Resources
For These Interesting Times
Family-as-a-Team Building
Teambuilding Activities and Games to Do with Your Family (PDF) - Contributed by Rebecca Bowers (Thanks TONs Becky!)
| teambuildingwithfamily_rebeccabowers.pdf |
Giant List of Ideas for Being Home with the Kids - This, yes, GIANT list crossed my path recently.
Dropbox Link (from Chris Cavert) with some good family team builders - this link is also shared with Safe Distancing groups (below). All good ones for families too.
Create Pangrams Together - Don't know what a pangram is? A nice way to have fun with letters of the alphabet.
What's the Quote? Cards - This is a print-n-play at the FUNdoing Blog. Here's the Family idea. Print and cut out the icon pictures. Make up and write inspirational quotes on the cards. Snap a picture and send the inspiration to others who could use some. Lots of examples of quoted cards at the post.
Phraseology Cards - This is a print-n-play at the FUNdoing Blog. Explore the meanings behind common phrase then create your own, mixing and matching the cards. (Some new combinations are pictured at the post.)
Print-N-Plays at FUNdoing - Here are the Search results for the Print-N-Plays at FUNdoing (you just need the first page). Lots of engagement for the family.
Word Circle Puzzles - Here are the basic directions and a bunch of puzzles to try.
| wordcirclepuzzles_pta_cavert.pdf |
Calvin Ball - (If you dare!) This is a puzzle to be solved using cryptic clues. You will need to cut out all the clues and safely distribute. THIS ONE IS NOT EASY. Give it a shot, see how it goes.
| calvinball_pta_cavert.pdf |
Team Building while Safe Distancing
(There is still in-person - distancing participants - team building going on out there.)
(There is still in-person - distancing participants - team building going on out there.)
Dropbox Link (from Chris Cavert) with (7 so far) team building activities you can do with groups who still meet where participants stay at a safe distance from one another.
What's the Quote? Cards - This is a print-n-play at the FUNdoing Blog. Here's the idea for groups still getting together. Print out the pages of the cards (you might need multiple sets) - of course, handle the paper mindfully. Give a few pages to each person in the group - they can each cut out the cards they have. Make up and write inspirational quotes on the cards. Theme the task to something you are working on as a group. Give them time to write, then share what is created.
Phraseology Cards - This is a print-n-play at the FUNdoing Blog. Cut out all the cards, then scatter them about on the floor in the middle of your big circle. Participants can call out pairs - you go in to put cards together. After all pairs are created, talk about the meanings of the quotes - maybe some will relate to things you are working on. Then, challenge them to combine cards together in a different way to create different meanings - could be two or more cards together. Some good examples are provided at the post.
Calvin Ball - This is a puzzle to be solved with clues. You will need to cut out all the clues and safely distribute. THIS ONE IS NOT EASY. Give it a shot, see how it goes.
| calvinball_pta_cavert.pdf |
Virtual Team Building
NEW Virtual Team Building Ideas, Part 1, YouTube Recording April 2nd - from Michelle Cummings. An 1 hour and 40 minutes of activity demonstrations from Michelle's Virtual Team Building Games eBook (access it below).
NEW Part 2, Another Live (ZOOM) Workshop from Michelle Cumming's on April 9th, 1 p.m. Mountain Time. More Virtual Team Building Games (and another eBook). Click the link to register.
Virtual Team Building Games - FREE eBook from Michelle Cummings of Training Wheels. Fabulous resource. Be sure to keep an eye on the "Michelle Cummings" Facebook feed - she's doing live Webinars demoing the activities.
Virtual Team Building Activities for Extraordinary Teams FREE eBook created by Solomon Masala of the Source Consulting Group. This amazing resource includes 21 Virtual Energizers and 7 Team Activities (as well as some information about working virtually).
| virtualteam-buildingactivities_masala_3.31.20.pdf |
NEW The Colour Game - This is a recent FUNdoing Blog post with a Virtual Application. The are 5 'Games' with different degrees of difficulty. Send (text or email) a sub-set of clues to each person in your virtual meeting and they are ready to talk it out. (Thanks to David Chambers for this share).
NEW The County Fair - This is another 'helping' (you'll get the pun when you see it) of a clue-based puzzle (like The Colour Game above). Distribute the clues to the meeting participants and they are ready to go. (Thanks to Dr. Jim Cain for sharing.)
| thecountryfair_jimcain_virtualteambuilding.pdf |
Word Circle Puzzles - Here are the basic directions and a bunch of puzzles to try.
| wordcirclepuzzles_pta_cavert.pdf |
Word Circle Puzzle using Flippity - Sent to us by Jeremy Yarbrough as one example of TONs of great ways to use Flippity. Idea: While in ZOOM (or other platform that has a 'share your screen' feature), share the open window with this puzzle. Participants can take turns telling you want to move as all look on. I (Chris) would add in a few 'Help' cards the group can agree to use.
Word Circle Puzzles at FUNdoing - Try this virtually:
- Go to the FUNdoing.com/blog and search for Word Circle Puzzles posts (use the Search feature to find a bunch).
- Find some puzzles that have more word cards than your group.
- When you're together online, verbally assign a word or two to each person, it doesn't matter if others hear what you assign.
- You may need to show a visual of a small puzzle solved written out on a piece of paper or do a screen share of a solved puzzle.
- Ask them to solve the circle puzzle.
- You have the answer.
- You can give them a certain number of 'Helps' if they all agree to ask for a Help.
- You can decide whether or not they can write their word(s) on paper and show a visual.
- And, of course, you may need to set up some virtual ground rules or let them struggle through a bit and figure out they might need some - ground rules.
Xerox - Jess Anderson, from Kieve Wavus Education, sent this to us. It's a blog post (by Katrina Smith) describing a tried and true communication activity we can do virtually. The team builder of the meeting sends out a request to participants to draw (on an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper) a fairly simple picture of something in their house (e.g., looking into the living room). Be sure to give them choices of medium - something that most people will have in their homes (e.g., markers, pens, Sharpies). Then, when everyone is together, participants (voluntarily) can take turns verbally describing their picture to others so that the others can draw (make a copy of) the scene being described. Be sure to discuss communication behaviors and other qualities that can lead to clear understanding after each attempt. Over a few attempts, you might be able to see marked improvement in the 'copies' due to the information shared in the discussions.
Other Amazing Resources
The Association for Experiential Education (AEE) has built a wonderful Resources Library accessible to all!
AEE Webinar (Registration Page - FREE to all) April 2nd 3 p.m. Eastern Interactive and Experiential Modalities for Online Teaching and Converting our Courses in the Time of the Pandemic This webinar will explore current software available to enhance student learning through meaningful and engaging technology platforms. The role of technology in our classrooms, as well as how these platforms can enhanced student learning will be explored. Instructional design, pedagogy, and implementation of these platforms will be discussed.
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BONUS Material
Self-Guided Directions for Three Activities in the Book
Processing Questions for ALL Activities
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Workshop Handouts & Content
Below you will find a variety of handouts and content shared at past workshops. These documents will change from time-to-time so be sure to download them to your own computer for future reference. Have FUN out there!
Active Social Emotional Learning (Summary of Activities)
Workshops at Pune & Bangalore India, December 2019
| active_sel_summary_of_activities.pdf |
Purposeful Program Design (Summary of Activities)
Workshops at Pune & Bangalore India, December 2019
| purposefulprogramdesign_activitysummary.pdf |
| decodingsheet_purposefulprogramdesign.pdf |
| activitydeterminationcale_purposefulprogramdesign.pdf |
| funprogramming_purposefulprogramdesign.pdf |
ACCT 2019, Denver Colorado
Portable Teambuilding Activities, Pre-Conference
| portableteambuildingactivities_acct2019.pdf |
Handout Keepers
Fine Line Cards Activity Guide - from Nate Folan (THANKS TONS Nate)
| 10_ways_to_use_fine_line_cards.pdf |
Fine Line Cards - HERE is the link to pick up the cards. (You might find them cheaper somewhere else, but I like to support the guys that created them.)
Categories List from a Karl Rohnk at Northeastern Illinois University
| categorieslist_rohnke.pdf |
Noodle Mania: Team Building Activities with Foam Pool Noodle Toys
| dupage2014_noodlemania.pdf |
Tag-TEAM Activities presented by Sam Sikes, Jim Cain & Chris Cavert
| team2013tagteampre_sikescaincavert.pdf |
My Favorite Tag Games
| myfavoritetaggames.pdf |
As Simple As Possible - 16 activities and debriefing suggestions that are easy to present and require minimal equipment.
| asapactivities_handout.pdf |
Activity Websites
[Please let me know if any of the following links are broken. Thank you!!]
PLAYMEO is the largest online resource of experiential group games & activities in the world, used by teachers, corporate trainers, outdoor educators, and youth leaders (brought to you by Mark Collard). This is a fee-based site, now with hundreds of activities. Each activity includes: Step-by-Step Instructions, How to Play Narrative, Practical Leadership Tips, Popular Variations, Useful Framing Ideas, and Lesson Plans. Most of the activities include a video tutorial. You can choose from monthly, yearly, or lifetime plans.
Wilderdom.com [The Link is Inactive right now. We'll keep an eye on it, you can check too, and re-link when it's back up.] A free substantial index (including descriptions) of group activities, games, exercises and initiatives.
The Thiagi Group This site has a variety of free resources for the adult/corporate trainer - Podcasts, Free Training Games, an Online Newsletter, and other "Free Resources." Most of the activities can be adapted for youth populations. LOTS HERE!!
Youthwork includes a wonderful variety of free "Successful Activities for Youth and Youthworkers" - be sure to explore the other links at this page including the "Other Activities Sites" link which takes you to over two-dozen more options to explore.
Conflict Resolution Focused Activities This free one-page gold mine includes five activity descriptions and 20 links to other pages & PDFs with loads of activities that help "mend conflicts and encourage positive behaviors among team members." Thanks to our friend Kenya for this great resource!!
Group-Games includes free "instructions to the world's best icebreakers and group games!" You'll find a home blog type format with some initial games and instruction links, as well as tabs (at the top of the page) that take you directly to specific game pages.
PLAYMEO is the largest online resource of experiential group games & activities in the world, used by teachers, corporate trainers, outdoor educators, and youth leaders (brought to you by Mark Collard). This is a fee-based site, now with hundreds of activities. Each activity includes: Step-by-Step Instructions, How to Play Narrative, Practical Leadership Tips, Popular Variations, Useful Framing Ideas, and Lesson Plans. Most of the activities include a video tutorial. You can choose from monthly, yearly, or lifetime plans.
Wilderdom.com [The Link is Inactive right now. We'll keep an eye on it, you can check too, and re-link when it's back up.] A free substantial index (including descriptions) of group activities, games, exercises and initiatives.
The Thiagi Group This site has a variety of free resources for the adult/corporate trainer - Podcasts, Free Training Games, an Online Newsletter, and other "Free Resources." Most of the activities can be adapted for youth populations. LOTS HERE!!
Youthwork includes a wonderful variety of free "Successful Activities for Youth and Youthworkers" - be sure to explore the other links at this page including the "Other Activities Sites" link which takes you to over two-dozen more options to explore.
Conflict Resolution Focused Activities This free one-page gold mine includes five activity descriptions and 20 links to other pages & PDFs with loads of activities that help "mend conflicts and encourage positive behaviors among team members." Thanks to our friend Kenya for this great resource!!
Group-Games includes free "instructions to the world's best icebreakers and group games!" You'll find a home blog type format with some initial games and instruction links, as well as tabs (at the top of the page) that take you directly to specific game pages.
Online Stores - Books, Equipment, Supplies & more...
FUNdoing Store Digital downloads (activities and team building kits) ready to read and use right away.
Training Wheels One of the most comprehensive online retail stores for adventure-based programming resources & equipment.
Training Wheels One of the most comprehensive online retail stores for adventure-based programming resources & equipment.
Future Factory If you can invest in some "serious" training tools, check out the offerings from Future Factory (out of the UK). They are the creators of "Colour Blind" (and now Colour Blind II) and much more. They tell me there is an easy price and shipping converter that helps us understand our total (let me know). AGAIN, we're talking "investment" here!
Informational Websites - Adventure Ed Theory & Practice
Active Reviewing From Roger Greenaway - explore the why and how of experiential learning. Loads of useful information about reviewing (i.e., processing) with your groups.
Teamwork and Teamplay Check out the wonderful resources provided by Dr. Jim Cain.
Essays, Documents & Articles
Raccoon Circles: The Official Internet Edition (PDF Document) from Jim Cain - found at the Teamwork and Teamplay website. Be sure to explore Jim's site to discover more useful resources.
Essay: Educators on the Challenge Course by Chris Cavert Ed.D., takes a look at three possible roles for challenge course practitioners - The Instructor, The Teacher, and the Facilitator. Situations, group objectives, and educational intent all help to determine the most appropriate role at any given time within a program. [Recently published in the Fall edition of Zip Lines produced by ACCT.]
| educatorsonthecourse.pdf |
Programming Tools
Decoding Sheet This is an open format worksheet used to "decode" activities after participating, reading, or viewing them (e.g., videos). I've used this tool for classes and trainings to help students and participants understand the different aspects of what goes into thinking about, programming, and leading an activity. Putting "pen to paper" (or thoughts through the keyboard), also serves as a reflective practice for the experience, and a fair assessment to check for understanding. (This file is in PDF format. Use it as a guide to create your own digital version, or copy this version and work with the static space provided.)
| decodingsheet2_template.pdf |
Activity Tools
ICE BREAKER QUESTION CARDS There are 32 ready-made ice-breaker question cards in the PDF file below. I excerpted them from the BIG selection of questions at Jim Hough's website. I picked out the ones I thought were a bit more out of the ordinary.
| icebreakercards_deck1.pdf |
Equation Analysis Test Cards, Deck #1 - Print and Play Puzzle Cards
| eatpuzzlescards_deck1.pdf |
LIST PLAY #1 - Activity handout and answers to Blog Post, March 31, 2015
| listplay1_033115.pdf |
LIST PLAY #2 - Activity handout and answers to Blog Post, August 30, 2018
| listplay2_2018.pdf |
BAKERS DOZEN CHECKLIST (This is the handout needed for the activity described in this Blogpost)
| bakersdozenchecklist_handout.pdf |
PICTURE PROCESSING QUESTIONS Two pages of questions you can reference when using any sort of picture cards (e.g., Chiji Cards, Climer Cards)
| pictureprocessingquestions_adved.pdf |
TEAM BUILDING CARDS A set of 26 printable cards with team building behavioral terms you can use for discussion prompts and activities - needed for the activity in THIS blog post.
| teambuildingcards_behaviors.pdf |
HEALTH & FITNESS FINDINGS BINGO The PDF file below is a variation of the ice-breaker Human Bingo where participants fill out their bingo card (sheet) with signatures. Items on the card are related to health & fitness endeavors.
| healthfitnessbingo_2013.pdf |
THE WRITE FAMILY STORY is an action-oriented tale where a circle of players pass objects around based on the directions given.
| wrightfamily.pdf |
Share your favorite adventure-based educational resources with: chris.cavert@gmail.com