One of the things I love about being a team building facilitator is that I'm surrounded by toys. When I look around at the toys (i.e., tools), I'm prone to get ideas for new ways of using them.
The other day I looked over at a shelf with a clear container of tossable items perched upon it. For whatever reason (the creative spirits get credit for sure), the idea of a 3D Object Line Up popped into my head.
Historically, I've done lots of 'Line Up' activities. A couple involve Chiji Cards (or any other image cards). They are written up as Chiji Line Up and Biggest to Smallest in The Chiji Guidebook, Cavert & Simpson (2010). The Basics: In the Chiji Line Up activity, everyone from a group of 10 to 40 people pick a Chiji (image) Card and then they work together to line up alphabetically by the name of the image on the card - a name given to the image by the holder of the card. In Biggest to Smallest the group line up involves ordering by the 'real-world size' of the image on the cards - to be determined by the card holder or the group, depending on how the group wants to work together. There are other subtle details to the purpose of the activities, but you get the idea.
When I saw the tossables on my shelf the two-dimensional image card line up activities made me think of trying them in 3D. The other thought that came to mind was programming one of the 3D line ups with other activities that involve the tossables.
For example. The last FUNdoing Blog post, 'Toss-A-Name Game with PTP' could be done before a 3D Line Up. Work the active Toss-A-Name activity until you've added as many items as the group can manage. Process through the activity and then move to one of the 3D Line Ups, a more cognitive process, and then talk about how the group managed to organize themselves – what skills did they need to accomplish the task.
Let's run you through the 3D Line Ups...
The other day I looked over at a shelf with a clear container of tossable items perched upon it. For whatever reason (the creative spirits get credit for sure), the idea of a 3D Object Line Up popped into my head.
Historically, I've done lots of 'Line Up' activities. A couple involve Chiji Cards (or any other image cards). They are written up as Chiji Line Up and Biggest to Smallest in The Chiji Guidebook, Cavert & Simpson (2010). The Basics: In the Chiji Line Up activity, everyone from a group of 10 to 40 people pick a Chiji (image) Card and then they work together to line up alphabetically by the name of the image on the card - a name given to the image by the holder of the card. In Biggest to Smallest the group line up involves ordering by the 'real-world size' of the image on the cards - to be determined by the card holder or the group, depending on how the group wants to work together. There are other subtle details to the purpose of the activities, but you get the idea.
When I saw the tossables on my shelf the two-dimensional image card line up activities made me think of trying them in 3D. The other thought that came to mind was programming one of the 3D line ups with other activities that involve the tossables.
For example. The last FUNdoing Blog post, 'Toss-A-Name Game with PTP' could be done before a 3D Line Up. Work the active Toss-A-Name activity until you've added as many items as the group can manage. Process through the activity and then move to one of the 3D Line Ups, a more cognitive process, and then talk about how the group managed to organize themselves – what skills did they need to accomplish the task.
Let's run you through the 3D Line Ups...
3D Object Line Up: Alphabetical Order
Activity Objective: As quickly and efficiently as possible, line up in alphabetical order based on the names of the objects.
Needs & Numbers: You'll want a bunch of different, safe, tossable items – at least one for every person in your group (most of the items in the picture above I will use – I will not use the Ricochet balls, they are a solid item we don't want to get hit in the face with). You will also need a timing device.
From my experience with using image cards, this activity will work well with 10 to 24 participants, for about 15 to 20 minutes.
NOTE: As I explained above, I will most likely use one of the 3D Line Ups after I've done an activity using the safe tossables – most of the gear is already in the groups possession so the 'gear-transition' is faster.
Process: Before you can provide the information for this Line Up, everyone will need a safe tossable item. Determine a fun, fast way to get items to everyone. (My soul needs to ask you not to hand out one item at a time as you walk around a circled group of players. Make it fun and fast.)
You can all be simply standing around in a small clump – participants DO NOT need to be standing in a circle formation to absorb the directions. When everyone is ready to listen, simply provide the Objective, then field questions about the task. Answer the ones that will not solve any of the 'problems' for the group.
OBJECTIVE: "Line up, in a circle formation alphabetically by the names of the items you are all holding – a circle can be defined as a curved line.
After sharing the Objective, you'll (most likely) get some questions about your expectations. For example, "What is the name of this object?" My response to this one is, "That's up to you." Remember, the idea here is to avoid solving 'problems' for the group. Let the group members identify and solve the problems they encounter.
NOTE: I use this type of activity (2D or 3D) to get my participants to make choices (either independently or as a group), get people talking to each other, and solve a given task (as team building tasks go, this one, in my opinion, is a low complexity experience).
When they are ready, let them move around to work out the Line Up.
After the group has completed the task (standing in a circle formation alphabetically by the name of the objects), congratulate their efforts, then tell them this:
"Now that we've practiced lining up, let's add a little challenge. When you're ready, mingle around and exchange objects with others in the group. Keep doing this until I tell you to stop – then, stop exchanging objects and stop moving. After stopping you will not be allowed to move until I say, GO!"
NOTE: The language is important – especially, "When you're ready..." I'll get back to this.
Now, start the group exchanging objects. (During this time, participants are making quiet connections with each other – subtle, and important.) Stop the group after about 30 seconds – everyone should be holding one object – and then provide this information:
Remember, you are not allowed to move until I say, GO! When you're ready, you're going to line up again. This time, I'll be timing how long it takes you to get into alphabetical order by the name of the object you're holding. I'll start the time when you tell me you're ready and stop the time when you're your in alphabetical order. Are you ready? [There answer will determine your response. For example, if they say "Yes" then you say "GO!" starting the time.]
Let's get back to "When you're ready..." By saying this, I'm inviting the group (without telling them) to take some time and talk to each other – to identify one or more problems, make a plan to solve a problem, then "We're ready" to start the clock and work their plan.
The main problems to solve, as a group, is naming the objects and then, taking time ("We're not ready yet!") to agree to and learn the names of the objects. If the names of objects change after the exchanges, getting into alpha-order can take more time. If the group is working with knowns, the time can be faster. This is just one example of what a group can do to lower their time – there are other ways, as well, to shave off time.
HOW MANY ROUNDS TO PLAY?
The answer to this question will depend on the kind of work you're doing with a group. The introduction Round and two more might be enough to see some improvement where the group can benefit from solving one, or more, of the problems they face. The processing will focus on what it takes to solve a problem together.
When I can take the time to go deeper, I've used up to six Rounds to reach some 'Breakthroughs.' When I'm going for Breakthrough I give the group a time goal – "Under 30 seconds." Between each Round, problems are identified, planned for and followed, to lower the time. Based on the 'rules' above, I've seen a group solve the task in a little over 18 seconds. (Hint: All the planning can be done before the group says they're ready. And remember, once you say "Stop" to halt the exchange of objects, the group may not move until you say "Go!" – so all the planning is done in the place where each person has stopped.)
The major key for any group is for them to discover what is preventing them from getting a faster time – they need to uncover the 'phantom rules' they are operating with in order to change the process.
Here's the other Line Up:
3D Object Line Up: Biggest to Smallest
For this Line Up, only the Objective changes. "Line up in a circle arranging yourselves by the real-world size of the objects you are all holding, from Biggest to Smallest."
Depending on the objects you are using, their sizes may not be a 'literal' representation of the item. For example, notice the Nose and the Eye Ball in the picture above. The sizes of these objects are bigger than their real-world counterpart. Other objects will take some conversations to determine where they fit. Like the Cat above. It could be actual size, larger, or even smaller. This is where the group can benefit from deciding together.
Activity Objective: As quickly and efficiently as possible, line up in alphabetical order based on the names of the objects.
Needs & Numbers: You'll want a bunch of different, safe, tossable items – at least one for every person in your group (most of the items in the picture above I will use – I will not use the Ricochet balls, they are a solid item we don't want to get hit in the face with). You will also need a timing device.
From my experience with using image cards, this activity will work well with 10 to 24 participants, for about 15 to 20 minutes.
NOTE: As I explained above, I will most likely use one of the 3D Line Ups after I've done an activity using the safe tossables – most of the gear is already in the groups possession so the 'gear-transition' is faster.
Process: Before you can provide the information for this Line Up, everyone will need a safe tossable item. Determine a fun, fast way to get items to everyone. (My soul needs to ask you not to hand out one item at a time as you walk around a circled group of players. Make it fun and fast.)
You can all be simply standing around in a small clump – participants DO NOT need to be standing in a circle formation to absorb the directions. When everyone is ready to listen, simply provide the Objective, then field questions about the task. Answer the ones that will not solve any of the 'problems' for the group.
OBJECTIVE: "Line up, in a circle formation alphabetically by the names of the items you are all holding – a circle can be defined as a curved line.
After sharing the Objective, you'll (most likely) get some questions about your expectations. For example, "What is the name of this object?" My response to this one is, "That's up to you." Remember, the idea here is to avoid solving 'problems' for the group. Let the group members identify and solve the problems they encounter.
NOTE: I use this type of activity (2D or 3D) to get my participants to make choices (either independently or as a group), get people talking to each other, and solve a given task (as team building tasks go, this one, in my opinion, is a low complexity experience).
When they are ready, let them move around to work out the Line Up.
After the group has completed the task (standing in a circle formation alphabetically by the name of the objects), congratulate their efforts, then tell them this:
"Now that we've practiced lining up, let's add a little challenge. When you're ready, mingle around and exchange objects with others in the group. Keep doing this until I tell you to stop – then, stop exchanging objects and stop moving. After stopping you will not be allowed to move until I say, GO!"
NOTE: The language is important – especially, "When you're ready..." I'll get back to this.
Now, start the group exchanging objects. (During this time, participants are making quiet connections with each other – subtle, and important.) Stop the group after about 30 seconds – everyone should be holding one object – and then provide this information:
Remember, you are not allowed to move until I say, GO! When you're ready, you're going to line up again. This time, I'll be timing how long it takes you to get into alphabetical order by the name of the object you're holding. I'll start the time when you tell me you're ready and stop the time when you're your in alphabetical order. Are you ready? [There answer will determine your response. For example, if they say "Yes" then you say "GO!" starting the time.]
Let's get back to "When you're ready..." By saying this, I'm inviting the group (without telling them) to take some time and talk to each other – to identify one or more problems, make a plan to solve a problem, then "We're ready" to start the clock and work their plan.
The main problems to solve, as a group, is naming the objects and then, taking time ("We're not ready yet!") to agree to and learn the names of the objects. If the names of objects change after the exchanges, getting into alpha-order can take more time. If the group is working with knowns, the time can be faster. This is just one example of what a group can do to lower their time – there are other ways, as well, to shave off time.
HOW MANY ROUNDS TO PLAY?
The answer to this question will depend on the kind of work you're doing with a group. The introduction Round and two more might be enough to see some improvement where the group can benefit from solving one, or more, of the problems they face. The processing will focus on what it takes to solve a problem together.
When I can take the time to go deeper, I've used up to six Rounds to reach some 'Breakthroughs.' When I'm going for Breakthrough I give the group a time goal – "Under 30 seconds." Between each Round, problems are identified, planned for and followed, to lower the time. Based on the 'rules' above, I've seen a group solve the task in a little over 18 seconds. (Hint: All the planning can be done before the group says they're ready. And remember, once you say "Stop" to halt the exchange of objects, the group may not move until you say "Go!" – so all the planning is done in the place where each person has stopped.)
The major key for any group is for them to discover what is preventing them from getting a faster time – they need to uncover the 'phantom rules' they are operating with in order to change the process.
Here's the other Line Up:
3D Object Line Up: Biggest to Smallest
For this Line Up, only the Objective changes. "Line up in a circle arranging yourselves by the real-world size of the objects you are all holding, from Biggest to Smallest."
Depending on the objects you are using, their sizes may not be a 'literal' representation of the item. For example, notice the Nose and the Eye Ball in the picture above. The sizes of these objects are bigger than their real-world counterpart. Other objects will take some conversations to determine where they fit. Like the Cat above. It could be actual size, larger, or even smaller. This is where the group can benefit from deciding together.
Please let us know how this one works out and if you have any adaptations.
All the best,
Chris Cavert, Ed.D.
All the best,
Chris Cavert, Ed.D.
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