(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. 

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:

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. 

This super-puzzle (what I'm calling it) was sent to us by David Chambers (thanks David!!). There are 5 Games in this challenge, from less to more difficult. Here are the basics: 

• Groups of 5 to 8 participants per Game (Chris would go up to 12 in a group if they can stay engaged). 
• Multiple groups can play at the same time, each with their own puzzle clues (maybe some collaborative practice). 
• High School and older groups (or a well functioning middle school group - maybe the first two Games).
• Players are handed clues for a Game and they must "figure out what they are expected to do." 
• Players are only allowed to verbally share their clues, never show or give them away. 
• Time-of-play can vary from 15 to 60 minutes. 

Before diving into the detailed Instructions below, be sure to take a quick look at the different Game sheets - basically, the Clues and Answer sheets. The 'Introduction Colour Game' clues are a little different than the rest of the Games. It's all good - just part of the adventure.

Face-to-Face Colour Game:  

Here are the 5 Colour Games (The Clues and Answers):

Virtual Application of the Colour Game

For the virtual application of The Colour Game, the Instructions are the same, you just need to prepare the Games for virtual distribution. You will need to 'image capture' the clues from the PDFs or snap a picture of them in small groups. Then, send (text or email) a small set of clues to each participant that will be playing.

If you plan to attempt more than one Game (maybe over several meetings), you can send a document with clues sets, to multiple Games, to each person - it will take a little more than 10 minutes to prepare for several Games, but the challenge and interaction can be well worth it. 

For example, here are a number of image captures from the 'Introduction Colour Game' PDF. You can capture a pair of clues, three clues, four clues or five (even six if needed) - dividing them (capturing them) in such a way so that each participant receives a small set of clues: 

Drop a set of clues into a quick email to each person joining the meeting and they will be ready to play. During virtual play, Simply say, "You all have clues to a Colour Game (name the Game if there are multiple sets). Your task is to figure out what you are expected to do." Then, you simply monitor the interaction and jump in with processing breaks from time-to-time to check in and explore the learnings and insights that are surfacing. 

If you are daring enough, and know how to use Break Out rooms in ZOOM, for example, you can pre-arrange groups and distribute Game clues sets to each group. Then, when it's time, send them to their rooms to play - dropping into each room for a few minutes at a time. Half way through the set time, let's say, come back together as a large group so they can all share information and insights. 

The Colour Games are not intended to be easy, so you may certainly encounter resistance and frustration - all good things to talk about. And, in the time they are given, a solution may not be found. The journey is the important part - what will they find along the way and how will they use what they find? 

We would love to know how this goes for you - especially if you try this one virtually. Leave us a Comment! 

Be well!

Chris & David

It's been a while since since I've posted new Word Circle Puzzles (WCP) - so, here you go! If you are new to Word Circle Puzzles, go HERE for a good start (and more puzzles - HINT: Click on the picture at the post to enlarge it enough to see five puzzle card sets). Also, to find all the WCP posts, search 'Word Circle Puzzles' using the Search feature to the right. And, don't forget to check out the first Picture Word Circle Puzzle HERE - this is the advanced version of WCP. 

Here are the new puzzle. They are out of order in case you want to give them a try before checking out the answers below. The Gist: Write out each word of a puzzle on a separate index card, then put them ALL together ending in a circle of words - each word is connected, in a searchable answer, to the word before it and after it. 

1. Blue, Egg, Rest, Bird, Head, Code, Nest, Area, Jay (9) 
   
2. ​Stone, Shade, Dance, Storage, Top, Key, Shed, Lime, Hat, Pass, Cold, Hall, Tree, Light (14)
   
3. Iron, Lift, Frog, Bird, Weight, Start, Work, Kick, Lime, Cast, Tree, Song, Night, Up, Shade, Light, Off (17)
   
4. ​Square, System, Office, Block, Kind, Float, Building, Red, Out, Letter, Carpet, Law, Man, Error, School, Deal, Plane, Prone, Ticket (19)
5. ​Clean, Boat, What, Some, Cat, Way, Green, Side, Even, Come, In, Hall, Walk, Ever, How, House, Show, Break, Bean, So, Awe, For, Town (23) 

Want the FULL SCOOP on Word Circle Puzzles: Print-N-Play Word Circle Puzzles Starter Kit - ALL the details about Word Circle Puzzles, 12 different presentation ideas for using the word sets and 18 puzzles, ready to print, laminate, cut and play, at the FUNdoing Store. 

Print-N-Play Picture Word Circle Puzzles, Volume 1 - Six more full-length picture card word circle puzzles ready to print, laminate, cut and play, at the FUNdoing Store. 

Teambuilding with Puzzles - Both the Word Circle Puzzles & Picture Word Circle Puzzles kits are included in this online, study at your own pace, team building activity course. Check it out HERE. 

Spoiler Alert! Answers are Below

Answers: 

1. Rest, Area, Code, Blue, Jay, Bird, Nest, Egg, Head
2. ​Hall, Pass, Key, Lime, Stone, Cold, Storage, Shed, Light, Shade, Tree, Top, Hat, Dance
3. Shade, Tree, Frog, Kick, Start, Up, Cast, Iron, Work, Song, Bird, Lime, Light, Weight, Lift, Off, Night
4. Man, Kind, Red, Carpet, Square, Deal, Out, Law, School, System, Error, Prone, Float, Plane, Ticket, Office, Building, Block, Letter
5. Awe, Some, How, Come, Clean, Break, Even, So, What, For, Ever, Green, Bean, Town, Hall, Way, Side, Show, Boat, House, Cat, Walk, In

Have FUN out there my friends!! 

Chris Cavert, Ed.D. 

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. 

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!!) 

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

All the best, 

Chris Cavert, Ed.D. 

In December of 2016 I posted a basic presentation of the activity ZOOM along with a newer variation I learned from my friend Scott Goldsmith. A while back I tried a variation of ZOOM that was new for me - I made it up prior to a particular program. (Now, this doesn't mean I was the first one to come up with the idea - you know how they float around once someone thinks one up.) I forgot about this variation until today when I ran across some video footage I took of some ZOOMers in action. So, after a little editing on my phone I have the video for you and the step-by-steps below. 

As ZOOMers know, there are about 30 usable picture pages from the book (after you cut off the spine of the book and laminate all the pages). For this example (as in the video) I'll set up play using all 30 pictures. 

ZOOM: On The Spot 

Set Up: 

• Place down 30 spots (of any kind, e.g., poly spots, numbered cards, or pieces of paper) - you could set them down in a straight line (like in the picture above & video below) or maybe a circle, or..... (Remember, you don't have to play with all 30 picture.)
• Decide: How many "reference" points will you use in your line. A reference point is a ZOOM picture placed face up on a spot in its correct place in the line. For example, you will see in the video the first picture (page) of the book (the crown of the roster) is placed on the first spot. Place down three to five more picture reference points along the line - the process is easier with more references. NOTE: Placing reference pictures on the first and/or last spots make it a bit easier for the group. WARNING: Be (darn!) sure you place the reference pictures on the correct spots in the order of the story (pages in the book). You can imagine what you will have to process if you don't!
• Deal out the remainder of the pictures to the participants in the group. Ask everyone to keep the picture(s) to themselves - don't show what you have. I like to first deal out one picture to everyone interested in playing (Zooming-by-Choice). Then, I ask if anyone is willing to work with another resource (picture) - I hand out another to those volunteering.
• The Challenge: Place the pictures face down on the spots - one page per spot - in the correct sequence (the order in which the pages are sequenced in the book). Use the reference pictures already down on the spots as your guide to deciding what goes where. 

Rules of Play: 

• ​You are only allowed to verbally describe, in any way, the picture(s) you have in your possession. 
• You may not give away your picture(s) to anyone else in the group. 
• You are not allowed to (in any way) show anyone the picture(s) on the page(s) you are holding.
• You are free to walk around the playing area. 
• Spots may not be moved at any time. 
• ​Reference pictures cannot be moved. 
• The picture(s) you are holding are placed face down on a spot. 
• Once a picture is placed on a spot it cannot be picked up or moved in any way. 
• When all the pictures in your possession are placed on the available spots we can then turn them over to reveal your answer. 
• Optional: You have 30 minutes to complete this task. 

Please let me reiterate one thing. Be sure your put down the reference pictures in the right place so that the pictures, placed down by the group members, will connect appropriately to ones visible. (I'm guessing you can guess why I know putting them in the wrong place is not fun!!)

Discussion: 
Your discussion(s) will be related to two possible outcomes (or three if you misplaced a reference picture): 1) All the pictures are in the correct order (based on the order of picture pages in the book), or 2) two or more pictures are out of order. Know you will be able to discuss what led to their success, what led to them being "mostly" successful, as well as what participants focused on most when they were not successful - being mostly or not at all successful. Of course, there will be a lot more group dynamics during the activity, so pull out what relates the best to the group's objectives. 

Get the Book(s) You can also play this variation with the book ReZoom - find both books at the Training Wheels Gear store. 

Have FUN out there! Do you have a ZOOM variation you like? Share it with us in the comments below. 

All the best, 

Chris Cavert, Ed.D. 

The first Riddle Me This Post went up in May of 2016. In it I shared how I like to use riddles with groups. When presented as a group challenge, riddles can help us learn about asking good questions, listening to, and for, important information and provide an opportunity for a group to solve a problem, or “challenge” together.

I have another set of ponderable problems for you here (and a downloadable PDF of the same so you can have them with you on your smart phone or tablet). Once the answers are discovered to the riddles below, they can be used to open up a conversation based on the topic of the riddle - I provided some suggestions to get you started. 

Spoiler Alert: Don't scroll down to the bottom too fast if you want some time to try and figure out the answers - you'll find them below. 
 
1. What appears once in every minute, twice in every moment, but not once in a billion years? 
How do you spend your free time? What time of day is your favorite? Why? Why does time go faster when you’re having fun and slower when you’re not? If you could go back in time for one day, where would you go and why? What is your opinion about wasting time?
 
2. What grows down when it grows up? 
What are the things you have in your life that come from animals? What are your thoughts about “animal” products? What are substitutes for animal products?
 
3. What can travel around the world without ever needing any gas?
Where have you traveled to, and why did you go there? Where would you like to travel to someday? Why do you want to go there? What is your favorite way to travel?
 
4. What gets larger the more you take from it?
What would you say a “hole” is good for? When holes are not good? What does it mean to get yourself into a “hole”? Have you ever gotten yourself into a hole? What’s the story and how does it end? If you could did holes for a good cause, what would it be?
 
5. What do you leave behind only after you take them?
What do you want to “leave behind” from your life? What do you think you’ve left behind already? What is something left behind by someone else that you find important in your life? If you could leave behind some advice about life right now, what would it be?
 
6. What has four legs, a head, and leaves?
Thinking about your daily meals, where do you tend to eat these meals? Do you like to eat alone or with others? What meals do you tend to spend with family? When’s the last time you sat down around the table for a meal with others? What are some of the important details about sharing a meal with others – why might this be a good thing?  
 
7. What can run but can't walk?
Tell us a “water” story in your life? What sorts of water sports are you involved in? How did you get involved in water sports? (Who got you started?) What do we “know” about water? What are some of the ways you can “save” water in your life? How would your life change if you had to walk two miles a day to bring water to your family? (This happens!)  
 
8. What never was, but always will be? 
When you think about tomorrow, what do you think about? What’s happening in your life tomorrow that’s important to you? If tomorrow was the same as today, what would you change? If anything was possible, what would you do tomorrow?
 
9. What is the difference between here and there?
How would you describe the “here” you are in right now? What is here in your life that you appreciate? What is here in your life that you would like to change? What do you believe is out “there” for you? Describe some things that are over “there” – things outside your reach. How can you get closer to those things out of reach? What resources do you need to get “there”?
 
10. When does Christmas come before Thanksgiving?
What holidays do you celebrate in your life? Which holiday is your favorite? Why? What is your overall opinion about holidays? If you could add a holiday, what would you call it and what part of the year would it be celebrated?

PDF Download of Riddles and Suggested Topics for Discussions

Spoiler - Answers Below...

Answers: 1) The Letter M, 2) A Goose, 3) The Moon, 4) A Hole, 5) Footsteps, 6) A Dining Room Table, 7) Water, 8) Tomorrow, 9) The Letter T, 10) In the Dictionary

Do you have some favorite riddles? Share them in the Comments below. I love to hear from you all!!

All the best, 

Chris Cavert, Ed.D. ​

Triplets Too Here’s a second helping of a puzzle challenge I learned from the Thiagi  Group newsletter (see the complete details HERE). If you want the first helping, see my 2016 blog post HERE. 

Thiagi is well known for creating activity simulations to enhance learning experiences for corporate populations (the claim is, to stay sharp, he creates at least one new simulation a day!!). If you follow the link above you will see how he uses Triplets as a way to enhance a particular educational concept (As he states in the description of Triplets, “When you have solved all the triplets, make a word out of the first letters of the link words to discover the secret of effective training.) FUN stuff!
 
After learning about Triplets I came up with a more hands on version and made it a bit more challenging as well). In the PDF below you will find a set of eight Print-N-Play Triplets (24 Words) – the Triplet Words are in the fancy print. The last page of the document includes the “Link Words” (8 Words) - one Link Word will go with one set of (three) Triplet Words (I suggest you read Thiagi’s excellent description of Triplets play for a better understanding of this puzzle challenge).
 
Again, one of the Link Words will connect (either before of after) with three of the other words in the set (hence, Triplets). Look at the Triplet sets in the header graphic above. Can you figure out what "Link" word goes with each of the Triplet sets? (Find the answers in the Print-N-Play document.)
 
Here’s how I’ve used Triplets Too so far:

Moderate Challenge: Hand out the Triplet words evenly among your group of 10 to 14 players. Then hand out the link words – one each to eight different players (these players  can also be holding Triplet words). Ask the group to match the link words to each set of Triplets without any player ever being without a word in his/her possession. Also, I don’t let my group set down the words – all words have to stay in hands.
 
Tough Challenge: Only hand out the Triplet words. Have the group determine what Triplet words go together and what link word goes with each set of Triplets. Again, all words must stay in hands and everyone must have at least one word in hand at all times.
 
In Program Challenge: The group earns (in some way) the link words during program challenges – maybe they earn them all, maybe not. Then, at some point the group receives the Triplet words. They have ten minutes to put the Triplet sets together with a link word. Every correct set earns the group a “Pass” or “Redo” or “Mulligan” to use in future challenges. (For example, if someone touches the Spider Web on the way through the group can use one of their passes to void the touches.)

Here's the Print-N-Play document: 

Let me know how you use the Triplets. And, of course, share your Triplets Too sets with me and I’ll pass them along to the FUN Followers.
 
Have FUN out there!!
 
Chris Cavert, Ed.D.