All Categories

Paradoxical Questioning with Continuum

1/22/2021

I've been diving into more and more information on the topic of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). As educators we are now pretty familiar with the relevance (and importance) of the topic. I've been working through some ideas on how to present SEL content to team builders since we, pretty much, spend a good deal of time helping people work on social growth. How can we (team builders) recognize and encourage SEL concepts? (This has been my guiding question in my search for ideas.)

In my search, I picked up Tara Flippos book, Social and Emotional Learning in Action: Experiential Activities to Positively Impact School Climate. Tara tells us, "Social and Emotional Learning in Action (SELA) is an easy-to-use sourcebook [a 36-lesson progression] facilitated by teaching and/or counseling practitioners primarily in school settings." Each lesson (for the most part) has two activities and a debrief process. It's a nice progression of community-building activities and when you know and understand the CASEL.org framework and the five competency areas, you can blend the SEL language into the lessons.

One of the 'nuggets' in the book for me was reading about Paradoxical Questioning. (Those of you already doing this, Kudos to you - it's pretty interesting.) Tara shared this method in the debriefing activity she calls Continuum. (This 'rating' activity has been around for a while, but I can't put my finger on a source just yet.) During face-to-face programs you lay out a rope in a straight line designate one end as zero and the other end as a ten. You provide a question for participants to 'rate/score' for themselves - like, Where do you stand on..." or What score would you give to our.....(insert behavior here)" For the virtual version, develop a presentation slide (area) with the scale and question on it like the one above. Then, participants annotate themselves (their name) near the number they choose to score.

Traditionally, I then question participants by asking them something like, "Jennifer, you rated communication an eight. What would the group have to do to get a score of nine?" Same with the other end of the scale. "Felix, what would it take from the group for you to give them a three?" I don't ask for BIG leaps, just, what would it take to go up one number - baby steps.

Here's where the paradoxical comes in. Instead of asking participants how the group can improve, ask them to share what information they used to come up with the score they chose. For example, Tara shared, "to low-rating students, you could ask what allowed them to be a 3/10 instead of a 0/10" - seeking the positive in a low-rated evaluation. Even with the high-rating participants - "What qualities from the group led you to score an eight?" Yes, you could go on to talk about improvement. And, what about simply stating the 'good stuff' and then moving on?

Sometimes it's just the simply things that can light a new path. Come to think of it, it's often the simple things that lead to the biggest changes.

If you have any other paradoxical ideas, we'd love to hear about them. Leave us a Comment!

Be well...

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

0 Comments

Commonalities Revisited (for Face-to-Face & Virtual)

1/8/2021

0 Comments

Happy 2021 to you!! For me, so far so good. Let's make this year amazing....no matter what!?

The recent book I'm diving into is, Social and Emotional Learning in Action: Experiential Activities to Positively Impact School Climate, by Tara Flippo. Early on in the book I came across the activity Commonalities - one of those activities that's been around for a while and still super-useable, super-engaging (Quicksilver, Rohnke 1995).

Still in the "what-activities-can-I-do-online" mode, Commonalities can be a good one. Here's how I intend to use the activity online with groups of 10 to 25 participants (pretty much the same way I use it face-to-face):

Tell everyone they will be going into 'breakout rooms' for about 2 minutes with a few others (groups of 3 to 4) to discover things they all have in common - everyone in the group has done or likes, for example. (While face-to-face, they just get together in groups and go off somewhere to talk.)
During the exploration, someone in the group will keep notes (make a list) of the things they have in common with each other.
After 2 minutes, everyone is brought back into the main room.
The facilitator then asks for people to share, verbally, something his/her group has in common that is interesting or not-so-common. After something is shared, the facilitator can ask for anyone in the 'Gallery' (main room) to raise a hand if they too have that in common with the group that just shared. (Building awareness of others like you.) Take about 1 to 2 minutes for this exchange.
After this verbal sharing, send everyone back into their breakout rooms and continue the process - same thing. Discover more things they have in common with each other. Add these commonalities to the list.
After two minutes, bring them back to the main room to share interesting and/or unique commonalities.
Then again. After some verbal sharing, send them back to discover even more commonalities they share - another 2 minutes.
Bring them back to the main room to share out these new findings.
And so on....

[NOTE: If I'm working with a group of 12 or less, I'm sure to ask each small group to share one or two of their commonalities. When the group is bigger, I do the volunteer sharing and only spend up to 2 minutes with it.]

When face-to-face, I've done this up to 6 'discovery-and-share' rounds. And, I'm pretty sure I'll shoot for 6 rounds online as well (the more rounds, the deeper the exploration). You might be thinking, "Are you kidding! There's no way a group will want to do this that many times!" Exactly! Getting to REALLY know others is hard work. And, what does it take to really get to know someone?

I've found that after we start discussing the 'point' of the exercise (so to speak - 'exercise' being hard work as well), people start loosening up, realizing that, in fact, it is hard work getting to know each other. If the work can be done, with the appropriate mindset, it can actually be a fun experience. The kind of work you put into something is equal to the kind of reward!

For me, this process has always been a wonderful deep dive into getting to know each other!!

Let us know if you try it out and if you make any useful adjustments. Leave a Comment below.

All the best,

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

0 Comments

BUILDZI - Two for One Team Building Activity

12/18/2020

0 Comments

If you are a gift-giver around this time of year, or any time of year really! (even giving gifts to yourself), here's a fun one you can give to your family and and then 'borrow' it to use for your team building programs. (Or, maybe it's the other way around?)

BUILDZI, comes from the creators of Tenti. (Tenzi is one of my favorite dice games - you can play with any number of people - well, maybe up to 12 around a table - as long as everyone has 10 dice. If you have or pick up Tenzi, don't forget the Cards Deck, 77 Ways to Play Tenzi, with Tenzi challenges).

(UN-SHAMELESS MARKETING: I love repurposing - especially toy aisle games like BUILDZI!! My amazingly creative friends, Michelle Cummings, Trevor Dunlap & Matthew Broda are going to help us out. They are releasing their book, Team Building from the Toy Aisle, in early 2021. I can't wait to see what they've come up with. You can pre-order your copy today at the Training Wheels website - link above.)

Most likely, if you've been team building for a while, you've done a communication activity that involves partnering up players, then each has his/her own set of matching supplies (e.g., playing cards or Dominos). Partners sit back-to-back, one builds something with his/her supplies and then communicates this build to his/her partner - hoping the outcome of the communication to be a 'match' (as close to identical as possible). This has always been a go-to for me when I want to discuss communication behaviors with my groups - everyone is doing something.

BUILDZI can be used for this kind of team building activity. The 'game' includes four sets of building blocks and a deck of long cards (see above). (So, up to 8 players per game is what I would say - four pairs.) In this way, when partnered up, one player has a card, the other has the blocks. And, you can play where partners can be face-to-face or back-to-back depending on the conversations you want to have. (I've found that we can bring up more about 'helping' when face-to-face because we can get visual feedback from our partner if we can see what he/she is doing.) And, what about starting back-to-back and then going to face-to-face? How does the experience change?

Other options of BUILDZI that I love: There is a 'silhouette' of the structure to build. Each card has a colorful block side and the silhouette of the same structure on the other side (see picture above. FYI: two different cards are show). And, you can have players build the structure flat on the ground/floor or vertically. Perfect for changing up the challenge.

Have fun out there! (It IS possible, even during these interesting times....)

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

0 Comments

Liner Quotes: Growth Set - Macro Version (Print-N-Play)

12/3/2020

0 Comments

This is another generous share from Karen Whittaker (she shared Life Skill Memory Match a couple posts ago). She transformed the Liner Quotes: Growth Set cards (SEE THIS POST for specific details about the Growth Set of Liner Quotes), into a more visually appealing experience. (PDF Download below). In this transformation, she also made each card bigger (full sheet) so the writing is easier to read while we are safely distancing.

The Growth Set of Liner Quotes cards is one of two sets at the moment. The original Challenge Set (set 1) has been the free processing tool for joining the FUNdoing Fridays email list. You can sign up for FUNdoing Fridays below to get some FREE Team Building Resources delivered to your email every two weeks and get Set 1 of Liner Quotes, FREE. (I do not share or sell emails.) If the information in the emails is not your cup of tea, simply Unsubscribe and keep the Liner Quotes - no questions asked.

If you're on the FUNdoing Fridays list and have misplaced your free gift (Liner Quotes, Set 1), email me and I'll send you the PDF (chris@onteambuilding.com).

Below is the full write up for Liner Quotes (either set) so you can see the versatility of the tool. And now, with Karen's version, they are even more engaging!! THANKS KAREN.

linerquotesgrowthset_fromkarenwittaker.pdf
File Size:	614 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

Welcome to Liner Quotes – a fun insightful way to get your groups talking. If you find this tool useful please tell your colleagues, friends, and family where to find it – available only at FUNdoing.com. Thank you so much for supporting my FUNdoing adventures!

Over the past few years I have been listening to music a bit differently. It all started when it occurred to me that certain lines in musical lyrics would be great for previewing, midviewing, and reviewing teambuilding experiences – these lines could inspire/remind participants of important moments ahead or moments that happened during their program. To get these “lines” out there to the masses Liner Quotes: Reviewing Cards emerged. You can also find a more detailed description of the Liner Quotes activity in my book, Portable Teambuilding Activities (2015). For the Print-N-Play version, here is what you’ll need to know about using the cards.

Activity Objective: Participants are encouraged to choose and talk about a quote card that, to them, best relates to the experience that is about to take place (previewing), one that is taking place (midviewing), or one that has already taken place (reviewing).

Facilitated Objective: Explore behaviors related to trust, communication, empathy, voice, community, challenge with choice, risk, fear, and rapport.

Needs & Numbers: Print and cut out the 32 Liner Quote cards below on light blue paper (I’m suggesting light blue paper to identify the “reviewing” Liner Quotes sets from the “growth” Liner Quote sets that I suggest printing on green paper – green being for growth). For long-term use I advise that you laminated the cards or get the quotes printed on card stock. One set of 32 cards works well with a group of two to 16 participants.
If your pre-planning and/or programming include giving away the Liner Quote cards to the individuals in the group you might not want to incur the lamination cost. When giving away the quotes you could have participants pick a quote that best represents what they want to remember or take away from the program, or you can have the group as a whole, through nomination or another process, pick a card for each person in the group. In any case, when your cards are printed, you’re ready to go.

Time: 15 to 20 minutes at any time during a program – maybe a little longer for a reviewing session at the end of a program (depending on the number of players of course and how much they like to talk).

Set-Up: Spread out the cards quote side up, on a tabletop or floor, so all the quotes can easily be read.

Procedure: Since my initial set of cards was created, here are a few ways I’ve used them:

Ice-Breaker: Ask each person to choose a quote that reflects a certain value or belief he or she holds. Ask participants to mingle around the room sharing their quotes and the meanings they have with one person at a time.

Previewing a Program: Ask the group to choose, by consensus, an important quote (or two) that will help to remind them of an underlying principle or concept they want to remember throughout their program. You might call this quote the “group motto” or “purpose statement” that will frame the group’s actions.

Previewing an Activity: Ask each person to choose a quote he or she believes will be something important to remember as they move forward into the next part of the program, or the next activity.

Midviewing: There might be times when your group could benefit from a discussion/check-in break during an activity. For example, if they are struggling to move forward. Scatter the cards out, quotes up, and see if any of the quotes inspire some thought around what the group is experiencing and/or might consider doing in order to move forward.

Re-Viewing: At the end of an activity, or your program, ask each person to choose a quote that reminds them of something important/significant that happened during the activity or program. Taking turns, have participants share his or her quote and the meaning it has for them.

Blind Find Reviewing: (after an activity or program) Set the cards out with the quote sides facing down for this one. At the end of an activity, or your program, ask each person to choose a card that is intuitively “speaking” to them – like picking that fortune cookie that speaks to you. After reading their card each participant is asked to interpret the meaning of his or her quote in relation to the activity just completed (or the overall program) and any relevant learning it may hold. Taking turns, have participants share their quotes and the interpretations. If a participant is struggling to interpret his or her quote it can be opened up to the group for its possible – at-the-time – meaning.

Facilitation Notes: The first opportunity I had to put out my complete set (at the time, 52 cards) I found my group more interested in discovering all the quotes than they were at choosing a quote related to their experience. In retrospect there was just too much information to choose from. Minimizing the choices (32 cards) seems to lend more focus to the task.

Be Well!!

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

0 Comments

Onimod Challenges (from Sam Sikes)

11/20/2020

0 Comments

NOTE 1: This is an updated post. After some clarification, the directions for all puzzles included in this post are clear. There was some mis-information in the original post.

NOTE 2: This activity can be done face-to-face (i.e., mask-to-mask), just keep an eye on spacing. It can also be played virtually. See below for details.

Onimod (Domino spelled backwards) is an interactive problem solver from Sam Sikes, found in his, Executive Marbles and Other Team Building Activities book. (And, there are lots of other fun things to do with dominos. For example, I pick a domino out of the 'hat' - it's a 2|5 combination. Everyone else picks too. Then, we pair up. I share things about myself equal to a number on my domino - I can say, 2, 5 or 7 (2+5=) things about myself. [What number did you choose and why? Good processing question.] My partner shares with me. After, we exchange dominos, then go off to find another partner to talk with...)

For the Onimod Challenges, you'll need a Double-Six set - 28 dominos. (If you don't have a set, I've included a downloadable one for you you below - just print, cut out and play.)

Here are the Challenges:
14 to 28 Players (Using 28 Dominos)
Give out 1 or 2 domino tiles to each player. Moving the dominoes end-to-end, while players are holding their domino(s), all 28 dominos can link in one long line. The dominos will also connect into a circle (the long line may end up working as a circle, or another solution is possible). Try solving the puzzle both ways.

10 to 21 Players (Using 21 Dominos)
First: Remove all the doubles - this includes the double zero. Give out one or two domino tiles to each player. The 21 dominos will all link into a circle.

7 to 15 Players (Using 15 Dominos)
First: Remove all the doubles, including the double zero, and all the dominos with a six. Thirteen dominos will always link in a line and leave two dominos (players) unlinked.

Extra Challenge: After finding the first solution, find another solution that includes the first two unlinked players (dominos) - in the second solution, two different players will be unlinked.

5 to 10 Players (Using 10 Dominos)
First: Remove the doubles, including the double zero, and the dominos with sixes and fives. The 10 dominos will always link into a circle.

Here's a set of Double-Sixes if you don't have one handy:

domino_double-six_set.pdf
File Size:	38 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

Virtual Application
I think a small group can work on the Onimod challenges in a platform like Mural.co or Google Jamboard (if you need help finding these, let me know).

First, you'll need to 'image capture' each of the 28 dominos (from the PDF download above) and then create (import each domino image) onto a Canvas (Mural) or Slide (Jamboard) with the number and kind of dominos required for the particular challenge. (I'd say hold off on the 15-domino challenge until we have an answer!? Or, not.....)

Then, get each group to the place where they can move around their own set of domino tiles.

If you go for it, let me know how it works out!!

Be well my friend! And please, be kind - we sure need it....

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

0 Comments

Life Skills Memory Match (Set 1 & Set 2) Print-N-Play

10/30/2020

0 Comments

You know those times when you go into a situation with no real expectations and you come out the other side saying, "That was really fun!" Well, I had one of those experiences with Karen Whittaker and some of the Base Camp Challenge Center staff recently. Karen reached out and wanted to give back to the community of Fun Followers that we are. We set up a ZOOM call and I expected that Karen and I were going to simply talk out some of the activities they use during their programs. Well, "little did he know..." (movie reference)...I was surprised with a small group ready to play and 'show' me the activities. Needless to say, I learned a lot from these amazing educators! (Thank you my friends!!)

Life Skills Memory Match is one of the (processing) activities they shared - one I knew I could get out to you right away (and I know how much some of you like the print-n-plays!). The Base Camp Challenge Center (among other things) team builds with high school ages. During their programs they align activities with the Michigan Technical Education Essential Standards, what we can call life skills. Karen and the staff work from a specific list of traits and skills they can address based on the standards. Life Skills Memory Match is most often used as a processing activity at the end of a series of high school student programs to review many of the traits and skills the students learned and practiced while at the Base Camp Challenge Center.

Karen provided us with two sets of Memory Match activities (downloads below). Each set includes an answer key. She shared with me that a 4 by 5 grid is a good size to work with - more choices takes longer. And, there is certainly the option to mix the pairs from each set to make another 'set' - just be sure you have an answer sheet for your new set. Thinking through this resource, if I have the same group over different days (like the Base Camp groups), I would put a set of memory match cards together to review the traits and skills we practiced during different parts of the program (e.g. after the second program of four). Then, as a final processing activity I'd put a game together with the most relevant pairs to review in the mix. Lots of potential versions to create with this one.

Basic Play for Life Skills Memory Match
Karen provide a set of the Memory Match directions (at right). The directions outline a competitive way to play with a review of the pairs after the 'match.' And, I like how it says, "You can allow a team to match 'wrong' as long as they can tell you why they think the cards match, then..."

basicmemorymatch_directions_competiiotn.pdf
File Size:	104 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

Of course, you can also play cooperatively and work together to find the matches (...as long as they can tell you why...). When a positive match is found, take a moment to reflect on the learning behind the match. Then, continue to search for the next combination.)

Set Up
As Karen shared, a good size for play is a 4 by 5 grid of cards (10 pairs to find). NOTE: I set up the example images in Google Slides with 'covers' over the cards (and yes, we could play virtually). Please consider the covers to be the backs of a cards so we'll 'flip' the card over, uncovering it in Slides.

Play
Two players go to the grid, either from the same team, if competing, or from the group if playing cooperatively. Each player turns over a card...

If the cards do not match (and the group cannot "tell you why" they match), the cards are flipped back over (words down - you might need to include this specific phrasing due to the creative nature of some groups - what is a flip?).

If the cards do match (correct answer or a good reason why), the 'team' pulls the pair out and play continues (same team plays again, or next team goes? Up to you....), or (as I - Chris - might play), we would take some time to talk about the significance of the pair then take the cards out of the grid, place them off to the side and continue playing. (I like the idea of taking the found pairs out of the grid so it doesn't become distracting as other pairs are found.)

Most of us have played a 'Matching' game of some sort, so I'm guessing you know how it plays out over the long run. Be sure to adapt the game to meet your specific needs. Does the grid need to be a 'square/rectangle' grid? No. Could I have some 'distracter' cards in the mix? Yes. Can my grid contain more cards? Yes. Can we jump up and down in celebration when we find a match? Yes!! Reviewing our learning is an important part of what we do as team builders. Make it the best for your situation.

Another BIG THANKS to Karen and her colleagues for taking the time to share with us. And, there is more on the way from these amazing educators.

Here are the downloads:

lifeskills_memorymatch_set1.pdf
File Size:	410 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

lifeskillsmemorymatch_answersheet_set1.pdf
File Size:	104 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

lifeskills_memorymatch_set2.pdf
File Size:	479 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

lifeskills_memorymatch_answersheet_set2.pdf
File Size:	140 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

NOTE: If you have any questions about the content in the Sets, email: chris@onteambuilding.com

Be well my friend!

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

0 Comments

Thread the Needle Too (with Video)

10/14/2020

0 Comments

NOTE: This is a re-posting of Thread the Needle (from 2016) with a few updated instructions and an action video.

Set Up Set out your Key Pad numbers (numbered index cards, livestock tags, or poly spots) in a pattern similar to the diagram below - odd numbers on one side of center and evens on the other. The wider the number placement the more challenging the task. Between the odds and evens is something for the hoop-holder to stand on or in (I have access to a large carpet square that works great, but you could use a big hula-hoop or tape a square on the floor). The person assigned to be the hoop-holder will also need a hula-hoop. The smaller the hoop the more challenging the task. Then you will need a tossable object. In the picture above we used a small dodgeball, but a rubber animal is fun too (or other safe tossable of course).

Needs & Numbers: This one plays well with 8 to 12 participants in a group with 16 to 24 numbers in the set. Multiple groups can play at the same time.

Objective: The tossable object must be thrown through the sequence of numbers in order from 1 to 24 (or 30, or??). [In the video above, the group is learning the activity using numbers 1 to 12.] Basically, the more numbers, the longer the activity.

Directions:

The roles in this activity include a timer, a hoop-holder (a.ka., The Hoopster), throwers, and catchers. Players are allowed to take on multiple roles, for example, the timer can also be a tosser or catcher, and catchers can be throwers. Exception: The hoop-holder cannot catch or toss the object (but this person could be the timer - tricky, but possible).
THE THROWING RULE: All throws must be made from the appropriate number in the sequence while the thrower is standing ON the number..
THE CATCHING RULE: Catchers do not have to be standing on a number.
THE HOOP-HOLDER RULE: The hoop-holder must be standing on/in the designated center spot/area at all times while holding the hoop. The holder can move about on/in this area moving the hoop to where it needs to be, but must have both feet on/in this area when the object goes through the hoop from one side to another. (An option can be to require at least "one foot" in the area at all times - this rules is used by the group in the video.)
When throws are made from one side to another (odd to even, or even to odd), the object must go through the hoop. If the object does not make it through the hoop (e.g., misses going through the center of the hoop or hits the hoop itself and the object falls to the ground) it goes back to the thrower (standing on the appropriate number) to make another attempt. Throws are made from the same number until the object goes through the hoop.
The object starts in the hand(s) of one person standing on the number 1 spot.
Time starts when the timer says "GO!" When one player has the object in hand and is standing on the highest number in the game (after the object has been thrown through the sequence of numbers in order), the time stops.

As noted above, allow your group multiple attempts to see what improvements they can make. When I have the time, I like to let my groups make as many attempts as they want and stop when they believe they have accomplished their "best" time. I like to ask, "Is this the best this group can do?" It's interesting to see how many attempts are made by a group in order to determine what their 'best' can be (at that moment).

If you run this activity with multiple teams in play, you could set up some respectful friendly competition. In a 25-minute window have teams plan and practice (after the directions are shared) for five minutes and then give them the next 15 minutes to achieve their best time. I like to chart all times on a white board or flip chart paper, so the data is available for everyone to see. I circle the best times for all teams and then assign places.

Let me know how it goes for you! Leave a comment below.

All the best,

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

0 Comments

See Ya! for Connecting and Processing

10/1/2020

0 Comments

Recently I led three live workshops sharing, Community Building Activities While Safely Distancing. I pulled See Ya! from one of the Video Replays. It can be used at the beginning of a program as a way to connect players through ice-breaker questions and then it can be used again at the end of a programming to open up discussions with processing questions.

In the diagramming video, it shows players around a hoop or webbing circle, safely distanced. You can also set out spot-pods safely distanced apart in configurations for three or four players.

See Ya! can be played with 12 to 100+ people and works well with middle school ages and older. Check it out. And, if you have any questions, let me know.

If you'd like a copy of the Assets Package from the workshops, with over 70 safely distancing activity resources (45 described and diagrammed in the three video replays), you can find it over at the FUNdoing Store.

All the best,

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

0 Comments

LOOPS: Toxic Waste Removal (with Video)

9/17/2020

0 Comments

Back in April 2019, I posted, 'P-Cord Loop Activities' shared by Andrew Bogue and Ben Vanderzyden. At this first post you'll find the video, 'Ball Game with Ropes' and the 'Let's Get Loopy' PDF ebook with several p-cord loop initiative. After I became aware of the super-fun activities using 'loops' I put my kit together (p-cord loops and inflatable vinyl orbs), ready to play. Then everything slowed down in the early months of 2020. However, just before all programming stopped, I was able to get some film with some of my facilitator friends trying Loops: Toxic Waste Removal (video below).

At this moment in history, team builders are starting to get back out, face-to-face with groups. I think this one will be great for this transition time of team building while safely distancing.

Toxic Waste Removal plays well with 10 to 16 players per set-up. You'll be pairing up participants. Each pair will need one 'Loop' - a 25-foot length of p-cord tied together with a double fisherman's (Barrel) knot. (You'll see the details in the video.)

The Basic Set-Up: You'll need an 8-foot by 8-foot square of rope (webbing or tape) and a container (the grey circle in the graphic) in the center of the square. Then set out eight game spots about 10 to 15 feet away from the square in different areas. Place an orb on each game spot. I found some vinyl inflatable orbs (playground balls) about 6-inches in diameter at a local Dollar Store. Dodgeball-type orbs are really good as well. (Tennis balls work too, but these are more challenging to move.)

Objective: The specialists (your group), are tasked to move all the radioactive orbs (ROs) into the protective container located inside the quarantined square.

Procedures:

The ROs may only be touched by the Loops.
If an RO touches one of the specialists, this person must stand perfectly still for 60-seconds so the radio waves do not move through the skin into the blood stream.
When a pair of specialists is moving an RO they may not move their feet (too much risk of contamination).
If an RO is dropped to the ground, another pair of specialists must take over moving this RO. (The pair that dropped the RO must evacuate the area around the RO to avoid the immediate pulse of radio waves.)
If an RO is dropped inside the 8 by 8-foot containment area (the rope square), any pair can pick up this RO using their loop.
ROs may not be rolled, on purpose, along the ground (or floor) - this causes an excess of radio waves to be released and may lead to a complete evacuation of the specialist team and all of the local inhabitance.
In order to avoid a complete evacuation of the local inhabitance, you must safely contain all the ROs within ______ minutes. (You will need to decide a fair, but challenging, time for the goal.)
DISTANCING RULE: (If needed) Specialists must stay at least 6-feet away from each other to provide enough room for the slow leak of radio waves to pass between each other. (You will need to decide how this will be monitored.)

Facilitator Notes: One of the main facilitated objectives I see with this activity is the opportunity to learn and practice a skill set, and then put this skill set to use. (And then be able to process how this experience was for the participants.) In the video (below), you will see the group initially learning about and practicing the use of the p-cord loops. (FYI: This video was taken pre-COVID, so we were not concerned with distancing and waring masks.) Then, they jump in to move the ROs to safety. Not as easy as it sounds.

This activity is still in Beta Testing mode. I have yet to play a full round of moving 8 ROs - I'm guessing this can take a while depending on how long you let the group practice and how far the ROs are placed from the square. When you can, get out there and try this one (and some of the others shared in the Let's Get Loopy PDF). Let us know how it goes!

All the best,

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

0 Comments

Through the Hoop (While Safely Distancing)

9/3/2020

3 Comments

Our friend Neil Mercer (On Board, Pressure Cooker 2.0, Microphone Introductions) from Israel sent in another activity for us to work on/with - one that can be done while safely distancing. He sent us a note:

I was rummaging through my game files and came across another of those activities from the meandering mind of Neil Mercer, that I’d written down but never actually brought to fruition. It seems as though it was just biding its time and waiting for its moment! I’ve attached my instructions – both for facilitator and participant on one sheet [PDF Download below]. I’ve played it a couple of times which went quite well. Some other colleagues of mine have also used it. Please let me know what you think of it.
Wishing you well and keep safe,
Neil

Here are the original directions for 'Just One Step' from Neil:

just_one_step_mercer_2020.pdf
File Size:	117 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

Shortly after he sent the directions, he followed up with a change:

I think that one step is actually not enough. So each participant is allowed two steps – which includes the step needed to pass through the hoop. Of course, the name of the task thus becomes, JUST TWO STEPS. As the facilitator, it’s important to be strict regarding the rules of touching the hoop or it touching the ground –otherwise, the task will be too easy. Furthermore, we should be sensitive regarding the size of the hoop and the self-perceived size of the participants. Perhaps having a larger hoop available would be wise.
N

[NOTE from Chris: I really like how Neil just gets things out there, shares it, asks for feedback, refines it and lets us all join in on the discovery. If we wait to share until something is "just right" (i.e., perfect), it may never reach the helpful hands of others.]

An Exercise in Variation (from Chris)

After Neil sent me, Just Two Steps, I took a little time to let it simmer. He left his directions pretty wide open for interpretation - something I like to do as well when I start building on an idea. I decided I wanted more specific Rules and less restriction on movement. One of my preferences when creating an activity, one that works for me, is to have as much moving around as possible (minimizing 'wait' time). So, here's what I came up with:

Preparations: Use a large diameter hula hoop (being mindful of Neil's second email) and three lengths of rope or p-cord about 4-feet (1 meter) long. (If you use a length of webbing as the 'hoop' use four lengths of rope to make the webbing form a square hoop.) Tie the ropes to the hoop so the 'hoop apparatus' (HA) looks like the configuration in the diagram above. Tie an overhand on a bite at the end of each rope to create a small loop 'handle'. Set down the HA among the spots.

Set out games spots, like illustrated in the diagram above, at a distance mandated by the distancing procedures you are following (e.g., all spots are 6 feet from any other spot). In the diagram, there are 15 spots for a group of 12 participants - if you add more spots, the activity will be a little easier.

Directions:

PPE: Since participants may be passing within 6-feet of each other (and maybe closer), masks might be required - LOPs. Also, providing hand sanitizer or, at least, one rubber glove (holding the rope) might be recommended as well - LOPs. (At least 6 participants will be touching the ends of the ropes.)
Ask everyone to stand, by themselves, on a spot.
Safety Protocol: Everyone should do their best to stay '6 feet' away (LOPs) from each other. If someone sees they are too close to someone else, he/she is free to move and occupy an open spot in a different area.
OPTIONAL RULE (it will make the activity a bit more challenging) Participants are allowed to move to a different spot as long as no one is touching the Hoop Apparatus - see Rules below.
Objective: Everyone must pass completely through the hoop. This will be a timed activity - time starts movement on "Go" and stops after the last person goes 'Through the Hoop' and everyone is standing on a spot.
Hoop Apparatus (HA) Movers can move anywhere within the activity area - they don't need to stand on a spot while they are manipulating the HA.
After a participant passes through the hoop (completely), the HA Movers set down the HA in the playing area and move to, and stand on, an open spot. The HA is now ready for another group to pick it up the get someone else through. (HA Movers may not move the hoop over two or more people in a row. They can come back to be a Mover after another group of Movers passes someone through.)

Rules:

Participants cannot make physical contact with the hoop.
The HA Movers can only manipulate the ropes by holding the loop handle at the end of the rope - no other part of the rope may be touched.
HA Movers may not touch any part of the HA until all non-hoop movers are standing on a spot.
Non-HA Movers are required to pass through the hoop completely - the hoop can start at the feet and be lifted up over the head or the hoop can start at the head and go down past the feet.
All participants are required to keep at least one foot on his/her spot at all times while going through the hoop - any part of a foot on any part of the spot.

If a Rule is broken, 10 seconds is added to the overall group time. (Who will be responsible for keeping track of Rule violations?)

Here is some of my thinking about this version:

It's okay for the hoop (and ropes) to touch the ground - keeping the hoop off the ground would require more ropes for the change-over and might bring participants close together.
Forcing the HA Movers to change out after each 'through the hoop' provides more opportunities for other participants to be active and assume the 'risk' of moving the hoop over someone.
Not touching the HA until everyone else is on a spot opens up some strategic planning opportunities (e.g., the HA Movers place the hoop down 'over' an empty spot after moving the hoop over someone. Then, a participant runs to the spot inside the hoop, ready for the new Movers to bring the hoop up and over).
With all the specific rules, there is an opportunity for the group to create a number of roles and responsibilities during the task - and some will change for participants depending on how much they want to take on. There is more to do for more people.

Give your group the opportunity to try this one a few times in order to improve.

Through the Hoop does have some proximity risk and sharing equipment (ropes). So, you will have to run this through your current LOPs to determine if this activity can be used. I like the dynamics of it and the opportunity to try it a few times in order to improve. And, what will the group decide to improve upon? A process goal (e.g., keep safely distanced) or a product goal (e.g., a better time)? Or, both?

I hope you get to try this one. Let us know how it goes. Leave a Comment below.

All the best,

Neil & Chris

3 Comments

<<Previous

Paradoxical Questioning with Continuum

Commonalities Revisited (for Face-to-Face & Virtual)

BUILDZI - Two for One Team Building Activity

Liner Quotes: Growth Set - Macro Version (Print-N-Play)

Onimod Challenges (from Sam Sikes)

Life Skills Memory Match (Set 1 & Set 2) Print-N-Play

Thread the Needle Too (with Video)

See Ya! for Connecting and Processing

LOOPS: Toxic Waste Removal (with Video)

Through the Hoop (While Safely Distancing)

Blog Author

Blog Purpose

Categories

Archives