

Wait. What?

How can this happen?

 

It’s the Result of Classic Unconscious Bias

 

The fact that some of us struggle to make sense of this story illustrates just how pervasive our biases are.

To be clear, the doctor is the boy’s mother.

Bang!

Is it possible that you struggled with this story because you imagined (assumed) the doctor to be a male? You are not alone. Indeed, I would suggest that most people — men and women — envisioned a male doctor entering the emergency room. Such is the hidden influence of unconscious bias.

 

Exploring a Real Story of Bias

 

Another quick story, this time real.

It is not unusual for heads of state to furnish the background of their press conferences with the presence of their national flag. Such has been the case in Australia for more than 100 years. Then, in the very first press conference held by the new Australian Prime Minister this year, three flags appeared – the traditional Australian flag in the centre flanked by two flags representing the indigenous cultures of our nation. This had never occurred before, yet it made immediate sense because the new Australian government had committed to embracing indigenous voice and culture as part of their new parliament.

Now, as exciting (and long overdue) as the presence of these two indigenous flags is, their appearance for the first time marked an uncomfortable (and unconscious) bias many people in the Australian community (including me) have entertained for a long time — their absence. It never occurred to me that the flags were missing, until they appeared. I was unconscious of this bias until it slapped me in the face.

Of course, there are many, many more real stories of unconscious bias that impact people all over the world in very serious ways. In no way do these simple stories intend to downplay the significance of these issues. Rather, I want to inspire you to consider ways in which experiential activities and their careful sequencing can facilitate conversations to explore these very real problems.

 

The Different Types of Unconscious Biases

 

There are many types of unconscious bias, and, unfortunately, not all of them are easy to detect. Understanding the different kinds that exist and how they may affect your judgement is the first step toward reducing their impact.

Let’s explore some common examples that can often influence our behaviour and decisions without us even noticing:

  • Affinity Bias: Our tendency to favour people who share similar interests, backgrounds, or experiences to our own.
  • Gender Bias: The unconscious preference for one gender over another. This is most often seen in hiring practices and workplace interactions.
  • Group Bias: The inclination to support or prefer members of our own group while being critical of those in other or new groups.
  • Similarity Bias: Favouring individuals who we perceive as being like ourselves, which can limit diverse perspectives.
  • Implicit Association: The automatic association we make between certain qualities and particular groups.
  • Language Bias: Preferences based on someone’s native language or accent, which can affect communication and collaboration in diverse teams.
  • Sexual Orientation Bias: The unconscious attitudes or stereotypes about people based on their sexual orientation, impacting inclusion and fairness.
  • Confirmation Bias: The tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information that confirms our pre-existing beliefs.
  • Halo Effect: The bias where our overall impression of a person influences how we feel and think about their character.
  • Horns Effect: The tendency to allow one negative trait to overshadow all other traits of a person.

 

There Are Many Unconscious Bias Activity Possibilities

 

The stories I mentioned earlier, and so many more, were the focus of a recent conversation I had with a member who was eager to learn a bunch of activities that they could adapt to help their group explore and discuss the impacts of unconscious bias in their workplace.

As you may already know, there is no specific attribute in the playmeo activity database that is dedicated to this particular issue. So, our time was spent looking at many activities that can be or are influenced by bias in simple ways.

In addition to the story of the man and boy above, we agreed that the following activities could be powerful catalysts for conversations about bias, too:

 

Unconscious Bias Icebreaker Activities

 

Five Clues

Each participant secretly writes five little-known facts or clues about themselves on a blank index card and signs their name at the bottom. Collect and shuffle all the cards, then challenge the room to identify the person on the card using as few clues as possible. Read one clue at a time, and award points whoever guesses correctly. Continue until all cards have been identified. This activity helps uncover hidden assumptions and biases in a way that’s fun and interactive.

Who Am I?

Each participant writes the name of a famous person or character on a sticky note and places it on another participant’s forehead. Everyone then asks yes or no questions to figure out their identity. This game highlights how quickly we can jump to conclusions based on limited information.

 

Unconscious Bias Group Activities

 

Culture Shock

This short, no-prop activity very quickly illustrates the impact of assumptions on the relationships of those around us. The exercise invites three groups of people to interact and communicate in a particular manner with all others. Chaos ensues which provides a number of experiences to share, understand and reflect upon.

Bank Robbery

Once again, this team-based puzzle presents a series of facts that, for the most part, group members will overlay with a set of assumptions. Your group’s objective is to identify who robbed the bank, and of course, it’s not who your group expects it to be. Bias, once again, plays a big role in influencing the decision-making processes of the group.

If Then

Form groups consisting of a few people, or form pairs. Invite one person to say a sentence that starts with the word “IF…,” for example, “If you lost your car keys…” Instruct their partner to respond by saying “THEN…” and completing the sentence, like “…then I would have to walk to work.” Repeat this two or more times, and then swap roles. This activity underscores how our immediate responses can reveal underlying biases and assumptions.

 

Unconscious Bias Workplace Activities

 

Minute Mysteries

A large number of these lateral thinking puzzles are ideally suited to highlighting the presence of biases. For example, consider this scenario: Romeo and Juliet are found dead lying on the floor in a pool of water. What happened? As with all Minute Mysteries, your group is then invited to ask a series of questions to solve the mystery of how Romeo and Juliet died. Spoiler Alert – I bet you immediately thought of the Shakespearean characters, right? Wrong. They are goldfish, and their tank broke causing them to fall to the floor and die. The key here (your job) is to transfer what your group learns from this (fictional) experience to the real world.

Crumpled

Distribute a sheet of paper and pen to each person in your group. Invite each person to focus on a particular experience that frustrates them, makes them angry, or causes them concern. Ask each person to write this experience on their paper in as few words as possible. When ready, ask everyone to crumple the sheet of paper into a ball.

Immediately, or at a later point, ask each person to open the crumpled paper and flatten it as much as possible. Using whatever pens, markers, and/or craft materials you have available, ask each person to transform their paper into something new, such as adding a doodle, colouring it in, or folding it into something. When ready, invite one or more members of your group to share what they created. This activity demonstrates how reframing our experiences can help personally reduce bias and foster a more positive outlook.

Accepting Yourself

Schedule this exercise after a significant, possibly lengthy program experience. Distribute one Accepting Yourself worksheet to each person. Invite each person to complete the first section of the worksheet (allow 10 minutes). When ready, invite one person to start by sharing their thoughts on the first section. Next, invite the rest of your group to share any additional strengths they see in this person. Ask a volunteer to record these extra thoughts and affirmations on the individual’s worksheet so they may be present to the feedback from others. This process helps individuals see themselves through the eyes of others, reducing inner biases and building self-acceptance.

 

For something a little different, take a look at Juliana Mosley’s TED Talk which I featured in a blog post last year that explores cultural humility, the ability of a person to make unconscious prejudice, biases, or preconceived notions conscious. It’s well worth the 17-minute view.

Finally, what activities do you know that could highlight unconscious bias?

Please share in the Comments section below…

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Simple Fun Games for 1, 2 or 3 People https://www.playmeo.com/simple-fun-games-for-1-2-or-3-people/ Mon, 17 Jun 2024 20:00:14 +0000 https://www.playmeo.com/?p=60048 Looking for a bunch of simple, fun and interactive games for one, two or three people?

Are you a teacher or corporate trainer who engages occasionally with very small groups via a virtual platform?

Look no further, playmeo’s got you covered.

 

Fun Games for 1, 2 or 3 People

 

This post was first published when COVID-19 became a thing. playmeo was inundated with enquiries from group leaders worldwide looking for fun, interactive games for very small groups (often only one or two people) AND which could be played online.

Now, while the pandemic is pretty much behind us, there will always be a need to present group games & activities to (a) very small groups, and/or (b) online. Hence, this list will always be relevant.

Thankfully, there are dozens of fun and very simple activity ideas you can use with small groups.

If you continue to work via online platforms, then check out this post about my top four interactive games for online meetings & virtual conferences.

 

List of Games Ideal for Really Small Groups

 

Click the links below to scroll directly to the activity.

Fun Games for 1 Person

Fun Interactive Games for 2 or 3 People

Fun Games for 1 Person

 

Tea Cup Stretch

 

A very simple stretch that’s as challenging as it is fun to watch. Ask everyone to grab a soft object that has a bit of weight to it, eg tennis ball, beanie-baby toy, fleece-ball, etc. Stand back a little from your screen. Then, as if holding a teacup on your outstretched, upwards-facing palm, your object is to move it in a full circle over your head and to the side of your body and back to where you started. Check the video below to view a great demonstration. Indeed, you could even embed this video into your online space to inspire your group. Lots of variations, eg non-dominant hand, different direction, new objects, etc.

 

Paper Golf

 

Paper with various golf tees and hazards and a hand holding a pen playing Paper Golf games for 1Ask your people to grab a sheet of paper, a pen and watch the screen as you demonstrate what you would like them to do. In short, you are going to draw the birds-eye view of a small golf course with 3 or 4 holes. Draw the clubhouse, the tees, fairways, bunkers, sand-traps and the holes. Creating the course is fun, but playing is even more so. Direct your camera to perform a quick demonstration, or use a bunch of really descriptive terms, to explain how the golf course can be played. In essence, you are going to rest the pen tip on the first tee, holding it vertically, and then gently push the pen across the paper towards the first hole. The pen will leave a trail of ink which eventually peters out. That’s your first stroke, and the second stroke starts from the end of the line. A hole is complete when the end of a particular stroke ends inside the golf hole (they are usually about 5mm (1/4″) wide.

 

Prediction

 

Two of hearts is pulled from a deck of cards, as could be seen in Prediction, one of many fun team-building problem-solving activitiesAsk everyone to grab a deck of regular playing cards, you too. Shuffle them and then lay them face-down on the surface in front of you. Explain that your aim is to see how far you can get through the deck before a particular event occurs. Before the (face-value of the) first card is revealed, you must declare what the card will NOT be. For example, if I say that the card I flip over will not be a 9, and I flip over a 5, I get to flip another card. As soon as I flip over a card whose face-value matches what I declared, the game is over. Count and record the number of cards you did not predict and play one ore more rounds to achieve a world’s record.

 

Paper Tower

 

Creative team building exercise as featured in Paper Tower games for 1Ask each person to grab a fixed number of sheets of paper. In a team context, I would typically supply 15 to 20 sheets per group, but this number works well for individuals, too. Challenge each person to build the tallest possible tower using only these sheets of paper. No staples, glue or any other form of adhesive can be used to achieve the desired lofty heights. Allow up to 10 or more minutes to complete this task. A quick tip – make it very clear that the structure must be standing at the Xth minute to qualify. You will have to rely on the honour-system when you invite each person to measure their structures. Finally, acknowledge the person who built the tallest tower.

 

A quick search via playmeo’s online activity database shows that there are at least 31 activities suitable for individuals – enough to keep you going for days.

You may also wish to look at a couple of fun team puzzles that can easily be adapted for use by individuals. Take a look at Alphabet Equations, Acronyms and Connectiles.

 

Fun Interactive Games for 2 or 3 People

 

Honestly, this list could be very long because there is no shortage of fun partner activities featured in playmeo’s online activity database.

In fact, a quick search revealed there are 129+ activities that are suitable for small groups of 2 or 3 people. Here are four of my favourites.

 

Your Add

 

Four hands with outstretched fingers involved in fun small group mathematical exercise called Your Add as also featured in Around The World

I learned this exercise from a class of 2nd Grade students in 1990 and I’ve been using it ever since. All you need are pairs (groups of 2 people!) and a modicum of mathematical ability, and you’re set to go. In essence, each person is challenged to tally the total number of outstretched fingers on all hands and be the first to call out the correct number. Best of five rounds wins. It couldn’t be simpler, and then you’re ready to take on one or more fun variations (click the link to learn more.)

 

Thumb Wrestling in Stereo

 

Another great partner exercise that most people have played, but possibly, not in the way this fun variation is introduced. In stereo, meaning, two hands at the same time. This game for 2 (or 3) people never fails to trigger bursts of laughter from my groups. Click the play button below to see this fun partner game in action.

 

Wiggle Waggle

 

Two hands with interwoven fingers create what is called a fun energiser called Wiggle Waggle

I’ve immersed thousands of people seated in a conference auditorium with this dexterous hand stunt, and it works every time because it relies on individuals trying to meet the challenge. Which means, it is perfect for one person or two or three. You’ll want your group to have practised as individuals for a while before launching into the two and three-person variation. You need nothing more than your hands and fingers at the ready.

 

Collaborative Drawing

 

Collaborative Drawing image showing two people working together to create a piece of artwork

This exercise will focus your group’s attention on creativity as it will team skills and collaboration. Distribute a sheet of paper and pens for each pair or trio, and then invite them to draw one picture one stroke at a time collaboratively. It often starts off quite clumsy until someone gets an idea and then their partners start to catch on.

 

Fun Energisers for 1, 2 or 3 People

 

If you’re looking for a variety of easy 1-minute energisers (brain-boosters,) take a look at these activity ideas that may also help you highlight or reinforce certain elements of your curriculum such as creativity, critical thinking and communication.

To save space here, simply click the links to be directed to the relevant activity detail page where you can access the FREE step-by-step instructions.

 

Start a 7-Day Free Trial

 

If you like what you see here and want more, click the button below to unlock our entire online activity database for FREE for 7 days.

In less than 2 minutes, you’ll be browsing 530+ fun group games & activities including 100s of icebreakers, energisers, trust-building games and team-building activities ideally suited to your program needs.

 

Start 7-Day Free Trial

 

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Today is the first-ever International Day of Play https://www.playmeo.com/today-is-the-first-ever-international-day-of-play/ https://www.playmeo.com/today-is-the-first-ever-international-day-of-play/#comments Tue, 11 Jun 2024 00:24:55 +0000 https://www.playmeo.com/?p=166255 Today – Tue 11 June 2024 – has been proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly to be the first-ever International Day of Play 🙂

It should not come as a surprise to anyone who has followed me or playmeo’s work, that this news is very exciting.

This day adds play to the agenda, and not just for kids (although, advocating for a child’s right to play is very important.)

 

Why Play?

 

Gosh, where do I start?

Play opens up a world of possibilities. It builds resilience, promotes confidence and, let’s face it, it’s just fun to be a part of.

But more seriously, the research clearly shows that play is as critical to the development of a human being as sleep and nutrition. Yep, that’s right – just as important as sleep and nutrition. Now, no one is ever going to argue that we humans can survive and thrive without sleep. And, in the past 40 to 50 years, we have come to learn that eating a balanced nutritious diet is also a good thing for our health.

Well, the next most important element in the development of our human being-ness is play.

Just let that sink in for a moment.

 

Play is a State of Mind

 

But note, play is NOT an activity. It is a state of mind. It is a mental framework that fuels the development of our character and well-being.

For many of us, we often view play through the lens of activities that are childish or frivolous. I can understand this perspective, but it is an extremely narrow lens through which to view this important life skill.

But, don’t confuse childish with childlike, they are not the same thing. Childish is an absence of empathy, whereas childlike is filled with possibility, wonder and awe. And we could all – young people and adults alike – benefit from ample doses of childlike experiences.

 

Get Out & Play

 

In some ways, today is a little bit like how we should view other celebrations such as Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. The International Day of Play should not just be celebrated one day a year – it is important enough to be on the agenda every day.

So, enough from me. To truly celebrate this day, get out there and play.

Bounce on a trampoline, get down on the floor and tug-of-war with your doggie, or pick up that lonely skipping rope and jump a few rotations.

Whatever, play and have fun.

 

Learn More…

 

For those interested, you can learn more about the International Day of Play here and here.

There are many big names involved with this movement, and in some cases, a few of them offer lots of ideas of how you can intentionally integrate play into your day.

For example, check out the Play The Play Memories Game, which is a variation of our popular Dicebreakers game

 

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What Are The Best Icebreaker Questions? https://www.playmeo.com/what-are-the-best-icebreaker-questions/ https://www.playmeo.com/what-are-the-best-icebreaker-questions/#comments Mon, 03 Jun 2024 20:00:55 +0000 https://www.playmeo.com/?p=67208 Are you tired of asking icebreaker questions that trigger eye rolls, groans or yawns?

Did you know there’s both an art and a science to asking effective icebreaker questions?

In this post, I’ll share what makes a great icebreaker question and my list of the top ten best icebreaker questions.

Click play below to get started, or read on…

 

The Best Icebreaker Question (Bar None)

 

Imagine a speed dating event.

Two concentric circles of seats, set up with half the group seated in the inner circle while the folks in the outer circle move around in a clockwise direction with 5 minutes to introduce themselves and make their case, before moving onto the next person.

The story goes that everyone spends their 5 minutes talking about themselves, selling their merits, etc, etc.

Except one.

This person asked every person they met one, simple question…

“What can I do to make you happy for the rest of your life?”

Bam!

Needless to say, this person got a thumbs up from everyone they met.

 

What Makes A Great Question?

 

This unique, single question works so well as a question because it shows that the interrogator is interested in the other person, not themselves.

This reminds me of a saying a good friend once shared with me:

“The most interesting people in the world are those who are interested in you.”

This is so true.

So, in the context of building and nourishing relationships, what makes a good ice-breaker question?

I believe there is both an art and a science to this answer, both of which are captured in the following thoughts:

  • Start Small

    Don’t ask for too much too soon, lest you frighten people away. Chip away at the ice, don’t bring a sledgehammer to it. For example, ask fun yet interesting questions that meet people where they are at. Also, start in pairs and resist the urge to ask open, large group questions expecting one person to share in front of everyone. Kick off with simple, easy-to-answer questions and build up to those that require deeper, more reflective thought.

  • Avoid Superlatives

    Asking questions that seek the best, most, highest, etc are risky such as “Tell us your most valuable life lesson?…” Questions like these stunt interaction because some people will struggle to consider what is their ‘best’ or ‘most’ valuable lesson, so they settle for saying nothing. Whereas, if you ask the question slightly differently “Tell us about one of your most valuable lessons in life?…” this will spark reflection about ANY lesson. This then gives the participant options, which leads me to my next point…

  • Honour Choice

    This is one of my most powerful philosophical tools and must be liberally applied in all experiences that seek to break the ice. Honour people’s choices to answer the question any way they choose – perhaps, not to answer the question, or to respond in a way that makes them feel more comfortable, or respond in a particular way, etc. Using open-ended questions that are not laden with superlatives makes it so much easier for people to respond.

  • Allow Time for Reflection

    Unlike those (like me) who are ready to respond to a question at the drop of a hat, give your group ample time to respond. Allow some silence at the end of your question, even though the passage of time often feels 10 times longer than it really is. You may also need to manage the overly enthusiastic to give airtime to others less inclined to jump in quickly. In particular, research has shown that introverts are very eager to respond, they sometimes just need more time to reflect before they respond.

 

Ten of the Best Icebreaker Questions

 

Context matters, so it is unfair to suggest, dear reader, that THIS is the best list of questions. This is simply not possible, there are just too many to draw on and every group is different.

More reasonably, I hope you will be inspired by the following icebreaker questions.

Mixed with a liberal dose of my facilitation tips above, you have my permission to adapt the following ten questions based on the needs of your group, your program goals, and the change you want to make in the world.

Note the questions (generally) build in their intensity and depth.

  • Describe a time that made you smile in the last 2 weeks.
  • What is the strangest thing you used to believe as a child?
  • What is something that amazes you?
  • What brings you joy?
  • What was the last thing you fell in love with?
  • Tell the story of one of the most adventurous things you’ve ever done?
  • What do you lose track of time doing?
  • What are you capable of?
  • What is a simple idea you take very seriously?
  • What’s something you never thought you’d be doing and, yet, here you are?

 

To be honest, I want to add SOOOO many more questions to this list but I’ll keep it brief for now, and revisit this topic again soon.

Please… beg, borrow and steal these questions and integrate them into your programs. May they lead to lots of wonderful moments of sharing and connection.

 

Last Minute Tip: Ice-Breaker Question Exchange

 

Got a hankering for dozens more fun and interesting icebreaker questions?

Be sure to check out Ice-Breaker Question Exchange and visit the Resources tab to download a bunch of Print+Play question cards ready to share with your group.

View Ice-Breaker Question Exchange

 

Even better, why not add your favourite icebreaker question in the Comments below.

 

Original post Jun 2021, last updated Jun 2024.

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5 Fun Team Building Activities You Can Do At Work https://www.playmeo.com/5-fun-workplace-team-building-activities/ https://www.playmeo.com/5-fun-workplace-team-building-activities/#comments Mon, 27 May 2024 20:00:29 +0000 https://www.playmeo.com/?p=64053 The research and evidence are clear – the more comfortable people feel in their workplace, the happier and more productive they can be. To this end, it makes sense that managers and leaders should consider investing a little time and energy presenting a series of fun workplace team building activities to develop and nourish the team skills of their employees.

And while it’s always nice to be able to travel to an off-site venue to conduct these types of experiences, with just a little bit of thought and planning, you can achieve the same outcomes right where your team works, ie no costly travel time or venue hire.

 

Why Workplace Teambuilding Activities?

 

There is no magic bullet, nor is team building a set-and-forget kind of approach. But, indeed, a dedicated focus on building trusting and healthy relationships among your employees will reap many benefits over time.

For example, staff are more willing to raise their hand and confront disagreements when they feel that they can participate in a (mentally and emotionally) safe working environment. This does not mean that everyone has to be best friends, but your staff should learn how to be respectful of other people’s views and contributions.

In addition, the more your team can embrace diversity, the more likely they will reach powerful decisions that attract the buy-in of your whole team. This benefits all levels of decision-making and planning, not to mention, open your team to new ideas, innovation and creativity – a must for any business that wants to grow and expand.

Teambuilding activities, especially those sourced from playmeo’s online activity database, are the perfect antidote to invite your team to build trust and grow because they are fun, highly engaging and appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds.

 

Our Top Five Workplace Teambuilding Exercises

 

In this article, I’m going to focus on five of our most successful team-building activities that can be delivered indoors, are simple to understand and require readily accessible props (if any.)

Click the links below to scroll directly to the activity.

 

Making Connections

 

Invite your group to gather in an open space, perhaps a common room or suitable conference space. Start by announcing something that you have done, said or been such as “I have been in a parade.” Then invite the first person who has also been in a parade to interlock elbows with you on either your left or right side (it doesn’t matter.)

The key is to invite others who can connect with what you share to link elbows. Now, this second person asks a similar question and a new person will link elbows, and so on it goes. The line continues to grow until the very last person links and their challenge is to announce something that they have done, said or been to that connects with you (the very first person.)

Recommended Group Size: 8 to 30 people

Typical duration: 10 to 15 mins

Why it will work for you:

    • Simple to understand
    • Terrific get-to-know-you exercise
    • Circle game
    • No props

 

Paper Holding

 

This small group exercise is so simple, yet so difficult sometimes. In small teams, challenge each team to press as many sheets of paper between two people’s bodies as possible in 8-10 minutes. No two pieces of paper can be touching, nor can they be bent or folded or touch the ground. Go.

Watch the activity video for a graphic example of what is possible among group members who are quite comfortable with each other. Hilarious but also a wonderful exercise to inspire creativity and teamwork.

Recommended Group Size: teams of 5 to 8 people

Typical duration: 10 to 15 mins

Why it will work for you:

    • Innovative challenge
    • Fosters cooperation
    • Inspires creativity
    • Very playful & fun

 

Marshmallow Challenge

 

In this highly engaging group initiative, the task is to build a tower of a different nature. This time, smaller teams of 3 to 4 people are tasked to build a tower out of spaghetti sticks and sticky tape and to place one marshmallow on top of the tower as high as possible.

Allow approx 20 minutes and again, the tower must be standing at the end to qualify. This is such a fun, purposeful and yet dynamic activity.

I strongly recommend you watch the activity video and read the leadership notes to help you process the results of your team.

Recommended group size: 8 – 15 people

Typical duration: 20 – 30 minutes

Why it will work for you:

    • Play & fun
    • Inspires creativity
    • Builds problem-solving skills
    • Benefit from many metaphors

Leaning Tower of Feetza

 

This has got to be one of the simplest and quickest teambuilding games I know.

Form small teams of approx 8 to 15 people, as equal in number as possible. Announce that each team has exactly 3 minutes to build the tallest, free-standing tower they can using only their shoes. Go.

To qualify, the tower must be standing at the 3-minute mark. Be sure to bring a tape measure or some other measuring implement to help you determine the tallest tower. So much fun.

Recommended group size: teams of 3-8 people

Typical duration: 2 – 5 minutes

Why it will work for you:

    • Simple set-up
    • Quick execution
    • Promotes teamwork
    • Inspires creativity
    • Highly interactive

 

Poker Face

 

This fun workplace team-building game is so simple yet so powerful at the same time.

Grab a deck of playing cards and randomly distribute one card to each person without looking at it, ie the person holding a card should not know what the card is. When ready, ask everyone to place the card (face-value outwards) on their forehead, again without looking at their own card but it’s okay to the cards of others. Now invite everyone to mix and mingle without talking but to engage with all others based on the perceived value of their card.

Ordinarily what happens is that most people will bow down and honour the Kings, Queens and Jacks while they ignore or look down upon those who are holding cards with a 2, 3 or 4. Look to the debriefing notes to process this exercise effectively because it can open conversations about the perception of value and respect and how this makes others feel.

Very fun and very powerful.

Recommended group size: 15 – 30 people

Typical duration: 15 – 20 minutes

Why it will work for you:

    • Simple, yet powerful
    • Fosters communication
    • Focus on cultural norms
    • So many metaphors

 

Looking for more?

Just click the button below to discover 100s more fun teambuilding activities you can do at work.

 

Original post Feb 2024, last updated May 2024.

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Top 20 Interactive Games for Groups https://www.playmeo.com/top-20-interactive-games-for-groups/ https://www.playmeo.com/top-20-interactive-games-for-groups/#comments Mon, 20 May 2024 20:00:05 +0000 https://www.playmeo.com/?p=23021 One of the most popular sessions I deliver at conferences all over the world features the presentation of the Top 20 Interactive Group Games and Activities, as viewed through the lens of playmeo’s activity database.

This list changes from month to month, and is compiled through a combination of popularity, comments, and — especially — the number of views each listed activity receives from our 70,000+ users per month.

I’ve compiled a list of the best interactive games and simple team building activities that are ideal for helping new groups in their journey to…

  • Having fun;
  • Facilitating everyone getting to know each other better; and
  • Encouraging the group to form stronger relationships.

The following ideas are made up of activities that are universally appealing, require no equipment, are simple to present, and are outrageously fun.

So, if you’re looking for something to bring your next group of students, colleagues, or event attendees together, try out my top picks for the best group games, or search through the playmeo database for more fun ideas!

 

Our Top 20 Interactive Game & Activity Recommendations

 

The activities below aren’t listed in any particular order, and all of them regularly appear in the Top 20 most viewed or used activities inside the playmeo activity database.

Their continued popularity cements my confidence that these activities work extremely well, and will help you achieve the team-building results you are after.

 

What Activities are Listed in this Post?

 

Click the links below to scroll directly to the activity.

 

1. Crosstown Connections

 

If I’ve presented this exercise once, I’ve presented it a thousand times. It’s a favourite because it works. Every. Time.

The essence of Crosstown Connection’s success is found in the partnership of interactions. It’s hard to be left out of a pair, so comfort and intimacy are baked into its design. It’s also highly interactive and generates energy — something you can never have too much of in a room. But…

The true measure of this activity’s success is the invitation it extends for each formal partnership to share something more personal. Trust can never be built without sharing and vulnerability; so, if you thought baseline group interaction was enough, think again.

Healthy and trusting relationships are built upon a foundation of interaction AND sharing. Luckily for you, Crosstown Connections has this in spades.

Recommended group size: 15 – 30 people

Typical duration: 10 – 15 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Very playful & fun
  • Highly interactive
  • Ideal for large groups
  • Ideal for forming random partners
  • No props

 

2. Ice-Breaker Question Exchange

 

Also known as Question Swap, this exercise is a treasure trove of gold for building teams. When armed with a question card — or a series of questions you may choose to pose to your whole group — it takes less than 10 seconds to describe what you would like your group to do.

By design, this classic game is highly interactive, and each interaction is imbued with choice, sharing, and vulnerability — three critical factors that, when honoured, build successful teams.

Recommended group size: 30+ people

Typical duration: 10 – 15 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Very simple
  • Non-threatening
  • Highly interactive
  • Generates lots of energy
  • Virtual options

 

3. One-Two-Three

 

Okay, I pull this gem out a lot in my programs, but it’s because it works.

It works for all types of groups because:

  • It’s a partner exercise, which means no one is watching you;
  • It always, always, always triggers laughter, no matter how introverted one may be, and
  • It generates warmth and energy, which are two critical ingredients every program that wishes to engage everyone in the group absolutely needs to be successful.

Recommended group size: 30+ people

Typical duration: 5 – 10 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Very playful & fun
  • Fosters critical thinking
  • Invites collaboration
  • Partner activity
  • No props

 

4. Making Connections

 

Such a simple exercise, and yet so much fun! No props are required, just an opening question or statement that you believe will resonate with your participants. Click play button below to watch me lead this fun exercise with a real group:

Invite your group to gather in an open space, perhaps a common room or suitable conference area. Start by announcing something that you have done, said, or experienced, such as, “I have been in a parade.” Then invite the first person who has also been in a parade to interlock elbows with you on either your left or right side (it doesn’t matter.)

The new person in your link then asks a similar question, and a new person will link elbows with them, and so on. The line will continue to grow until the very last person links, and their challenge is to announce something that they have done, said, or been to that connects with you (the very first person!)

Recommended group size: 15 – 30 people

Typical duration: 2 – 5 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Simple to understand
  • Terrific get-to-know-you exercise
  • Circle game
  • No props

 

5. Playing Card Mixers

 

For this activity, all you need is a regular deck of cards and you’ll soon have a room filled with warmth and energy.

This exercise is super-awesome for inviting teachers to mix and mingle and get to know one another more meaningfully.

There are many fun variations of this activity, and all of them will invite your group to interact randomly with others.

This task is particularly ideal for large schools whose staff often do not see or interact with others outside their faculty or specialty.

Recommended group size: 15 – 30 people

Typical duration: 1 – 2 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Highly interactive
  • Fosters communication
  • Facilitates random mixing
  • Multiple variations
  • Common prop

 

6. UBUNTU Cards

 

This activity can feature in ANY program, no matter how many people are in it. I personally love UBUNTU cards because, well, they are the perfect tool for inviting people to interact and find something in common with others to discuss.

There is no shortage of activities you can use these cards in to break the ice. Large groups or small, from highly interactive and open activities to more passive self-reflection-type exercises, UBUNTU cards are versatile for any situation.

If you don’t have a deck of these cards as a part of your repertoire, now’s the time to fix that — click here to buy your own UBUNTU Cards today.

Recommended group size: 15 – 30 people

Typical duration: 20 – 30 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Creative
  • Starts conversations
  • Sharpens observation skills
  • Highly interactive
  • Endless variations

 

7. Jump In Jump Out

 

This energiser is featured in one of our most viral activity videos. Indeed, our YouTube video has attracted almost 4.4 million hits (you can watch me lead this exercise with a real group below.) Educators & trainers love presenting it to their groups because it’s extra engaging.

Once you get over the awkward moments of holding someone’s hand (our video suggests a terrific technique to overcome this hurdle), the action builds slowly until the chaos is unleashed. When the laughter eventually subsides, you may find an opportunity to facilitate conversations about leadership, communication, clarity and taking responsibility amongst your participants.

If done well, this activity will be one of the highlights of your program.

Recommended group size: 15 – 30 people

Typical duration: 5 – 10 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Hilarious energiser
  • Triggers tons of laughter
  • Simple to explain, difficult to accomplish
  • Circle game
  • No props

 

8. Ro Sham Bo

 

If your group is gathered on a flat space (ie this task is not ideal for raked-seating areas), you and your group will love this friendly, competitive, and engaging game.

You start with multiple groups of two people (pairs), and before you know it, you’ll have started the formation of several congo-lines. This activity is ideal both as a quick energiser and for longer team building programs, because it’s extremely interactive, it’s simple, and everyone ends up on the winning team.

Recommended group size: 15 – 30 people

Typical duration: 2 – 5 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Quick & simple
  • Highly interactive
  • Friendly competition
  • Multiple variations
  • No props

 

9. Around the World

 

This is another in our series of contagiously fun and active group exercises. In it, you can frame your group’s participation as individuals or in teams depending on the purpose of your program. Watch all of the action in the video below, featuring me leading a real group at play:

The bigger the open space you have access to, the better. You don’t need props, but laying a couple of traffic cones or ropes on the ground will help to identify the three or four starting points for your groups.

This activity is a frenzy of energy and interaction that typically lasts around 90 seconds — however the exact duration is completely up to you and what you think suits your program best.

You can expect there to be lots of puffing and big smiles at the end of this activity, and it’s sure to stick with your participants long after they complete your program!

Recommended group size: 30+ people

Typical duration: 2 – 5 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Very active
  • Healthy competition
  • Small or large groups
  • Multiple variations
  • No props

 

10. Clumps

 

This activity is another no-props style exercise that is highly interactive. It involves providing a short amount of time for group members to connect with one another and learn more about the people around them.

I use this exercise all the time because it’s super simple, it comes in many variations, and it’s one of my favourite ways to invite groups to interact in fun and random ways.
My top tip: invite each small group, after they have formed, to share a response to a question you pose, before moving onto the next group/question.

Recommended group size: 30+ people

Typical duration: 5 – 10 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Extremely quick
  • Highly interactive
  • Raises energy
  • Random group-splitting
  • No props

 

11. Paper Holding

 

In this dynamic team-building exercise, small groups form teams to creatively use their bodies to hold sheets of paper off the ground without folding or adhering them. Each sheet must only be touching two people, and no sheets may overlap. This playful and innovative challenge aims to foster cooperation and inspires creativity within your activity participants.

Not quite sure how this looks? Click the play button below to see me lead this novel group initiative with a real group:

Recommended group size: 8 – 15 people

Typical duration: 10 – 15 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Innovative challenge
  • Fosters cooperation
  • Inspires creativity
  • Very playful & fun

 

12. Group Juggle

 

Group Juggle is a collaborative activity where participants form a circle and pass multiple items in a predefined sequence. The aim of this task is to keep every object airborne whilst juggling more and more items that are intermittently added to the sequence.

\This exercise fosters collaboration and communication as the group works together to prevent the items from touching the ground. Repeated run-throughs of this activity help encourage problem-solving among participants, and can lead to discussions on improving group dynamic.

Recommended group size: 8 – 15 people

Typical duration: 20 – 30 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Simple set-up
  • Fosters collaboration
  • Promotes communication
  • Multiple metaphors

 

13. Change Up

 

Change Up challenges participants to quickly arrange themselves in numerical order based on cards they are given, without revealing their cards beforehand. This problem-solving activity requires planning and teamwork, as participants must efficiently swap cards and align themselves repeatedly. The goal is to achieve faster arrangements in subsequent rounds, promoting teamwork and creative strategy in small, active groups.

Recommended group size: 8 – 15 people

Typical duration: 20 – 30 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Simple set-up
  • Promotes teamwork
  • Focus on planning & systems
  • Inspires creativity

 

14. Moonball

 

Moonball involves a group effort to keep a beach ball aloft using only open palms, with the challenge of not letting it get hit twice in succession by the same person.
This activity measures success by counting the number of consecutive hits and encourages setting progressively higher targets. This simple yet fun exercise enhances problem-solving skills and collaboration, which makes it an ideal activity for medium-sized groups to complete.

Recommended group size: 15 – 30 people

Typical duration: 15 – 20 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Simple & fun prop
  • Develops problem-solving skills
  • Fosters collaboration
  • Multiple variations

 

15. Warp Speed

 

Warp Speed is a classic, fast-paced problem-solving exercise where participants pass a ball in a pre-established sequence as quickly as possible, ensuring everyone has a turn. The activity emphasises innovation, teamwork, and collective timing to improve speed across trials. This engaging and inclusive game fosters collaboration and quick thinking in small groups.

Recommended group size: 8 – 15 people

Typical duration: 15 – 20 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Simple set-up
  • Inspires innovation
  • Fosters collaboration
  • Involves everybody

 

16. Cross The Line

 

Cross The Line is a reflective team-building activity where groups face off across a line, aiming to persuade members from the opposite side to join them without crossing the boundary themselves. There is no one correct answer to what convincing methods players can use in this persuasive word game, so your participants should be ready to get creative!

This exercise explores assumptions, develops critical thinking, and fosters social awareness through a simple yet profound challenge. Post-activity reflections delve into the behaviours and strategies used, and can offer insights on your group’s dynamics and personal motivations.

Recommended group size: 8 – 15 people

Typical duration: 20 – 30 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Passive, yet dynamic
  • Explores assumptions
  • Develops critical thinking
  • Fosters social awareness

 

17. Stepping Stones

 

Stepping Stones is a collaborative challenge that requires a team to traverse from one area to another using limited resources without touching the ground. Each participant uses provided “stepping stones” to help the group move safely between designated safe zones.

This activity promotes teamwork, communication, trust, and strategic planning, and culminates in a group reflection on the learning outcomes at the end of the activity.

Recommended group size: 8 – 15 people

Typical duration: 20 – 30 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Inspires teamwork
  • Promotes communication & trust
  • Highlights goal-setting
  • Develops coordination & focus

 

18. Through The Wringer

 

Through The Wringer is an active, fun-filled initiative where participants must pass through a hula-hoop as quickly as possible. The group is given multiple attempts to improve their timing, which fosters creativity and collaboration in pursuit of the fastest round.

This exercise is simple to set up and execute, and provides you with a lively way to encourage your participants to engage in goal-setting and team cooperation.

Recommended group size: 8 – 15 people

Typical duration: 20 – 30 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • It’s a playful & fun game
  • Simple to execute
  • Promotes creativity
  • Fosters collaboration
  • Focus on goal-setting

 

19. Blackjack

 

Blackjack is a group problem-solving activity where participants silently form teams to create hand totals of 19, 20, or 21 using playing cards displayed on their foreheads. This silent exercise enhances collaboration and critical thinking, as participants strategize to form as many winning hands as possible without verbal communication. This activity concludes with a reflection on the strategies and interactions that emerged throughout the process.

Recommended group size: 15 – 30 people

Typical duration: 15 – 20 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Simple set-up
  • Highly interactive
  • Focus on collaboration
  • Promotes critical thinking
  • Inspires useful metaphors

 

20. Blizzard

 

Blizzard is a playful, collaborative catching game where participants work together to catch paper “snowflakes” that they toss into the air. The challenge escalates with each successful round as more snowflakes are added, demanding greater cooperation and strategy from participants.

This last entry is one of our many fun games that foster critical thinking and teamwork, with a reflective discussion at the end to consolidate the group’s experiences and achievements.

Recommended group size: 8 – 15 people

Typical duration: 15 – 20 minutes

Why it’s great:

  • Very playful
  • Promotes collaboration
  • Fosters critical thinking
  • Simple props

 

Let’s Wrap This All Up

 

If you’re specifically looking for a fun and interactive game to present at one of your next outdoor team building or indoor team building activities, click either of these links to learn.

I hope you’ve enjoyed these entertaining in-person activity recommendations — however, remember that these are just guidelines, and you’re more than welcome to tweak these activities to suit your game participants!

Whether you need to work to material limitations, or if you want to turn these activities into some of the best online interactive games that are easy for those calling in remotely, there’s sure to be many activity options listed in our playmeo database for you to alter to your needs.

With all that said and done, we hope you go forth and enjoy watching how your game participants react to these thought-provoking activities!

Happy hosting!

 

Original post Aug 2020, last updated May 2024.

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Top 10 x Ice Breaker Activities (as voted by 4,500 leaders) https://www.playmeo.com/10-ice-breaker-activities-for-teams/ https://www.playmeo.com/10-ice-breaker-activities-for-teams/#comments Mon, 13 May 2024 20:00:54 +0000 https://www.playmeo.com/?p=161922 Not all ice breaker activities are created equal.

If you’re looking for icebreaker activities that won’t cause your team to groan, yawn or roll their eyes, you’re in the right place.

Icebreakers are experiences that allow your team to get to know each other better and aim to develop stronger, more comfortable relationships. Their ultimate purpose is to amplify your team’s performance.

To be effective, ice breaker activities, especially team ice breaker games used alongside teambuilding exercises, must be fun and invite your team to interact in a non-threatening manner. They are always success-oriented and require minimal verbal and decision-making skills.

 

List of Ice Breaker Activities

 

We asked 4,500 playmeo members to share their favourite icebreaking activities. This is their top ten list, all drawn from playmeo’s ever-expanding online database of group games & activities.

Every icebreaker activity comes with simple step-by-step instructions so you can be sure to get the same results we do. Most can be adapted for use as small group icebreakers and icebreaker games for work, too.

Best of all, you won’t find this list anywhere else, ie they have been curated by a human who leads games for a living (and not a robot.)

Click the links below to scroll directly to the activity.

  1. Dicebreakers
  2. ID Numbers
  3. Making Connections
  4. This or That
  5. Year of the Coin
  6. Crosstown Connections
  7. Are You More Like…
  8. Identity Crisis
  9. Five Handshakes in Five Minutes
  10. UBUNTU Cards

playmeo’s Top 10 Ice Breaker Activities

 

1. Dicebreakers

 

It’s no surprise this icebreaker sits atop the list. It’s easy to deliver, it has so many variations, and groups enjoy playing.

Here’s how to lead it.

  1. In advance, prepare a matrix of six ice-breaker questions and print them onto a card.
  2. Gather your group.
  3. Instruct one person at a time to throw the dice and then respond to the question that corresponds to the number that appears.
  4. After sharing, the first person passes the dice to the next person, and the process repeats.
  5. Continue until every person has been invited to share.

Group Size – 2+

Time to Play – 5 to 10 mins

 

2. ID Numbers

 

Apart from being 100% interactive, this fun icebreaking activity honours choice and invites team members to share in pairs, which means people can share in a safe place.

Oh, and having lead it 100s of times during the pandemic, it also works perfectly well with virtual audiences (check out the video below to see how it’s done:)

Here’s how to lead it:

  1. Distribute a blank index card and a pen to each person.
  2. Instruct everyone to write their first name in the top half of the card.
  3. In the bottom half, ask each person to write a series of numbers and letters which represent a set of interesting facts about themselves.
  4. For example, 1964-14Y-1K could represent a person born in 1964, married for 14 years and has one child (kid.)
  5. Encourage people to focus on interesting aspects of their life and experiences.
  6. When ready, pin the name-tags on each person’s clothing.
  7. Invite everyone to mix and mingle to engage in a series of conversations about their name-tags with as many people as possible.

Group Size – 2+

Time to Play – 10 – 15 mins

 

3. Making Connections

 

The stronger the connections in your group, the more you can amplify their performance, and this group game does this in spades. You only need a space large enough to form a large circle, and no props are required.

To see me lead this in action with a live group, click the play button below:

Here’s how to lead this popular icebreaker:

  1. Gather your group in a large open space.
  2. The ultimate objective is to create one large circle in which every person is physically linked with two others.
  3. Ask one volunteer to stand with one hand on their hip, and then share one or more statements about themselves to the group.
  4. When someone from the rest of the group hears a statement that they have in common with the first volunteer, they are invited to link elbows with them.
  5. This second person then shares something about themselves to the larger group, to attract a new person to link elbows with them, and so on.
  6. This process of sharing and linking continues one by one.
  7. To complete the circle, invite the last person to join the long chain of connections to share something about themselves to link with the very first volunteer.

Group Size – 10+

Time to Play – 5 to 10 mins

 

4. This or That

 

Tere is so much to love about this exercise, it’s hard to pull away from it after 4 or 5 rounds. The sky is the limit when it comes to the types of questions you could ask, but always start with something easy – such as Sunset or Sunrise – and then build up to something that involves a bit more thought, such as Woudl you prefer to be rich in a job you hate or poor in a job you adore?

Follow these instructions to lead this fun game:

  1. Form pairs.
  2. Pose a question in which each person must choose between two difficult, hypothetical propositions, eg Coke or Pepsi, dark chocolate or white chocolate, video games or board games, etc.
  3. Each person considers their choice and shares this decision with their partner.
  4. Next, each person predicts the preference of the majority of people in their group, and shares this prediction with their partner.
  5. When ready, ask everyone to stand to one side of a space (or the other) according to their personal choice to determine the majority preference of the group.
  6. Each person who accurately predicts the group’s (majority) preference earns a point.
  7. Repeat this process, asking as many questions as you have time or energy to explore.

Group Size – 10+

Time to Play – 15 to 20 mins

 

5. Year of the Coin

 

This is one of those games you wish you had thought of a long time ago. And, most groups are equipped to play at almost any time, anywhere.

Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Randomly distribute a collection of coins to your group, one per person. Or, ask each person to pull one from their pocket.
  2. Ask each person to identify the year of the coin embossed on the coin.
  3. Taking turns, invite each person to share a story about something they experienced that year.
  4. If the year occurs before the birth of the person holding the coin, invite them to share something they can remember about that year in history.
  5. Continue until everyone has shared.

Group Size – 2+

Time to Play – 10 to 15 mins

 

6. Crosstown Connections

 

When I first learned this energiser (as a participant) I was struck by how simple the activity was at generating lots of random interaction. But, by simply adding a bunch of opportunities that invited partners to share, it transformed this exercise into an awesome ice-breaking experience.

Here’s how to play:

  1. Demonstrate a particular handshake with a volunteer, eg high-five, fist-bump, elbow tap, etc.
  2. Invite everyone to find one partner to practice this greeting according to random criteria you nominate.
  3. Demonstrate a second handshake/greeting with a new volunteer, eg low-five.
  4. Again, invite everyone to find a new partner – according to new nominated criteria – to practice this latest handshake.
  5. Introduce two, three or four more unique handshake/greetings, asking people to find a new partner each time.
  6. For fun and to reinforce established partnerships, randomly call the name of a particular greeting to challenge everyone to locate their partner as quickly as possible.
  7. Adopt one or more variations to squeeze extra value from this interaction.

Group Size – 10+

Time to Play – 15 to 20 mins

 

7. Are You More Like…

 

This interactive group game is ideal if you are looking to celebrate commonalities and differences within groups. You’ll need a few minutes in advance to prepare a set of Are You More Like… cards, but you can use them over and over again.

Here are the step-by-step instructions to play this game:

  1. Create a set of ‘Are You More Like…’ questions, such as CAT-DOG, SLIDE-SWING, LADDER-TREE, EXPLORER-SETTLER, LANDING-TAKE-OFF,
    MOVIE-TELEVISION, GIVER-RECEIVER, etc.
  2. Organise the cards with one set of paired statements (a match) for every two people.
  3. Randomly distribute one card to each person.
  4. When ready, instruct each person to mingle with others until they find the person holding a card with their match, eg UP is matched with DOWN.
  5. Once matched, invite partners to share their response to the question posed by the conjunction of their two cards, eg Are You More Like… a CAT or a DOG?
  6. Encourage people to share as much as they feel comfortable.
  7. When ready, randomly re-distribute the cards and start again.
  8. Continue this matching, sharing and re-distributing process for 10 to 15 minutes.

Group Size – 10+

Time to Play – 10 to 15 mins

 

8. Identity Crisis

 

This interactive group game punches well above its weight in terms of impact. It’s easy to present, play and always triggers bursts of laughter towards the end of the activity.

Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Distribute a set of blank index cards to your group, one per person.
  2. Ask everyone to write their first name on a card, in large letters.
  3. Pose three questions and invite everyone to consider their responses, eg favourite movie, ideal holiday location, and what they would do if they won the lottery.
  4. Over the next few minutes, invite everyone to have a short conversation with a partner, introducing themselves and especially sharing these three bits of information.
  5. After this mutual exchange, instruct everyone to swap (name) cards and identities, ie each person assumes the identity of their partner, including the three bits of information they just learned about their partner.
  6. Each person then seeks a new partner, and introduces themselves using their new identity.
  7. Continue playing for 10 or more minutes, inviting each person to complete as many exchanges (and swaps of identity) as possible.
  8. To conclude, form a circle, and invite each person to introduce the person named on the card they are holding to the group.

Group Size – 12+

Time to Play – 10 to 15 mins

 

9. Five Handshakes in Five Minutes

 

One of the best parts of this highly interactive game is the enormous number of ways you can present the various greetings. I’m pulling from a long list of 20+ fun, interactive greetings to bring you this fun icebreaker.

And if you’d like to see what it looks, sounds and feels like, click the play button below to see it led by a facilitation expert in Nate Folan:

Here’s what you need to do to amplify the energy of the start of your program:

  1. Assemble your group.
  2. Introduce a series of fun handshake greetings, one at a time.
  3. For example, and by demonstration with a volunteer, engage in a typical ‘high-five’ greeting. Other options include ‘low-five,’ ‘elbow tap,’ and ‘fist-bump.’
  4. Invite each person to engage in a ‘high-five’ greeting with as many people in the group as possible in less than 20 seconds.
  5. Demonstrate a second innovative handshake greeting, eg a fist-bump, inviting your group to try it out with as many people as possible in less than 20 seconds.
  6. Repeat this process with three more interesting greetings.

Group Size – 20+

Time to Play – 2 to 5 mins

 

10. UBUNTU Cards

 

I’m glad this activity made the cut-off for the Top Ten list because it sits inside my top 3 or 4 interactive icebreakers. Indeed, I could easily lead 2 or 3 hours of interaction using this one highly versatile resource.

If the word “ubuntu” is unfamiliar to you, it literal translation from the Zulu language is “I am because we are.” Everything you do with these cards is designed to identify things in common with others and celebrate diversity.

To see UBUNTU Cards in action, check out this video of me leading it with a group of PE teachers.

Armed with a deck of UBUNTU Cards, this is one of many dozens of ways you can use this resource to break the ice:

  1. Form pairs.
  2. Distribute one UBUNTU card to every person.
  3. When ready, each person shows the multi-image face of their card to their partner.
  4. The first person to identify the one object that appears on both cards wins.
  5. Next, invite each pair to have a conversation in which they explore something that they each have in common.
  6. After a minute of conversation, each person swaps cards and seeks out a new partner.
  7. Continue this process of seeking commonalities for 5 to 10 minutes.
  8. Try one or more variations.

Admittedly, it is difficult to substitute a deck of UBUNTU cards with something else, but I promise you – it is well worth the small investment for your team. You WILL use these cards over and over again.

Group Size – 8+

Time to Play – 10 to 30 mins

 

How Do Icebreakers Work?

 

There are five key ingredients of an effective icebreaker. That is to say, simply playing games at the beginning of your program does not mean they will work to break the ice. Indeed, in many instances, what you may refer to as an icebreaker may, in fact, be an ice-maker!

For an experience to be effective, it must be fun, highly interactive, non-threatening, simple, and success-oriented.

Click the button below to search, filter and sort 100s of icebreaker activity options.

Search Ice Breaker Activities

 

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Icebreakers for Large Groups https://www.playmeo.com/icebreakers-for-large-groups/ Tue, 07 May 2024 00:26:53 +0000 https://www.playmeo.com/?p=161607 How do you break the ice with a large group? If this is a question that has passed through your mind at some point, you’re going to love this video because it features one of my all-time favourite icebreakers for large groups.

Click play to get started, and enjoy…

 

 

Just How Large Is A Large Group?

 

It varies, of course.

As a guide, I often consider a group of 30 or more people as large, so the size of a classroom of students.

Yet, I have worked in schools where groups of 6 students were considered “large” and, on the other hand, in a summer camp where more than 1,200 people were involved in the same activity at the same time.

But for argument’s sake, let’s work on the basis of 30+ people.

 

Unwritten Large Group Rules

 

I have a couple of rules for working with large groups, and this applies to icebreakers for large groups.

First, it is best not to involve the use of equipment. No-props style activities mean everyone has everything they need to make the activity work, nothing gets broken, lost or stolen, and best of all, you don’t have to schlep anything around 🙂

Second, any activity that involves groups of two people or pairs is ideal for large groups. Pairs will instantly amplify the energy and engagement in the room, and if there’s an odd number, you get to play, too.

Finally, consider the use of lots of non-verbal instructions, such as demonstrations and arm gestures to attract your group’s attention. You only need the presence of outdoor distractions or a faulty microphone and you’ve just amped up the challenge of your task.

Large Group Icebreaker Games

 

The ESP activity demonstrated live with Chad and me in the above video is a classic large-group icebreaker. It features most, if not all, of the critical ingredients that makes an experience successful at breaking the ice:

  • It’s fun – it never fails to trigger instant bursts of energy and laughter;
  • It’s highly interactive – if you start with random partners, you’ve just ramped up the interaction in the room bya factor of 2;
  • It’s simple – there’s not much to remember, and yet so much to unpack;
  • It’s non-threatening – it’s a fun game, and no one else is watching you play, which means it does not matter if you win or lose.
  • Finally, it’s success-oriented – the focus of this icebreaker is on generating energy, laughing and inviting two people to play together.

 

When you’re ready to learn more, click the button below to unlock and discover so much more about this hilarious ESP icebreaker.

 

Learn More About ESP

 

Or click here to learn more about why many icebreakers fail to work (and how to fix them.)

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Top 7 Activities That Leave Groups On A High https://www.playmeo.com/top-7-activities-that-leave-groups-on-a-high/ https://www.playmeo.com/top-7-activities-that-leave-groups-on-a-high/#comments Mon, 29 Apr 2024 20:00:02 +0000 https://www.playmeo.com/?p=147051 Are you looking for activities that purposefully pump up your group and leave them feeling on a high? In this article, you will learn a bunch of simple group games and activities that will leave your group feeling positive, happy, and coming back for more.

 

Leave Them Wanting More

 

There’s no better feeling for a group leader to watch groups respond so positively to everything they present.

Unless you have a very specific reason for doing the opposite, most program leaders prefer to conclude their programs with participants feeling good about themselves and the event they just experienced. You know, beaming smiles, hugs and lots of good vibes.

Part of this rationale speaks to the science of first and last impressions.

We all understand that making a good first impression is essential to success. So, too, is leaving a good last impression because of the enduring nature of feelings associated with the end of an experience, ie this is why so many stories end with a “happily ever after.”

Furthermore, as I share in Serious Fun, it is a scientific fact: it is impossible to change how a person thinks or what they do without first changing how they feel.

Or, in other words, how a person feels when they leave your program is fundamentally linked to your ability to influence what they think and do afterwards.

 

Activities That Elevate Good Feelings

 

To be honest, any experience that invites people to have fun could be used to close a program on a high.

But… I think the list of activities I describe below works even better because they purposefully create their own natural conclusions.

 

Chic-A-Boom

Your group starts in a circle and ends with everyone dancing in the middle. It’s very easy to present, you will create an abundance of good feelings and smiling faces, and it doesn’t matter how many people are in the room. You’ll need to learn a very simple ditty (you can download the script) and a few funky moves – which you will teach to your group – and no props are necessary. Take a look at the activity video of a real group at play to witness a wonderful example of how the crescendo builds to a joyous finale.

Gotcha

Start this simple, captivating partner exercise in pairs. After a few quick variations to keep the energy high, invite each pair to join with another pair to form a group of four. Form circles of action and lead a few simple variations of fun. Then this group of four joins with another group of four, etc, etc. You get the idea. Keep introducing new variations to keep things fresh and eventually, you will close with one very large circle all playing together. Nothing beats that final round of energy. You now have everyone’s attention, and with a few closing words, you are done and your group is feeling pretty happy about themselves.

Accepting Yourself

This program closing exercise is ideal for small groups and if you have time. Once you have distributed the required materials and framed the exercise carefully, you will invite each person to spend some time in quiet reflection. Then, when everyone has completed their notes, invite everyone back together and lead a guided conversation in which every person will share with the rest of the group. The affirmations that flow from the rest of the group is where the magic occurs. I have never lead this activity without feeling grateful for the positive feelings and love in the room at the end of the sharing. You could combine this exercise with Certificate Ceremony (described below) to add even more value.

Certificate Ceremony

If a certificate needs to be handed out at the end of your program, try this novel idea for fun. Shuffle all the certificates and then distribute them randomly to each person in the room. Check that everyone has received the certificate belonging to someone else. Hint: 9 times out of 10, someone receives their own certificate, the odds of which are super-crazy. Anyways, once distributed, invite everyone to find the owner of the certificate and “on behalf of the whole group” hand over the certificate and offer one or more positive affirmations to the receiver. In seconds, you will generate heaps of positive energy, and everyone will leave your program feeling good about themselves.

Bill & The Button Factory

This is one of my all-time favourite large group closers. It is fantastically silly, energetic, and super fun and I often only lead it with groups I think deserve it (it’s that good.) There are many, many different versions of the ditty I share in the Resources tab, but whatever you do, you have to be 100% all in, or don’t bother at all. You WILL have everyone’s attention and smiling, beaming faces focused on you at the end of the exercise, at which point it’s time to say your Thank Yous and Goodbyes. That is, after you catch your breath.

Coming & Going of the Rain

This exercise works in all environments and with all size groups. My preferred option is to form a large circle, but inviting people to stand in a tiered seating arena works just as well. The basic premise is to lead your group through the various, predictable stages of a rainstorm. All of the basic elements are replicated by a cacophony of sounds made from one’s body. All you need is for your group to be able to see and hear you, and off you go. Enjoy, this one is a treat to lead and even more so to be a part of.

Ro Sham Bo

Other than some space for your group to interact and play, all you need is the knowledge of one of my most common partner games in the world – Rock Paper Scissors. Armed with this knowledge, pairs compete and the winner takes all, ie their opponent joins a congo-line formed behind them. Every time they win, they earn more people for their line until the final two groups face off. Within seconds, one team will be declared the winner, which in effect, means everyone. Which, in and of itself is a wonderful message to close with. You may choose to play one or several quick rounds. Either way, you’ll have elevated the energy in the room, everyone will be feeling good and you’re ready to close.

 

Once the activity comes to a close, and your group’s attention returns to you, you’re ready to say your Thankyous and Goodbyes, and you’re done.

Have fun.

ps: if you’re looking for more guidance about when to stop an activity, check out Episode 09 and Episode 30 of our Facilitator Tips video series.

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Where Trainers Get Their Gear https://www.playmeo.com/where-trainers-get-their-gear/ Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:34:09 +0000 https://www.playmeo.com/?p=159723 Are you seeking props and resources to equip your training & professional development programs? Take a look at Trainers Warehouse.

There, you’ll find an incredible array of tools built purposefully for your employee training and development needs.

 

Browse Trainers Warehouse

 

 

Use Active Training Techniques

 

As the author of three activity books called No Props, I’ll be the first to tell you that you don’t need equipment to make your programs fun and engaging.

But if you’re looking to ramp up your group’s engagement and motivation, not to mention build team skills, I know there are a set of resources I use frequently to help me achieve these objectives.

For example, our Best-Selling Cards Bundle includes some of my all-time favourite props, but our friends at Trainer’s Warehouse offer an even wider selection of resources.

Whether you need signs and certificates to celebrate learning, fidget tools to increase focus, team-building games to make learning fun, or meeting essentials to promote employee engagement, you can shape employee growth at your fingertips.

Equip yourself with the latest and greatest active learning games, training tools, and teacher resources, especially for education and training professionals.

Trainers Warehouse are always adding to its collection of brain-friendly corporate training props so trainers and teachers can have more fun in their jobs and make learning memorable. Whether your teams are forming, storming, norming, or performing, we have you covered.

Engage All Types of Learners

 

If you’re looking for high-quality training supplies and teacher resources, check out what Trainers Warehouse offers.

Some of their most popular tools that make school and work fun include learning games for active participation, finger fidgets for kinesthetic learners, and tokens of appreciation to thank employees or students for their hard work.

Click the link below to get started.

 

Browse Trainers Warehouse

 

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Powerful Reflection Matrix: What Does It Look, Sound & Feel Like? https://www.playmeo.com/powerful-reflection-matrix-what-does-it-look-sound-feel-like/ https://www.playmeo.com/powerful-reflection-matrix-what-does-it-look-sound-feel-like/#comments Mon, 15 Apr 2024 20:00:42 +0000 https://www.playmeo.com/?p=158998 The KISS principle (keep it simple, stupid) suggests that most systems work best if they are kept simple rather than made complicated; therefore, simplicity should be one of the most important parameters embedded in the design of anything.

The three-step reflection model of What? So What, Now What? is a great example of taking what can sometimes be a complicated process into three simple steps.

Another area of my work as a group facilitator in which I have embraced the KISS principle is the process of how our groups identify and measure their success.

For example, I like to adopt the three-tier reflection matrix of what it looks like, sounds like and feels like.

 

What Does It Look, Sound & Feel Like?

 

When discussing or reflecting upon a group’s process, results or aspirations, I often invite my group to tell me specifically what did or does this look, sound and feel like.

This matrix is simple yet powerful because it adds something tangible to the conversation.

That is, when I can see, hear, and feel what is being discussed, I am more likely to grasp it more powerfully than using generalisations.

For example, when I hear someone respond with something like “I think we suck at communication” it’s hard to understand what this means. I could ask for an example of what this means (and this is okay,) but it’s even better if I frame my response with “Tell me what it looked like, sounded like or felt like.”

In this case, they could provide specific examples to help me understand how they concluded how much their communication sucked. Perhaps they could refine their assessment by reflecting upon these specific examples.

The key is the evidence. Describe the evidence to support your sharing.

You, and your groups, will always be more successful if they can back up what they are saying with evidence, something tangle such as what it looks, sounds and feels like.

A Pathway to Achieving One’s Goals

 

As the saying goes, how do you know if you have achieved your goals if you don’t know what they look like?

With this in mind, I like to challenge groups engaging in some form of goal-setting process to describe very specifically exactly what success looks, sounds and feels like.

Take, for example, the case of a coaching client who wants to improve their facilitation skills. This is a worthy goal, but without specifics, it would be nigh impossible to know if they achieved their ambitions at the end of our time together.

To this end, I will always ask my coaching clients to describe exactly what success will look like, sound like and feel like at the end, to know that they have achieved their goals. They could say something like:

  • It will look like them standing in front of a new group with a smile on their face, leading a series of group games for the first time; and
  • It will sound like their inner voice saying, “I can do this;” and
  • It will feel like confidence oozing out of every pore of their body.

Can you see, hear and feel the difference?

Improving one’s facilitation skills is one thing, but GETTING the results of what they describe above is a whole other level.

This is the game I want my groups to play.

How about you?

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Icebreakers for Students – Gotcha Energiser https://www.playmeo.com/icebreakers-for-students-gotcha-energiser/ Mon, 08 Apr 2024 22:27:41 +0000 https://www.playmeo.com/?p=158285 I know this post is titled ‘icebreakers for students,’ but honestly, the activity I’m about to share with you WILL WORK with any group you can think of. Across my 35+ year career, I have never known it to fail.

 

 

Icebreakers for Students That Work

 

As Chad describes in this video, we get sucked into lots of activity videos too that promise the world but fail to deliver little more enthusiasm than a “meh.”

If this is your experience too, let me introduce you to Gotcha.

I tips me hat to good friend and extraordinary youth leader Ron Townsend, who shared this no-props activity with me in the early 1980s. If I’ve presented this exercise once, I’ve presented it a thousand times. I give thanks to Ron every time I hear the delighted shrieks of joy it evokes.

Its beauty lies in its flexibility. I know of at least a dozen variations. It can be played in pairs, small groups, large groups and whole auditoriums of people if required. But most of all, it’s just super fun.

My generic delivery involves two people facing one another, with right hands outstretched and palms facing the sky. With the index finger of their partner poking into their palms, you probably have everything you need to know to spark engagement.

Indeed, I could be speaking a foreign language and yet, with this set-up, every person in the room will know what’s about to happen.

Of course, with a commanding “GO” you invite every

 

Why Does this Energiser Work?

 

It’s important to understand that there is NO magic in any of the activities I play or feature in playmeo’s online database.

Which should cause you to wonder why some activities work better than others.

I think the answer to this question requires a lot more space than I want to devote to this blog today, but…

It’s fair to say there are a handful of reasons that make Gotcha such a wonderful icebreaker for students as much as a fun energizer:

  • It’s super easy to describe, demonstrate and play. There’s no special knowledge or skill level required;
  • There are ample variations, so you can very quickly move on from the dreaded “we’ve done this before…” syndrome;
  • As demonstrated in the video, you don’t even need to touch your partner to play the game; and
  • It works with groups of all sizes, ie you need only 2 or more people to make it work.

 

But… Will It Work with MY Students?

 

Students can be a tough crowd, especially those in their pre-teen and early teenage years. There can be a lot of peer pressure to “fit in” and “be cool,” ie plenty of ice.

That said, I don’t see any difference in their behaviour from that of any other group. At our core, humans are basically comfort-seeking machines, and this describes every group of people I have worked with.

Icebreakers are explicitly designed to break the ice, and for some groups, there may be a lot more ice than others. This means it’s on us as group facilitators to carefully design an appropriate sequence of activities that will land sensitively for any group, no matter their age.

If you’d like to learn more about the superpower of sequencing or what makes an icebreaker an icebreaker, click the relevant links below.

Sequencing for Success    What Is an Icebreaker?

 

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5 Non-Traditional Icebreaker Games for Small Groups https://www.playmeo.com/5-non-traditional-icebreaker-games-for-small-groups/ Mon, 01 Apr 2024 19:00:18 +0000 https://www.playmeo.com/?p=155853 Following last week’s post, here are some non-traditional icebreaker games for small groups that are super fun and unlikely to provoke your participants’ eye-rolls or groans.

If one of your favourite icebreakers is to “go around the room, stand up and introduce yourself”…. well, ummm, this is a must-read blog post.

But before we discuss some of my favourite non-traditional icebreakers, let’s explore one critical distinction – what makes an icebreaker an icebreaker?

 

No More “Stand Up & Introduce Yourself…”

 

Really? When was this tired, confronting and altogether threatening group exercise ever considered an icebreaker? In most cases, it is the antithesis of an icebreaker, ie I refer you to the five key ingredients of an icebreaker.

The five activities I describe below work to break the ice because they feature most, if not all, of the five ingredients of effective icebreakers. They are absolutely fun, but also non-threatening, highly interactive, simple and ultimately focused on success – helping people feel more comfortable with others.

 

What Makes an Icebreaker an Icebreaker?

 

The bottom line is that any experience that purports to break the ice among a group of participants must actually break the ice. It seems obvious, doesn’t it? But not so much. As I examine the design of many of the programs I participate in, I see that some of the so-called “icebreakers” are, in practice, icemakers.

So, if you’re unsure of the difference between an icebreaker and an icemaker – take a look at this article to review the 5 essential ingredients of a successful icebreaker.

The trick is not to get sucked into thinking that just because you call something an ‘icebreaker’ that this makes it an icebreaker. Or, just because you have always used one or more activities to break the ice, you will always achieve this objective.

There are five essential keys, and provided these are present in every experience you claim to be an icebreaker, you are more likely to get what you (and your group) want. Without the eye rolls and groans.

 

Top 5 Non-Traditional Icebreaker Games

 

It can be hard to hide in a small group, so if you’re feeling uncomfortable, it will be pretty obvious to everyone. So, it’s really important that you consider the order or sequence of the experiences you lead.

Softly, softly works. Don’t ask for too much too soon, and by all means, make it FUN. The following five activities are as much unexpected (ie non-traditional) as icebreakers as they are experiences ideal for breaking the ice.

 

Blind Portraits

Form pairs, and if you have an odd number, enjoy the opportunity to join in and play. Distribute paper and pens to everyone, and if necessary, something solid for the paper to rest on, i.e. you could be seated at desks or add a book under the paper when rested on one’s lap. You should know that the primary aim for each person is to draw a portrait of their partner on the paper in front of them, but… the key is to complete this task without looking at one’s paper, ie that’s why it’s called ‘blind.’ This exercise has never failed to impress the group I’m working with. Never an eye roll, and the only groan you’ll hear is when you get to look at what you’ve drawn.

Twice Around the Block

Equip your group with a long piece of rope or tubular webbing, maybe 4 to 5 metres long. Tie the two ends together and form a circle with everyone using their two hands to hold the circle of ropes in front of them. By chance, someone will have the knot closest to them, which means – voila! – they will kick off the action. Instruct your group to slowly pass the rope or webbing through their hands in one direction while the first person (also passing the rope) shares a quick story in response to a question you posed. For example, share a quick story about one of your favourite places at home., or one of your favourite people in your life, etc. The story doesn’t need to last long because as soon as the knot has rotated around the circle twice, that’s it. The person to the left of the one who just shares goes next, and so on.

Space Counting

This wonderful no-prop partner exercise was picked up from Karl Rohnke many years ago. You need nothing more than a partner, and a quick, perhaps humorous demonstration of what the exercise looks like to trigger an abundance of laughter and squeals of delight from your group. Simple, engaging and fun, Space Counting is a slam dunk for groups large and small. And the best part is, no one could ever imagine what they are about to do before you start. Perfect.

Story of Your Name

Long-time followers of this blog will know that I often pull this group activity out of my bag because, large group or small, strangers or long-time friends, this game just works. It’s hard not to be engaged with another person as they describe the reasons why they are named what they are named. Sometimes, the stories are meaningful or humorous, but they are always interesting. Give it a go, you’ll be glad you did.

Curiosity Ping Pong

I learned this from my good friend and awesome group facilitator, Chad Littlefield. First developed during the pandemic as a wonderful way to engage online audiences, it has quickly become one of my go-to strategies for engaging face-to-face groups. You need nothing more than a topic of conversation and some post-it notes or paper & pens. Pose a question such as “What’s the next holiday destination on your bucket list?” or “Tell me one thing you admire about a member of your family.” Everyone writes their response on paper and then places it in the middle of the group for all to see. Give your group a few moments to scan all of the responses, and then invite a volunteer to nominate one particular response they are most curious about. The author of that response is asked to share a little more about their answer. This person then picks another response they are curious to learn more about, and so on.

 

This list of five activities is hardly exhaustive. There are 100s more where these came from, and you can browse for free when you click the button below.

If you need help looking to update your icebreaker repertoire, click the button below and navigate to Free 1:1 Support widget.

 

Book Appointment

 

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Icebreaker Games for Small Groups https://www.playmeo.com/icebreaker-games-for-small-groups/ Mon, 25 Mar 2024 19:00:02 +0000 https://www.playmeo.com/?p=155782 Have you noticed that most icebreakers seem to be designed for large groups, ie groups of 20 or more people? In this post, you will learn five of the best icebreaker games for small groups, i.e., groups of 10 or fewer people.

 

How Big is a Small Group?

 

Group size is relative, of course. What is considered large for me may be quite small for you, and vice versa.

For instance, I used to run a summer camp in the United States that regularly had more than 800 campers involved in the same activity simultaneously. Now, this is large by most people’s estimation. Yet, I have also worked in some really remote schools in central Australia that boasted as few as three or four students in a class, but across the hallway, there could be as many as ten students, and this class was described as large.

For the basis of this post, I suggest that ten or fewer people are a small group. Feel free to reinterpret “small” as whatever works for you.

Either way, every icebreaker game I describe here will work with two, three, or up to 10 people.

 

Icebreaker Games for Less than Ten People

 

Groups of ten or fewer people tend to lack the energy to make certain group games and activities work. Yet what they lack in energy, they certainly make up for in potential intimacy.

And when it comes to icebreakers, you can never have too much intimacy or vulnerability.

As a starting point, click the button below to search for icebreaker games suitable for groups of 3 to 8 people (a particular search attribute of playmeo’s powerful search engine.)

Icebreakers for 3-8 People

 

Already, you’ll discover there are at least 40+ wonderful ideas.

Here are my top five favourite icebreaker games for small groups, in no particular order.

Be sure to click the links to view their FREE simple step-by-step instructions.

 

1. UBUNTU Cards

It is possible this activity would feature in any program no matter how many people were in it. I just love UBUNTU cards because, well, they are the perfect tool for inviting people to interact, find something in common with others and have fun. There is no shortage of activities you can use these cards to break the ice with small groups, from highly interactive sharing-type activities to more passive self-reflection-type exercises. If you don’t have a deck of these cards as a part of your repertoire, now’s the time to fix that problem – click here to buy UBUNTU Cards today.

2. Icebreaker Question Exchange

This exercise inspired the concept behind the development of the popular We Connect Cards. In advance, prepare a bunch of cards with interesting questions on them. Either invite the whole group to respond to each question or equip each person with a card and invite them to interact with a series of partners over several minutes. For small groups, my suggestion is that at any time a pair encounter a question one of both of the partners has answered before, invite them to pull anew card (question) from the bigger pile.

3. ID Numbers

All you need is some index cards and a few pens. Guided by your example, everyone creates their own unique set of identity numbers. Then, you invite your group to interact with others to try to guess what each number means. I have never seen this game fail to trigger lots of laughter and surprise discoveries. And the best part of this icebreaker game is that it is fuelled by choice – no one will ever share anything about themselves that they do not want others to know.

4. Kram Dralloc

Okay, this one is intimately connected to me (read the letters backwards) but, once again, I have never seen it fail to generate laughter, energy and lots of positive get-to-know-you vibes. Form pairs or dive in with everyone involved at the same time, it won’t matter. Kram Dralloc will inspire lots of creativity and, often, collaboration when some members of the group need some help identifying where they are from or, indeed, how to say their name. Endlessly curious.

5. Care About

This exercise was inspired by the dark old days of COVID and dozens of virtual meetings. For the first time, we had the brief privilege of peering into the personal worlds of our students, colleagues, and team members through the backgrounds of their videos. We could learn a little about our online participants by simply looking over their shoulders. The exercise was simple – I would ask everyone to grab something (anything) within reach of where they were standing/sitting that resonated with them. A book, an ornament, a photo, whatever. It could evoke a special memory or remind them of an experience or a person, etc, etc. The magic was found not in the object, but in the sharing of the story connected to it. As simple and as powerful as that. And the best part is, you don’t need a virtual audience to make this work.

Free Icebreaker Game Instructions

 

Remember, you can view all of the step-by-step instructions for these five icebreakers for small groups, PLUS 525+ other activities right here, right now.

Click the button below to get started.

Search for Free

 

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NEW – Connectiles 2 Team Puzzle https://www.playmeo.com/new-connectiles-2-team-puzzle/ Mon, 18 Mar 2024 19:00:37 +0000 https://www.playmeo.com/?p=154960 The original Connectiles team puzzle is one of playmeo’s most popular teambuilding activities.

A colourful and fun team puzzle featuring more than 80 clues, it is specifically designed for small groups to solve together.

 

Teambuilding for Young People

 

Building on the original’s success, we are excited to announce the release of a brand new Connectiles 2 Team Puzzle. While purposefully designed for young people, our beta testing has shown that it is equally fun for adults, too.

For those unfamiliar with the puzzle, the goal is to match and align the edges of 25 illustrated tiles to produce a 5 x 5 grid. The matching clues reflect ‘things in common,’ including literacy, numeracy, imagery, and cryptic puzzles.

When complete, a series of letters featured in the centre of the tiles spell a 25-character sentence highlighting a valuable lesson (no spoilers here!)

This unique team puzzle is highly interactive and engaging, inspiring collaboration and critical-thinking skills. It is great for team-building programs or to fill idle time at the beginning or middle of your programs. Simpler in nature than the original, Connectiles 2 is ideal for young people aged 10 to 16.

 

Available in Two Convenient Sizes

 

Owing to popular demand, the puzzle tiles of Connectiles 2 are available in two sizes:

  • The original 130 x 130mm size is perfect for groups of up to 15 people, and
  • Smaller tiles of 65 x 65mm, which are better suited for groups of 2 to 4 people.

A solution template and 1 x blank tile template (so you can create your own team puzzles) are included in the package.

Be one of the first to try the Connectiles 2 team puzzle.

Buy Connectiles 2

 

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