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

12/3/2020

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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. 

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

10/30/2020

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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.) ​
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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...
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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?). 
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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.)  
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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. 

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See Ya! for Connecting and Processing

10/1/2020

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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. 
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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.

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What's the Quote? Cards (Print-N-Play)

1/22/2020

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[Be sure to get down to the examples at the bottom of this post - updated 3/19/20]
I ran across a reference to the clip-art icon site TheNounProject.com and got hooked on the thousands of choices. (Thanks so much to the person who posted it on one of the Facebook groups I follow - sorry I didn't save the reference). So, I paid the unlimited license for the year ($40) to see how much use I can get from the site. What's the Quote? Cards, is the first thing that came in. Your downloadable print-n-play set is to the right - face-to-face and online play. 
whatsthequotecards_cavert.pdf
File Size: 518 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

whatsthequotecards_onlineversion_cavert.pdf
File Size: 460 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

*Use the Online version when you want to share some of the cards during virtual programming. (As shown in THIS VIDEO)
Getting Started I just got back from FedEx with my set of cards. I printed them on sturdy glossy card stock ($2) and I made two other sets on regular copy paper (more about why below). I used the rotary cutter at FedEx to chop up my sets (I was there about an hour cutting up three sets of cards).

So far, I'm thinking I'll use the glossy set to re-use with different groups - we'll write the quotes on index cards or Post-Its. For the copy paper sets, I'm going to have participants simply write the quotes on the cards and do something with these depending on the context.

Thoughts So Far I will scatter the cards out on a table/floor so all the images are visible. I think a discussion about quotes and maybe some (of my favorite) examples might help spark the fires. Depending on the group and context, I'll direct them in one of the following: 
 
  • General Directions - Look around through the pool of cards. Be open to the possible quotes that might come into your brain about any of the cards. When you get a strong feeling about one of the cards, one you can put your own original (or something close to another quote you might know) quote to, pick that one out of the pool, grab a pen and write your quote under the image on the card. Notice there is not a lot of room under the images, so try to craft your quote to fit within that space. Besides, short quotes are easier to remember. When everyone is finished, we can discuss our work. (If there is time, maybe while waiting for others to finish, players can make more than one quote card.) 
  • Quote for Another - Think of someone in your life right now, it could be a friend, family member, teacher, (co-worker, retail shop owner, police officer...) with whom you would like to show gratitude or cheer them up. Then, look through the cards with this person in mind. Find an image that inspires an original quote from you that you would like to give this person. Grab the card, write your quote on it and pass it along the next time you see him/her. 
  • Quote to Yourself - (Student Context) You will be looking for an image that inspires an original quote that you are going to save and then read on your graduation day. What do you want to say to yourself on that day? What image will inspire you? (With this one I would have envelopes to seal their image quote into and take home to store in a safe place until graduation.) 

What else can we do with these? I would love to hear your ideas. Share in the Comments (or send me an email). We'll Beta for a couple months then I'll create an 'official' write-up to send out. (And, thanks for the help!!) 

All the best, 

Chris Cavert, Ed.D. 
Update 3/29/20
Quote Card Examples

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Consensus Building with Chiji Cards

8/14/2019

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Recently, at a training for some amazing educators, I had another opportunity to work with my Chiji Cards. For me, they are a 'grounding' prop, one that I have been using in impactful ways for over 20 years (they were the first image cards on the scene way-back-when). Now, there are a wide variety of 'image cards' that can be used to build community in all-kindsa ways. (My second favorite set of image cards: Climer Cards.) And, I've seen some homemade image cards that are amazing - just cut out and laminate pictures from magazines and catalogs. (I'm actually working on a print-n-play set of my own - drawing the images on my iPad.) 

After this recent training I was looking through my Chiji Guidebook materials and found this great story from Jennifer Stanchfield of Experiential Tools - Jennifer is an amazing educator, trainer and author working with people all over the world. Here's one of her Chiji stories: 
My favorite ways to use the cards are
group consensus methods.

Jennifer Stanchfield
My favorite ways to use the cards are group consensus methods. This came out of one of those accidental inventions of facilitation that occur when you are confronted with having to adapt your favorite activities to new parameters. I made a major switch in my facilitation approaches when I moved from working with small groups in the therapeutic setting to larger classroom groups in public schools. 
 
I first came across the cards early on in my training career when I was searching out tools and ideas that would help the recreational therapy students I was teaching in my program at the university hospital. I wanted to show them how to become more comfortable with processing.  

The Chiji Cards were introduced in an experiential education magazine as a tool for novice facilitators and Steve Simpson and I connected around that article. [Steve is one of the creators of the cards and the co-author, with me, on, The Chiji Guidebook: A Collection of Experiential Activities and Ideas for Using Chiji Cards]

When I started using the cards with my own groups I found that that they weren’t just a “tool for beginners." As a seasoned facilitator I appreciated the depth of conversation and insight that came out of participant’s connection to the metaphoric images.

 
I used the cards successfully in my small groups of adolescents and family groups at the hospital. Because they had become one of my favorite tools I of course carried them with me to my classroom settings as well. When I moved to these larger groups I couldn’t use them in the same way I had at the hospital, as it was impractical, due to time constraints, for 24 students to pick individual cards and share in a class session. So one day after a group challenge in the physical education classroom I tried spreading out the whole deck of cards on the gym floor and asked the whole group of students to come to agreement on one that represented what they achieved together. 
 
I became hooked on this method after seeing the group drawn in by the cards and treating processing as an engaging group problem rather than “that boring thing you do after the fun activity”, not to mention the rich dialogue that occurred as the students discussed coming to consensus on one card. The student’s shared profound insights about the cards and their connection to the activity/learning as they came to consensus. It was if they were unaware that they were processing.

Since that time this has become my method of choice when using the cards. After an activity/important moment/ end of session, I just ask the group to come to consensus on one card/object that best represent their experience as a group, the strengths of the group, or something they have achieved together.
Thanks Jennifer for sharing your story. How about you? Do you have a favorite activity using image cards? What are your favorite image cards? Leave us a Comment so we can learn together. 

All the best, 

Chris Cavert, Ed.D. 

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Phraseology Cards, Set 1 (Print-N-Play)

3/14/2019

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Something new. Let's try this out together. Before you read the description, I suggest you take a look at (and/or download) the cards you get! 
Phraseology Cards
phraseologycards_set1.pdf
File Size: 408 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Welcome to Phraseology Cards – a norming and processing activity about "meaning" and making meaning. In some educational theories it's said that we should start with what we know before venturing into the unknown. Using Phraseology Cards can help us practice this idea before diving deeper into new social learning experiences.
 
Activity Objective: Using all the cards, pair them up so that two cards make a phrase that has a particular (Part 1) or new (Part 2) meaning.   
 
Facilitated Objective: Explore prior knowledge (and why this might be useful), and practice behaviors related to communication, sharing voice, community knowledge, and building rapport.
 
Needs & Numbers: Print out the 38 Phraseology Cards below on copy paper or card stock paper - go with a color other than white to spice it up a bit (or, maybe a few different colors).  For long-term use laminated the cards if you are using regular (thin) copy paper. Card stock holds up well on its own. One set of 38 cards works well with a group of two to 16 participants.
 
Time: 15 to 20 minutes at any time during a program – maybe a little longer if you plan to use the phrases for a processing 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, words-side up, on a tabletop or floor, so all the cards can easily be read.
​Procedure: (This is a brand-new activity, so help me add to the use of the cards.) Here's what I have so far:
 
Part 1: Ask (challenge) your group to match two cards together that make up a known (documented) phrase that is known to have a particular meaning. (The Meanings Key below includes one or two historical meanings for each phrase.)
 
When someone identifies a pair, discuss what meaning the phrase has for people. Depending on the diversity of the group, there could be a wide range of meanings. Then, find out if the phrase might have a particular connection to the group or might it have any influence on the group as they work together - could it be a "norm" the group wants to adopt?
 
There will be some phrases (I'm betting) that will be unknown to the group. This can be a good time to talk about "unknowns" that might show up during a program. You can use the "Meaning Key" to share a meaning and discuss how this impacts the group.
 
Does the group need to match up all the cards? Maybe? Maybe not?
 
If there is time, move into Part 2. Or, after working together for a while and "trying out" some of the phrases, put out the cards again and try Part 2 - make some new meaning.
 
Part 2: The group has already matched the cards into the common form. Now, make new meanings by matching two (or more?) cards into an uncommon form and define the phrase. These could end up being fun, silly combinations or more serious, norm-relevant combinations. 
 
Making new meaning might be a good conversation (processing) topic. Run with the energy of the group. 

Processing with the Cards: You could pull the cards back out at the end of a program and find out, by putting cards together, which phrases really stood out for the group during the program.
 
Facilitation Notes: As the group works through Part 1 (or later in Part 2), they may notice the boarders of the cards and realize one type of boarder (solid lines) is the first part of a phrase and the other boarder (dotted line) is the second part of a phrase.
 
If they recognize this, will it be easier? Maybe? Maybe they never realize this. No matter. It's just another form of data that can be useful or not needed. This can relate to the work you do together. When we "look" or "pay attention" we might see something that will help. Looking is a learned skill that can help us in many ways.
 
When we look, we have the opportunity to uncover more meaning and make more meaning. This activity is all about making meaning together as a group. And, know that it's okay to share your understanding of the phrases as well - it doesn't "mean" you have the right answer, it's only "an" answer. 

UPDATE (March 5th, 2020) 
I finally had the opportunity to try out the Phraseology Cards at the Unconference (formally know was NCCPS) in March of 2020. I have to say, the outcome was pretty cool. Here are the 'NEW' phrase a small group of 8 people made up after matching all the 'KNOWN' phrase. (The group consisted of four high school students and four adults - I was observing the process and did not play.) 

Want a little play time? If you haven't open the PDF of phrases yet. See is you can come up with the rest of the known phrases that go with each card - two cards go together to make a known phrase. Good luck! 

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We'd love to see any Re-Phrases you encounter - leave us pics in the Comments. 
​
Have FUN out there my friends! 

Chris Cavert, Ed.D. 
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Exploring Values from The Thiagi Group (Print-N-Play)

10/18/2018

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A good friend of mine (thanks JS!) sent me a link to an activity called Exploring Values from The Thiagi Group (check out their FREE GameBlog HERE). To work this activity it calls for 50 "or more" value cards. There is a PDF list of values provided by The Thiagi Group, which is a great resource. I jumped right in and made a set of cards using the list so I could try this one out. I thought you might like to join me. Below you'll find my set of 76 print-n-play cards (blank cards are included as well so you can add to the set) 
The purpose of Exploring Values is "to explore the relative importance of different values in an organization." The activity is set up for a group to compare two values and decide which one is more important. Even though both are important, "thinking about these values, discussing them, and placing them in order of importance makes them more specific" for the group.  
As with all Thiagi Group activities, there are clear presentation (Flow) details and useful Debriefing questions and Learning Points. HEREs the LINK again for all the details. 
And There's More....
If you have been following the FUN, you know I like to get a lot of "milage" out of my team building tools - doing more with less. Here are a few other ideas for using the value cards: 

What's Important - Scatter the cards out face up on some tables or the floor. Ask everyone to find a value (card) that is important to them right now. It is perfectly okay to share a value (card) with another person in the group. If the group is manageable (smaller), go around and find out from each person why this value is important to them. Keep these particular cards with you during your program. Let them help you spark thoughts and learnings before, during and/or after team building activities (i.e., cards can be processing prompts).


Values Tool Box - Have the group decide, by consensus, five values they want to focus on during your program. Use them before, during and/or after activities as check-in prompts for discussion. Maybe the values (cards) need to change over the course of your program - allow for swaps or additions. 

What's Missing - If your group is "stuck", pick five of the values from the set and ask the group what value, of the five, might get them un-stuck at that particular time. Maybe you pick five value cards at random (let the Universe decide, so to speak), or you might choose five value cards that you believe are particularly relevant to your observations of the group. For example, your group might need one of these five: 
  • Decisiveness
  • Energy
  • Helpful
  • Persistence
  • Transparency

Sometimes all the group needs is a little nudge to get un-stuck. 

Random Considerations - Another way to explore values is to simply pick a card at random and have a discussion about its meaning to the diverse population of your group. I did something like this (with another list of values) with residential participants that I worked with over a longer period of time. You might also find it important to pick a card "on purpose" because you want to talk about a value that might have surfaced during a team building activity. 
Here are the Value Cards
exploringvalues_thiagi_cavertfdb18.pdf
File Size: 930 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Do you have an activity that could work with these value cards? Share in the Comment below. Thanks. 

All the best, 

Chris Cavert, Ed.D. 
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Your Numbers Up

4/19/2018

2 Comments

 
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Recently I was preparing for a conference presentation on processing. I needed to collect  a handful of activities that didn't take too long and involved enough interaction so we could practice processing the experiences. I was traveling, so my props needed to be small and light weight - easy to carry around. One of my favorite props is a set of 25 numbered tags. As I was considering some of my old favorites with the tags, I came up with something new for me. I call it, Your Numbers Up. I brought the idea with me to the conference - I didn't try it out before my presentation.  
I had 18 participants in my workshop. We were all seated in chairs in a big circle after a fun game of Have You Ever...?. As the energy from the game's processing practice was winding down, I scattered around 12 numbered spots on the floor inside our circle of chairs for all to see. (Numbers were about two feet away from each other so there was room for people to walk through and around them.) After sitting back down in my spot in the circle I presented the challenge like this: 
The following task involves touching all 12 numbers once, and only once. If you choose to complete the task you are required to touch the numbers in some sort of logical way - you must be able to prove you touched all 12 numbers once, and only once. After you've touched all the numbers, once, and only once, please sit back down in your chair. The task will start when I say, 'GO', and end when I say, 'The task is over.' I will call the task over when I see that everyone is sitting in their seats. Are there any questions?
Here are the two questions I remember my group asking: 1) "So, do we touch the numbers one through 12 in order?" My response was, "That is one way. As long as you can state some sort of logical way you have touched all the numbers, once and only once, you are good." 2) "Must we touch the numbers with our hand?" My response was, "That is one way to touch the numbers. I'll leave that choice up to you - as long as you make contact with each number, once and only once, you are good." 
After I said, "GO", most of the participants stood up and moved through the numbers. Some people chose not to stand up and touch the numbers. The group completed the task in under three minutes. The following are some of the discussion questions I remember from our practice processing session: 
  • Why did you choose to touch the numbers? 
  • Why did you choose not to touch the numbers? 
  • In what "way" did you touch the numbers, once and only once? (There were some really creative ways people moved through the numbers!) 
  • What were the things you had to consider when you were touching the numbers? 
  • What were you thinking about while you watched others touch the numbers?
  • What "challenges" did you encounter during the task? 
  • Did you challenge yourself in any way during the task? 
  • Did you interact with anyone during the task? In what way(s)? 
  • What made this a "group" task? (I thought this was an insightful processing question - from one of the participants.)
  • If this task was too easy, how could it be more of a challenge (or more fun)? 
  • ​What was the "point" of this task? 
This last question was one of mine. And it turned out to be an interesting conversation (processing discussion) about how much goes into even simple tasks - there is always something we can reflect upon in order to consider how and why we make the choices we do.

I'm thinking Your Numbers Up might be a nice activity during the beginning of a program in order to model some of the dynamics of team building activities. Especially the expectation of, activity followed be some discussion about possible learnings. 
Help me out with this one. Try it. Let me know how it goes. 

All the best, 

Chris Cavert, Ed.D. 
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Mini Reflective Puzzle with CrowdWords

2/13/2018

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Recently I attended the ACCT Conference (Association for Challenge Course Technology) in Fort Worth Texas. I stepped into an activity workshop lead by Matthew Broda and Trevor Dunlop - their theme was, Doing A Lot with a little. (As many of you know, I like versatile props and equipment.) Matt and Trevor shared a wide variety of activities using a pack of 184 letter cards they call CrowdWords. 
Another thing you might know about me is that I love word building activities, especially ones you can play with Jumbo Banangrams. Here's Word Building and 3 Down, two of my posts with the jumbo plastic letter set. Needless to say, I was excited about learning more to do with letters.  
Mini Reflective Puzzle is just that, an activity we can use to reflect upon (or even frontload) an activity. This one, and several other activities Matt and Trevor presented, were new and FUN for me, so of course I have to share a little. 

Note: Your whole group just participated in a team building problem solving activity and you're ready to move into some processing over what just happened. You have the Mini Reflective Puzzle activity ready to go. 

Set Up: Place all 184 CrowdWords letters, face up, on the floor or on top of a couple tables  (like below) in an open area within your playing space - in the center of the room is a really good spot, but anywhere can do. Divide your larger group into smaller groups of 3 to 5 participants. 
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If you have the space to do so, set each small group around the playing area in a circle pattern (with the letter pool in the middle) - like numbers on a clock, each small group positions themselves at a different number. If you don't have the space, find a nice spot for every small group and then number off each group. 
Part 1: Two Words (Caveat: This is my rendition. Matt and Trevor have other nuances in their description found in their book, CROWDWORDS: Doing A Lot with a little.)

I will ask each small group to brainstorm (eventually two) words they would use to describe the activity they just completed as a whole group. You might even want to get more specific in order to focus your discussion (and being more specific might make word selection a little easier too). You might say, "Think of words related to leadership and what we just did," or "Choose words related to what was needed for you to complete the challenge you just did." 

Here's part of the challenge for each small group. The two words they choose must fit together into a small crossword puzzle (or Scrabble-type if you prefer) formation (see pictures above with three words connected) - all words must be connected together, reading top to bottom or left to right. ​

As I would play it, when a small group decides together on a word, someone from the group can go to the "letter pool" and pick the letters needed for that word and bring them back to his/her group. I will ask my groups not to form the word on the floor. Simply keep the letters together in a pile after spell checking.


Then, knowing the letters the group has, they will choose another word that will share one letter with the first word they picked so the two words will connect together in a puzzle formation. When the second word is chosen, someone can go up to the letter pool for the letters needed. 

Now, as Matt and Trevor note: "Depending on group size, it will almost be a guarantee that there will not be enough of the "right" letters to spell the words they selected. Prompt the individuals to start thinking creatively to find a way to represent their thoughts as closely as possible." 

Once each small team has the letters they need (after spell checking) to make two words connected together, sharing one letter, they can shuffle up all the letters and place them in one pile on the floor. Be sure to give a little reminder to each group - remember the two words you chose in case other groups need an answer. 

Note: Each small group has just spent some time "processing" their experience.  
Part 2: Solve the Two Puzzle

​Each group is now asked to move one spot to the right, gathering around a new pile of letter cards. (If you've numbered groups, each group moves up one number and the highest numbered group goes to the number one group pile of letters.)

The Challenge With this new set of letters, each group is challenged to figure out the two words that go together in the puzzle formation - two words sharing one letter - within five minutes. Remind the groups that the words are related to...(whatever the prompt was for picking the words). This reminder can reestablish the focus of the processing and thinking.

If a group can figure out the puzzle words before the five minutes is up, they can have a discussion about the meaning of the words in relation to the previous activity. If some groups are not able to come up with the solution to the puzzle, the group that created the puzzle can share the answer. Then, as Matt and Trevor suggest, "...take a moment to conduct a gallery walk so that all groups can see the work of their peers."  

After a few minutes of roaming the gallery, you could take some time to discuss some of the words that came up for the small groups as a way to explore some of the key learnings they recognized. 
Part 3: Three Words If there is time, and it seems appropriate, go through the same process asking each small group to now choose three words that can be connected into a crossword puzzle formation. (Or, conduct another team building activity and go through this Mini Reflective Puzzle in this way.)

First, have someone from each group return the letters from one of the two-word puzzles to the letter pool - face up - then return to his/her small group. Then, ask a prompt that will relate to something about the activity you (also) want to explore. Groups brainstorm and bring back their words, shuffle their small deck and place the pile on the floor. 

Part 4: Solve the Three Puzzle As before, groups rotate, maybe to the left this time, and then attempt to solve the puzzle in five minutes. After five minutes solutions can be shared, if needed, and the gallery walk opens up. Follow up with some discussion about some of the key words that were noticed. 
Here's what I like about this processing activity (or Reflect, as named in the book):
  • Smaller groups allow for more sharing of ideas (hopefully).
  • It's a nice group consensus process.
  • The thinking challenge, solving another groups puzzle, may lead them to other words that might connect to the topic at hand. 
  • There is some moving around and viewing other words that might spark some thinking. 
  • Overall, the groups are engaged in all three major learning styles - visual, auditory and kinesthetic. 

The one downside I see is that, as the facilitator, you will most likely not hear all the discussions going on when words are being considered and talked about. you'll have to "trust the process." 

Playable Note: If you have a set of Jumbo Bananagrams (and you're not ready to invest in CrowdWords just yet), you can lead Mini Reflective Puzzle with a smaller group - maybe three or four groups of 3 to 5 players. There might be a bit more rethinking over word selection, because of less letters to choose from, but certainly doable. 
Review in a nutshell: 
  • I love the four different color sets of letters - four sets of 46 letters.
  • The cards are fairly durable - made of heavy linen card stock and they come in a nice durable box for storage and transportation. 
  • The companion activity book has 26 suggested activities. Categories: Introduce, Cooperate, Collaborate and Reflect. There is a nice Matrix chart to find the right kind of activity for your needs. 
  • Each activities are VERY easy to read (bullet pointed details), nothing extra to slow you down. 
  • Over half of the activities in the book I have not seen, so I was excited about the "new" factor. (I'm also thinking there are more activities to come!!) 
BONUS
And at the time of this post, the letter cards and book are on sale over at Training Wheels (not sure for how long?)

Full disclosure - I do not share in the profits. My review is free and from the heart! 

DOUBLE BONUS
​Trevor sent me a PDF copy of another activity (similar to Mini Reflective Puzzle - it's actually a nice lead up into the Mini). CrowdWords Scramble. Here's the download: 
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crowdwords©_scramble.pdf
File Size: 45 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Thanks Trevor and Matt! I'm looking forward to my new activities. 

All the best, 

Chris Cavert, Ed.D. 
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Liner Quotes: Growth Cards (Set 1)

1/30/2018

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Liner Quotes are a processing tool for team building activities. My first set of Liner Quotes: Challenge Cards (Blue Set 1) was developed a couple years ago to be used as a general after-activity set of prompts to discuss possible learning from recently completed activities (Liner Quotes is also one of the activities described in my book, Portable Teambuilding Activities).

The quotes are harvested from the lyrics of songs – the selected Challenge Cards lyrics, in my opinion, are related to group development topics. For example, No one else can speak the words on your lips, from Natasha Bedingfield, or Catch me if I try, from David Wilcox. (You can get your FREE copy of the first set of Liner Quotes: Challenge Cards by signing up with me at FUNdoing.com [Join the FUN form to the right]  NOTE: If you’ve signed up with me and didn’t get your free Challenge Cards, let me know and I’ll get it to you right away.)

 
Liner Quotes: Growth Cards (Green Set, 1) are the second set of Liner Quotes. I collected these lyrics specifically for facilitators (and participants) involved in counseling and other “growth” and “intervention” settings. However, I’m sure this growth set can be used in general settings as well. Here are some examples from this second set:
 
  • “If it’s a broken part, replace it,” from Jason Mraz
  • “Let’s write an ending that fits,” from Nickleback
  • “Until you crash, what have you done,” from Five For Fighting
 
There are 32 cards ready for you to download (below) and use right away. The download includes more specific directions and presentation ideas.
 
Let me know how they work out for you. If you have some “Liner Quotes” from some of your favorite songs, send them my way so I can add them to a future set of Challenge Cards or Growth Cards.  
linerquotes_growthcards_set1.pdf
File Size: 152 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

All the best, 

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

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    Dr. Chris Cavert is an internationally known author, speaker, and trainer in the area of adventure-based activity programming and its relation to community and pro-social behavior development.

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