The Rope Shapes Challenges made the TOP 3 of 2023 (and is still a go-to for me in 2024). The one regret I had about that post is that I didn't include a 'Shapes' print-n-play set of the shapes (or, 'Grams' as I call them now).
So, I'm back to redeem myself of the ommision – with some bonus 'images' as well.
"So, what's with the images, you ask?"
Back in the day a lot of us led the activity Blind Polygon (shared by Karl Rohnke in Cowstails & Cobras II). It was (and still is) an activity of simple-complexity. A group of 10 to 16 people is asked to close their eyes and not open them until instructed to do so. Then, the facilitator places down a nest of rope (e.g., a 50-foot retired climbing rope) with the ends tied together somewhere in the (obstacle free) activity area – not toooooo far from the unsighted group.
The first task for the group is to find the nest of rope, keeping their eyes close while doing so. Discussing safety issues and teaching the 'bumpers up' position is highly recommended. Once the group finds the rope, they all gather up at the rope location and players apply both hands to part of the rope – again, while eyes are closed.
The second task for the group is to create a 'polygon' shape figure ("a closed plane figure bounded by straight sides") of the facilitator's choosing (e.g., my favorite was always a square – four equal sides – to make it a good challenge) without letting go of the rope. The rope must stay off the ground and all hands can slide, but cannot let go. And again, all with eyes closed.
When the group believes they have accomplished the task, they can set the shape on the ground, let go of the rope and open their eyes. This is followed by a nice discussion (processing) of the task – exploring, among other things – what behaviors worked for the group, what behaviors did not work, and what behaviors could have made the task easier.
So, I'm back to redeem myself of the ommision – with some bonus 'images' as well.
"So, what's with the images, you ask?"
Back in the day a lot of us led the activity Blind Polygon (shared by Karl Rohnke in Cowstails & Cobras II). It was (and still is) an activity of simple-complexity. A group of 10 to 16 people is asked to close their eyes and not open them until instructed to do so. Then, the facilitator places down a nest of rope (e.g., a 50-foot retired climbing rope) with the ends tied together somewhere in the (obstacle free) activity area – not toooooo far from the unsighted group.
The first task for the group is to find the nest of rope, keeping their eyes close while doing so. Discussing safety issues and teaching the 'bumpers up' position is highly recommended. Once the group finds the rope, they all gather up at the rope location and players apply both hands to part of the rope – again, while eyes are closed.
The second task for the group is to create a 'polygon' shape figure ("a closed plane figure bounded by straight sides") of the facilitator's choosing (e.g., my favorite was always a square – four equal sides – to make it a good challenge) without letting go of the rope. The rope must stay off the ground and all hands can slide, but cannot let go. And again, all with eyes closed.
When the group believes they have accomplished the task, they can set the shape on the ground, let go of the rope and open their eyes. This is followed by a nice discussion (processing) of the task – exploring, among other things – what behaviors worked for the group, what behaviors did not work, and what behaviors could have made the task easier.
Over the past few years, I've taken away the 'blind' part and the 'polygon' part and simply go with Rope Shapes. For the easier version of Rope Shapes I use images (as seen above). I started using the images with middle school groups (I'm still of the mindset that the 'grams' are more suited for high schoolers) finding it worked well. One of the objectives of this sighted version is to explore the behaviors of leadership – in the end, someone (or two) step up to lead the group closer to and then to the objective.
I give my fully sighted group(s) a block of time to complete as many image shapes as they can within that time. Without the image cards (you can now access below), I showed them the progression of the pictures above, and pointed to which one they were tasked to shape. Then I held the paper up throughout the action so they could reference it. Now, I can simply hand someone the image and the group can refer to it themselves. Having multiple cards I can now work with multiple groups who may then go at their own pace through the images.
Image Assessment: Historically, I did not assign another image until a group achieved, at least, a 'B' grade. More often than not groups were motivated to get that 'A' for their work. (A good discussion topic at some point.)
So, here you go – Image Shape cards and Gram cards:
I give my fully sighted group(s) a block of time to complete as many image shapes as they can within that time. Without the image cards (you can now access below), I showed them the progression of the pictures above, and pointed to which one they were tasked to shape. Then I held the paper up throughout the action so they could reference it. Now, I can simply hand someone the image and the group can refer to it themselves. Having multiple cards I can now work with multiple groups who may then go at their own pace through the images.
Image Assessment: Historically, I did not assign another image until a group achieved, at least, a 'B' grade. More often than not groups were motivated to get that 'A' for their work. (A good discussion topic at some point.)
So, here you go – Image Shape cards and Gram cards:
| ropeshapes_images_printable.pdf |
| ropeshapes_grams_printable.pdf |
Let us know how these work for you. Leave a Comment below.
All the best,
Chris Cavert, Ed.D.
All the best,
Chris Cavert, Ed.D.
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