Category: Large Group Activity

Re-Build It (with Cups)

7/9/2026

AI Generated Image

Here's a Cup activity thought I had tucked away in my "Ideas" folder. It's a 'less-to-more' challenging progression with lots of action and designated time for planning before each challenge. So, there will be lots of talking point options.

I like it for groups of 5 or 6 participants, and a group does not move to the next level of challenge until they are ready – which they determine by consensus.

Needs & Numbers: You'll need 12 plastic cups for each group of 5 or 6 participants. I will use this activity with up to 48 people – keeping the groups close enough together so I can walk around and observe. (Multiple groups can play at the same time.) We do like the square bottom cups from Solo – the cup of choice for the activities in Cup It Up: Team Building with Cups (Cavert & Thompson). Ebook download at the FUNdoing Store).

You will also need one Re-Build It Instructions sheet and a pen for each group and a flat building surface for each group. I share some surface options below with some tactical reasoning – less-to-more challenging. Solid surfaces like desktops, tabletops or tile/wood floors are better than carpet which has some 'give' to it, making taller towers more difficult to stand.

Here are some possible building surfaces and their considerations:

Use a solid ground-level surface or solid floor.

Some groups will have an easier time than others working from the floor. And players can be all around the cups.

Working off of a small stool will keep players off the ground and still have room to build a 12-Cup tower.

Players can move all around the cup tower.

Small tables with a group at each end.

Players can be around the tower but now there is the risk of bumping the table, disrupting both groups. This is another factor to consider when sharing a resource.

Two groups at Rounds where they will need to navigate less space around the cup tower and risk bumping the table – disrupting both groups. Then there can be four groups using a long conference table (AI Image). At each corner there will be some good access around each cup tower, but now a bump of the table will disrupt four working groups. Building surface choices all come with their own consequences. And good things to talk about.

Process: Creatively divide your big group into smaller groups of 5 or 6 participants and invite them to stand near their own building surface (see ideas below). If the gear for each group is not already placed at the designated building surfaces, have someone from each group pick up a stack of 12 cups, the Re-Build It Instructions handout, and a pen for their group.

When all the groups have their gear, give everyone time to read the Re-Build It Instructions (below) – one person from each group reads the Instructions and the Rules out loud to their group. After it appears all groups have heard the directions, get everyone's attention for some questions and answers.

Re-Build It Instructions (as provided on the downloadable Handout below)

There will be 7 Re-Build Challenge opportunities during the activity. Each Challenge Round will consist of a 3-minute planning and practice period and a 1-minute Re-Building period. Cups may be touched during the planning and practice period.

Before each 1-minute Re-Building period the single-row cup tower needed for the next Re-Build must be standing on its own (no one touching it) on the group's building surface before time starts. Cups in this starting tower may not be nested inside of each other.

Rules:

When "GO!" is called, and time starts, the standing tower cups may be touched. (Extra cups are off to the side.)
Each person in a group must place at least one cup into the Re-Build. No one can place a second cup into the Re-Build until everyone has placed their first cup.
The Re-Build must consist of each starting tower cup reorientated 180 degrees. For example, if the first cup at the bottom is positioned with the open end down, this first cup in the Re-Build must be placed open end up. The remaining cups are then placed accordingly.
Cups may not be nested inside of each other during the Re-Build.
A successful attempt is made when the single-row of cups Re-Build is standing on its own at the end of the 1-minute building period.
After a successful Re-Build the group can move to the next Re-Build Challenge.

Re-Build Challenges:
Challenge 1: Re-Build a 6-Cup Tower
Challenge 2: Re-Build a 7-Cup Tower
Challenge 3: Re-Build an 8-Cup Tower
Challenge 4: Re-Build a 9-Cup Tower
Challenge 5: Re-Build a 10-Cup Tower
Challenge 6: Re-Build an 11-Cup Tower
Challenge 7: Re-Build a 12-Cup Tower

rebuildit_instruction_handout.pdf
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After Questions and Answers have been processed, give the groups their first time-budget cycle. Tell them, "You now have 3 minutes to plan and practice Challenge 1. Re-Build a 6-Cup Tower. I will remind you, with enough time, to get your 6-Cup tower set up before the 1-minute time starts for the Re-Build."

Then, start the 3-minute time window for planning and practice. Provide the time remaining every 30 seconds – "90 seconds." "60 seconds." "30 seconds. You should consider setting up your 6-Cup tower so you are ready for the start of the Re-Build."

IMPORTANT! As soon as the 3-minute planning and practice time is up, start the Re-Build time. You will give groups a countdown with 10 seconds remaining in the planning and practice time: "10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Start your Re-Build!" Then provide time checks every 15 seconds ending with a 10 second countdown.

After the first Re-Build Challenge, check in with everyone to gauge understanding. If there are groups who were unable to end with a standing 6-Cup tower, they will attempt 6 cups again. Those with a 6-Cup tower standing will add another cup to their resources and prepare for a 7-Cup Re-Build. Yes. Someone in the group will need to manage two cups – following Rule 2. As the Challenges progress, more people in the group will need to manage more than one cup.

After every Round, check for understanding before starting the time budget cycle.

Facilitator Notes:

Consider the Rules carefully. Be sure, referencing the 'Rules' to a group, you are helping the groups understand the Challenges. And be open to creative solutions to a problem. For example, is knocking over the initial standing tower against the Rules? As long as the cups get Re-Built with each cup in the alternate orientation (the key is the bottom cup being turned), then knocking down may not be a bad idea (but we let them figure this out).

Of course, manage time as you see fit. You might want to take more time to discuss moments in between Challenges. It's about the learning opportunities – take them when they present themselves.
You could take the time to share "best practices" between groups. Each group is working through the same problems. What would helping each other do for the community? The tide rises all boats.

Possible Talking Points:

What were some of the decisions you had to make during the planning sessions?
How did you use the time during your planning and practice sessions? Is/was there a different way you could have used your time?
How did the 'time budget' influence the way you interacted during the planning and Re-Build challenges? How does 'time' in your life influence the way you interact with others during day-to-day experiences? In what ways would you like to change your interactions no matter the time?
Were you clear about the role you had for each Re-Build Challenge? When was your role clear to you? Did you choose your role, or did someone choose it for you? How did you feel about your role? Did you question your role? Did you want to question your role?
What was against you during the challenges? What did you do to manage the things against you? How did you 'handle' the things against you?
If your tower fell, what was your reaction? Then, what was your ACTION?
How did your group react to someone from another group causing your tower to fall? What are some good ways to handle a situation like this?
How did you feel about redoing a failed challenge? What behaviors did you notice in your group when you were faced with redoing a challenge? What other behavioral options were there? How do you define a 'redo?'
What was it like for you to place more than one cup into the Re-Build? Did you 'volunteer' to manage more than one cup, or were you forced? Expected? What prevented you from sharing your concern for managing more than one cup? How did being forced to manage more than one cup influence the way you participated in the Re-Build? What would you like to see change about a situation like this?
Once you placed your cup, or cups, what did you do? Were you helpful? In what ways?

We're in Beta Testing mode, so please let me know if you have ideas that will make this experience more meaningful!

All the best,

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

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Trackball Challenge: A Self-Guided Process Suitable for Groups of 24 to 80 Participants (Printable Instructions)

6/26/2026

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I recently worked with a group of 72 adults who were a part a student support department at a University. Their mission statement included: "To support students from pre-college through graduate education." One of their desired outcomes for the professional development day was to explore the concept of 'support.' During my planning process I came up with Trackball as a way to experience and discuss support. Let me walk you through my process...

Set Up:

I used 5-foot lengths of rope (tied into circles) for the Pods and golf balls for the participants. You could also use Hula Hoops for the Pods and Tennis Balls for participants – really, anything that rolls. Maybe there are different 'kinds' of participants you want to talk about. They can be represented by marbles, golf balls, and tennis balls – maybe even a few softballs.

I used a collapsible grocery basket for the Realm of Their Future. I like the portability of this container. You can use a bucket or box as well. I used to use another rope circle for the destination point for materials, but the orbs often bounced out of the circle (of course another problem to solve). I'm purposefully increasing the odds of success using a container with walls.

Needs & Numbers: As for the set up, use the same gear (and Set Up) for 24 all the way up to 80 participants. (With the time allowed, it will not be about getting ALL the participants into the Realm of Their Future. It will be about how many they can get there in the time they have.)

You'll also need one 'Track' for each person in play. Any 'Pipeline' prop you have will work. I used the colorful 'Gutter Ball' kit from Training Wheels (see the Track picture in the heading). You can even use foam pool noodles cut into 18-inch sections.

Each initial 'team' within the 'group' will need a copy of the Trackball Self-Guided Instructions. I also like to provide a clipboard and a pen for each team if I'm going to have them self-reflect using the guide on the back of the Instructions.

trackball_selfguided_instructions.pdf
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This PDF will show you a Preview before you click to download.

Process: Divide your group (of 24 to 80 participants) into smaller 'teams' of 6 to 10 people. With my group of 72 I handed out playing cards at the beginning of the program so I could get them into a variety of group sizes during our training. (Check out THIS VIDEO/Blog post on Card Groupings.)

After I divided them into teams (using cards – 8 or 9 on a team), I asked everyone to send me one person from their team to pick up the gear they needed. They picked up a Track for each person on their team (including themselves), one Self-Guided Instruction Sheet, a clipboard and a pen.

Before we started, I got everyone's attention using my trusty cowbell. I told them this:

"You now have what you need to begin the next adventure. Have someone on your team read out load the Instructions for the task. Wave your hands around for me to see if you have something I can clarify for you.

For your Time Budget, you have 10 minutes to plan and practice your approach and then 20 minutes to work your plan moving participants to the Realm of Their Future. Please keep in mind, you are one service provider divided into teams to meet the Objective.

When your Time Budget is up, you will spend some time exploring the ways you supported the participants, and each other, during the experience. Your 10 minutes of planning and practice starts now. I'll let you know when to begin the official movement of participants to the Realm of Their Future. Go ahead and share the Instructions with each other and let me know if I can clarify anything for you."

Facilitation Notes: At the conclusion of my instructions, I let the teams work out their process. I walked around making myself available for questions and clarifications. I also kept an eye on Instructions violations – clarifying the expectations.

BIG NOTE: Many people started to plan and practice without a clear understanding of the Instructions. (This was a great talking point after the activity.)

Here are several things I needed to clarify right away:

Each person can only use and touch one track.
'Participants' can only be touched by the tracks (many were confused about how to get participants out of their Pod – a problem to solve).

They are "one service provider" divided into teams, not competing against each other. In other words, they are ONE GROUP working towards the Objective.

After starting in smaller teams here's what was suggested. In the end they moved 11 participants in 20 minutes and felt good (as they shared) about this ALL-Group bonding experience.

Reflection: After the Time Budget was up, I asked them to rejoin their original teams and discuss the question regarding 'support' that was found on the back of their self-guided Instructions. After about 6 minutes I asked teams to share out the supportive behaviors they noticed. Together there were over 15 supportive behaviors they shared. Then I asked this group, "What are some of the supportive behaviors you saw here would you like to see more of in this group?" This opened some awareness to what they can work on as they moved forward together.

Here is the Post-Activity Reflection Question and 15-point spaces to document observations that was printed on the back of the Instructions sheet:

supportive_postactivityreflection.pdf
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I have found over time with larger groups, the self-guide Reflection gives more people an opportunity to share their thoughts. And, when they all write down what was shared, I can collect this data, type it up, and send it to the group for future reference. It's a nice value-added to a program.

Let me your thoughts about this one. Leave us a Comment or send me an email. I'd love to know how it works out or how it can be improved.

All the best,

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

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Bullring Monkeys (Video)

2/12/2026

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I learned this activity from my friend Chris Ortiz may years ago. Recently, I got to play it again during a workshop he led at ACCT. It’s one of those ‘simple’ but not easy tasks. Groups do not travel so they don’t need a lot of room. And it’s a nice ‘tabletop’ activity when working with participants seated at Rounds.

Here’s what I like about it:

Barrel of Monkeys! Who doesn’t get excited about hooking those monkeys?! So, there's good energy throughout the experience.
Each person has some autonomy through their string – how much will they use it.
This can be a small group (e.g., 3 people) or larger group (e.g., five groups of 8 people) activity.
Leadership behaviors emerge as the group navigates what monkey to go for and how to position themselves to get that monkey.
There are opportunities for goal setting – both process-oriented and product-oriented. And does the group set goals? What are the benefits? Drawbacks?
Success and failure are obvious – losing monkeys (progress) helps to refocus on the task.
Communication behaviors surface. How do group members talk to each other? Are ideas suggested? Forced? Held back?

I like Chris’s micro ring apparatus. It’s made with (what I’m guessing is) a small brass ring about 1-inch in diameter. (Any traditional Bullring apparatus will work for this activity. See this FUNdoing Post with video, to learn how to make your own Bullring.) He used cotton string about an 1/8-inch in diameter – it has a good feel to it – with an overhand knot tied at the ends. Each string is about 8-feet long and then girthed to the ring, making eight 4-foot strands to hold. Group size can range from 3 to 8 people.

Leading Bullring Monkeys

There are a variety of ways to lead this activity depending on group outcomes. Chris’s workshop was about exploring some of the different ways a facilitator might influence a group’s experience. After using Bullring Monkeys we discussed, with Chris, some facilitator impact. (Maybe I can get Chris to share more about his work and pass it on to you. I’ll keep you posted.)

Here’s what we were instructed to do:

Each person in a group is invited to hold the end of one of the strings of the bullring apparatus at the knot. If there are extras, some people can hold two strings.
When the strings are pulled tight, hook one of the monkeys from your pile onto the ring of your apparatus.
When ready, pick up the monkeys.

We played for about 10-minutes before we stopped to discuss facilitator influences.

Prop Notes: 'Barrel of Monkeys' is easy to find in the States. Typically, there are 12 Monkeys in the Barrel (from Hasbro). I like to give each group a big pile of 16 to 20 monkeys, it just looks better.

I've seen creative configurations with paper clips that can be linked up. And I've used 'Chain Repair Lap Links' (below) with a bullring. When linked together, the strand can get very heavy! A great discussion point about what happens when we 'pick up' too many things and how we manage them.

Have fun out there! Why Not?!

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

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Phraseology Cards, Set 2 (Print-N-Play)

1/15/2026

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First and Foremost, Happy New Year! I hope your 2026 adventures are memorable.

Back in 2019 Phraseology Cards were introduced. I use them regualrly to spark thinking, meaning, and creativey. And I've heard from other team builders who love them just as much as I do. If you are new to Phraseology Cards please head over to the ORIGINAL POST for the main details about leading the activity and to download Set 1. (FYI: The original download, and the download included here, are almost the same – other than the phrases themselves.)

You can now use either Set, or combine the two for additional talking points. Here's what I share in this second download:

Using Both Sets Together When setting up the activity and counting out your card/phrase needs, include an equal number of phrases from both Sets – with the understanding that each Set of cards is a different color (e.g., Set 1 is yellow, Set 2 is green). During ‘phrasing’ ask participants to only pair up with card colors that are the same (‘sameness’). Share meanings when matches are found. Then, during Re-Phrasing, ask participants to pair up with a different colored card and share meanings when discovered. One talking point can be about diversity – stepping out of sameness can be beneficial, providing opportunities that are not possible if we don’t.

Your new Set:

Phraseology Cards, Set 2 (Thers is a preview first before you choose to download.)

phraseologycards_set2.pdf
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Please let us know how this second Set influences your Phraseology Experience. Leave us a Comment.

All the best,

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

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52 by 4: Team Sheet for Large Groups with Playing Cards (Print-N-Play)

11/27/2025

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I'm often asked about 'team building' activities for larger groups. Facilitators, from what I have encountered, ease into large group work with connection activities (e.g., pair-and-shares, handshakes, and small group discussions) and then work their way into more complex problem-solving tasks. But, what kinds of tasks and how do we process these large group experiences?

Sam Sikes, Faith Evans and I wrote a book (The More The Merrier) about the complexities of the large group experience – how to prepare, activities that work (over 100), and how to process for useful take-aways. I want to share a team building activity from the book we call a Team Sheet.

When working with large groups aimed at outcomes related to group dynamics, problem-solving and specific concepts like effective communication and leadership, we form smaller groups of various sizes and give all the groups the same task. (There is also the 'rotate to different stations' method). One of the logistical considerations with this approach is timing – what happens when some groups finish before others? Team Sheets are one solution to this concern.

You will get a printable 'preview' of this document before you choose to download it.

52by4_tmtmteamsheet_cavert.pdf
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The 'Team Sheet' given to the participants is the last two pages of this document printed back-to-back.

Team Sheet Logistics

Here's the snapshot of how it works (there are more specifics in the book). In 52 by 4 the large group is creatively divided into teams of four or five people. Each team chooses a 'representative' that will attend a quick training about the activity. Then the facilitator announces a 'group discussion' question each team will discuss while the representative is at the training. The representatives are then invited to the training with the facilitator as the teams start discussing the question. With the representatives, the facilitator provides a quick overview of the expectations detailed in the Team Sheet, answers questions, and then provides the representatives with all the materials they need to bring back to their teams and the time-budget for the team sheet activity. (This should take about four minutes.)

Discussion Questions: Connection types of questions can be asked for teams to discuss or a question related to a Team Sheet focused concept can be used to frontload the participant-centered reflection after the activity. In 52 by 4, Planning and Leadership are the two focused concepts. Other Team Sheet concepts include Challenge, Integrity, Success, Perception, Risk, Change and others. (There are eight more Team Sheets in the book.)

Team Sheet Play

Once the representatives return to their teams, the allotted time-budget starts. For 52 by 4 the time budget is typically 15 minutes. This means all groups have a 15-minute window to learn, plan, practice (optional), and perform the task. As you can see in the (bottom half of the) Team Sheet above, there is data space for seven attempts at the task (and teams can make more attempts if there is still time left in the budget). The idea is for the groups to work out 'problems' through each attempt in order to complete the task as quickly as possible.

The facilitators role during this time is to mingle around throughout the groups and answer clarifying questions – without solving problems.

When the time-budget expires, direct the group to turn over their Team Sheet and discuss the processing questions. You can limit their discussion to one of the two concepts or both. The 52 by 4 concepts are 'planning' and 'leadership'.

Provide a time-budget for this processing experience as well – 10 to 15 minutes for one concept and up to 20 minutes if you want them to work through the questions for both. Say something like, "You have about 15 minutes to discuss the leadership questions before we come back together as a whole group to share some insights." (If all teams are still dialed into their discussions, give them more time.)

During this participant-centered processing session, mingle around the groups. Drop in to listen to some of the discussions with a few groups to pick up some connections/learnings you can bring up during the 10-minute all-group session where participants share some main insights from their experiences.

Team Sheets Summary Overview

The larger group is divided into smaller groups (5 minutes).
Groups choose a representative to attend training (1 min).
Groups are provide with a discussion question (1 minute).
Representatives are invited to join the facilitator for a quick training while groups discuss the question provided (4 minutes).
Representatives return to their groups and begin working on the task (15 minutes).
Groups are invited to work through the processing questions on the back of the Team Sheet (10 to 20 minutes).
The whole group gathers back together to share some overall insights. (10 minutes).

Team Sheets, in my experience, have been a great way for me to team build with larger groups giving everyone the opportunity to plan, problem-solve, and work together on a task and process the learnings. I don't get to hear all the discussions, but each team gets to form their own take-aways.

Let me know if you have questions. Leave a Comment below.

All the best,

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

P.S. Paper Transporter is another activity presented like Team Sheets (video included).

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Tools for Team Builders: Making a Hole Tarp (video)

4/27/2025

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I learned the Hole Tarp activity from my friend Tom Heck, probably about 10 years ago. In the last three weeks I saw the Hole Tarp several times during some of my activity hunting boughts (and then realized I never got this one to the FUNdoing Blog). So it's still alive and well. HERE'S a retro video from Tom. In his video you'll see some white tape near each hole. His challenge for the group was to get them to roll the tennis ball across each piece of tape without the ball falling off the tarp.

As you'll see in the video (below), I use lines of different lengths to cross. I have also developed a nice progression with the Hole Tarp (below) to account for the skills and abilities of each group in play. Each Hole Tarp can accommodate 6 to 8 participants. When you have more than 8 people in your group, be sure to have more Hole Tarps on hand. Each group is then free to work their way through the different challenge levels at their own pace. I like to see how many Levels each group can make it through in 15 minutes. (I hope to have a video of some groups in action soon.)

Here is a quick summary of the challenge Levels:

Main Rule: The ball many not be touched while it's on the tarp.
Level 1: Cross as many lines as possible before the ball falls off the tarp. When all five lines are crossed, move to the next Level.
Level 2: Circumnavigate each hole. This means, the ball must travel around each hole crossing the hole's line twice. When all five lines have been crossed, move to the next Level.
Level 3: Circumnavigate each hole ON BOTH SIDES of the tarp. After going around all five holes on side one, get the ball to side two, without touching it, and go around all side two holes.
Level 4: Circumnavigate as many holes as possible. Go around the five holes on side one. Get the ball to side two and go around all five holes. Then, go back to side one and circle the five holes there. Then, back to side two, and so on.

I'll do a full write up of other aspects of the Hole Tarp (like using two tennis balls) once I catch some groups in action. Until then, fill in the blanks as to what makes sense for the challenge Levels.

And, you can reach out to me if you have questions.

Editorial Note: Shooting video by oneself is a bit tricky. Forgive the 'interesting' moments and absorb the intent. Thanks.

Have fun out there!

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

P.S. A big thanks to Training Wheels for letting me film at the warehouse!

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Aga Zumba Zumba - Action Song (Video)

10/24/2024

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I'm back after an amazing journey in India. There is so much to 'unpack' (figuratively and literally). I thought this video would be a fun way to start sharing some of my learnings.

My friend Agyat (salmon-colored shirt on the right) led an early-morning 'Play for Peace' session at the 2024 AEE Asia Pacific Regional Conference in Pune India. (Learn more about the amazing work of Play for Peace – "From conflict to compassion." – HERE and more about AEE Conferences HERE.)

When I use them, I include Action Songs at the beginning of a program as a way to frontload some of the experiences ahead. Here are some examples:

In most cases, the Song will be a 'first-time' experience for everyone. They will be learning something new together.
Mistakes will be made along the way. Then there will be an opportunity to practice to get better if we are motivated to do so.
There is some safe social risk-taking, but most people are more focused on their own actions instead of noticing others.
Not everyone will be good at everything right away, more work will need to be done.
Spontaneous laughter and celebration occur even during something challenging.
(And, I can program Songs for small and larger groups.)

After a Song, we'll briefly explore some of the concepts (practice) and behaviors (laughter) they experienced during the Song. It's a simple thought-provoking exercise to prepare them for what's ahead.

Please let us know if you have a visual source for other Action Songs so we can build our collection together. Leave a trail for us in the Comment. Thank you!!

All the best,

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

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Adventure Slips (for Unofficial Starts) Print-N-Play

5/10/2024

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I was catching up on some of Chad Littlefield's videos (a 'must-tab' YouTube channel) when I was reminded of the 'unofficial start' tool (Chad credited to Mark Collard). [NOTE: Priya Parker, the author of 'The Art of Gathering' calls it a "Threshold Moment."]

I had a program coming up with a large group and this quick reminder of the tool inspired me to create an Unofficial Start related to my program plan theme – 'Adventures.' (My program plan involved taking the group on some adventures as a way to make connections with their colleagues, old and new. One of the thoughts I shared with them was, "Some people see particular situations they face as problems. Other people see their situations as adventures.")

I ended up with the idea of Adventure Slips – 12 voluntary adventures I could hand out as I connected with participants as they came into the room. Here are a few:

This Is Voluntary In the spirit of adventure, find someone you don’t know, introduce yourself, and: Discover a book you have both read and what you took away from it.
This Is Voluntary In the spirit of adventure, find someone you don’t know, introduce yourself, and: Play 10 games of Rock, Paper, Scissors and see how many ‘matches’ you can get!
This Is Voluntary In the spirit of adventure, find someone you don’t know, introduce yourself, and: Make up a handshake only the two of you will know.

(These are included, with nine others, on the PDF download below. NOTE: The handout says, "Soft Start Adventure Slips" – the term I've used for Unofficial Start.)

Soft Start Adventure Slips

adventureslipes_document_cavert.pdf
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Process: I created the Adventure Slips document, took it to my local print shop, put the Adventure Slips on 13 sheets of bright green paper (I was expecting up to 150 participants), and settled in to cut out all the Slips (I am a frequent user of the rotary cutter at the print shop - big jobs go pretty fast once you establish a rhythm.)

After all the Slips were cut, I folded them in half and placed them into an envelope ready to travel. On the morning of the event, I put all the folded Slips into a little basket I made with one of the gear bags I brought with me – I rolled down the top of the bag to make a more rigid basket to carry:

When there was a 'critical mass' of people in the room (about 30 I think), I started wandering around the crowd with my Adventure Slips basket in hand. [NOTE: I didn't want to 'pounce' on people right away. I thought letting them settle a bit into the space would be a better idea.]

Reflecting on the experience, I realized I did gravitate to the people who made eye contact with me in the beginning and then did branch out to others I thought might be less inclined to meet me and interact (personal assumption). Some people ended up seeking me out after experiencing an 'adventure' with someone in the room. [NOTE: Full transparency – this type of impromptu interaction is a high yellow comfort zone experience for me. My brain goes to "I don't want to intrude." And I know, in the grand scheme, this 'Unofficial' mingling connection with participants is a good thing.]

Here's was my pitch: "Hello, my name is Chris. I will be your facilitator this morning. It's nice to meet you...........I'm handing out Adventures – completely voluntary – if you would like to jump in and interact with some of your colleagues before we get started. Again, completely voluntary. You are not required to go on the Adventure."

Most of the people I met took an Adventure. (I'm guessing many of them did it just to be nice, since I offered.) There were a few that said, "No thank you." I have to admit, it did tip me off balance for a second – a physiological reaction to rejection I suppose – but I moved past it quickly (reminding myself this was okay) and found someone else to meet.

Now, I can't say how many people attempted the adventures, I was busy meeting others in the room. But I can say it was fun connecting with the crowd for sure. Most were receptive to my greeting and some even asked me inquisitive questions so we could have a little conversation. Overall, it was fun for me to (make myself) interact in an unofficial capacity. (And, the client did see me "working the crowd" – I've made the assumption that this was a positive thing in their eyes.)

If I were to do this again, I might take some time to ask a question or two about the Adventures, like, "If you tried your Adventure, what struck you about it?" Or, "If you didn't try your Adventure, what prevented you from doing so?" and "What learning could be pulled from the invitation to Adventure?"

What other 'Unofficial Starts' do you like using? Share with us in the Comments.

All the best,

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

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Word Circle Puzzles: Self-Guided

2/15/2023

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(About a 7-minute read, but then there's a little work to be done.)

If you're a Word Circle Puzzler, you'll pick up on this 'self-guided' version quickly. If you are new to Word Circle Puzzles I suggest you, at least, jump over to the Silent Word Circle Puzzles: Variation FUNdoing Blog post to pick up the basics.

(If you get hooked and want to explore, work through the links below. You could also pick up the Print-n-Play Word Circle Puzzles Starter Kit at the FUNdoing store with 18 ready to print puzzles, 12 ways to use the puzzles during team building programs and detailed directions about everything Word Circles.)

Self-Guided Word Circles
I like to use this self-guided process with large groups (and it can be done with one small group as well). For example, say I have 118 participants. I ask them to get into groups of 9 or 10 people - no more, no less. Then I ask that every group send me one person to pick up their supplies "for the next activity."

Supplies: One Word Circle Puzzles kit for each small group (or grouplet). Each kit contains at least three Word Circle Puzzles sets and the self-guided directions sheet (PDF download below). So far I've used a small plastic bag to contain the puzzles sets and directions.

wcpuzzles_selfguidedhandout.pdf
File Size:	129 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

After the supply pick up, each person returns to their group. Someone in the group opens the kit, removes and reads the directions to their group and the adventure begins.

WC Puzzlers, that's all the info you need to carry on as long as you have some numbered puzzles ready to go.

Need Puzzles?
If you are new to Word Circle Puzzles I'm going to set you up with everything you need. Use the links below to access lots of free puzzles from previous FUNdoing Blog posts. When you get to the puzzles you'll need to make the sets. The easiest way to make your sets is to pick up some index cards (any size will work) in a variety of colors. Using a marker of your choice write out one puzzle per color and put the 'number' (of words in the puzzle) down in the bottom right corner. (Imagine the example in the header above is made with index cards.) Put three or four puzzles (of different lengths and colored index cards), into small zip lock bags and your kits are ready.

Answer Cards You will also need to make an answer card for each circle puzzle set. When groups believe they have the answer to a puzzle they will come to you for the answer card (as noted in the Directions handout).

If you have a bit more time to invest you can create a digital document of Word Circle Puzzles and then print, laminate and use over and over. (The Circle Puzzles Starter kit - mentioned above - has sets ready to print.)

There's a little leg-work up front, but then you're set to play for years and years!

Word Circle Puzzles on the FUNdoing Blog
Word Circle Puzzles: January 2013 (Need to figure out the Answers)
Word Circle Puzzles: June 2013 (What's Missing version)
Word Circle Puzzles: December 2013 (Answers Provided)
Word Circle Puzzles: June 2014 (Answers Provided)
Word Circle Puzzles: December 2014 (Answers Provided)
Word Circle Puzzles: July 2015 (Answers Provided)
Word Circle Puzzles: February 2016 (Answers Provided)
Word Circle Puzzles: January 2017 (Answers Provided)
Word Circle Puzzles: April 2019 (Answers Provided)

Advanced Circle Puzzles
Picture Word Circle Puzzles - Collaboration (Answer Provided in the Download)
ICON Circle Puzzle 1 (Answer Provided in Download)
ICON Circle Puzzle 2 (Answer Provided in Download)

Please reach out to me if you have questions.

Have FUN out there. Keep me posted!

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

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Paper Transporter (with Video)

2/1/2023

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This is a long one. Prepare a nice beverage and dive in. Build some dendrites! (About a 15 minute read.)

If you've been following the FUN for a while, you know I love the activity 'Pipeline' (called Half Pipe in FUNN STUFF, Vol. 2, Karl Rohnke, 1996) and all its variants I've bumped into or created (Pipeline: Variations, Bridges & Traits, Immobile Chopsticks [video] and Materials Move). One of the props I've suggested using over the years is paper - each person rolls up a piece of 8.5 by 11-inch paper (either orientation) and you have a tube (or channel) to roll the marble (or other Orby shape) through.

Recently I developed this idea to target the concepts of creativity and change. (If you would like more of the backstory, and my developmental thinking about this activity, I've included it at the bottom of the post. Let's just get right to it....)

Objective: Explore the concepts of creative problem solving and innovation.

Preparation: I like to have about seven or eight people in a group. This allows for more active participation. So, if you have a larger group divide them into smaller groups. (I would lead this activity with up to 12 small groups of seven or eight participants.)

You'll need one 8.5 x 11-inch piece of paper for each person (and have some extras just in case) and one small Orb (about 1-inch in diameter), like a marble or small rubber 'bouncy' ball for each small group. NOTE: Using the small rubber balls is a bit more challenging because it sticks to some of the paper transporters, like a cone.

You'll also need one copy of the Paper Transporter (PT) Directions for each group. (Your download of the PT Directions is near the end of this post and a quick view is just below).

Time: This one can take about 20 to 30 minutes (depending on the depth of processing).

Process:

Once small groups are formed, ask each group to send up one person to pick up the activity supplies. (It's okay to let the waiting groups talk amongst themselves during this time - maybe ask them a question to answer during the supplies pick up. For example, "Tell each other something you’re looking forward to in the future.")
Wait to make sure there is a person from each group standing in front of you.
Hand each person a copy of the Paper Transporter Directions, one of the small Orbs and a stack of papers (enough so each person within a small group gets one piece of paper).

NOTE: Take a minute right now to read the Directions you (the facilitator) will be providing. (Read it here or print out a copy - PDF download below.)

Before sending people back to their small groups, tell them, 1) to read the Directions for the activity to the group (or someone else in the group can read the directions, 2) then, begin planning and practicing for the first timed round, 3) and, you will call for their attention before the first timed round - all groups will engage in the 60-second timed round at the same time.
Ask and answer any questions before they go back to their groups.

Facilitation Notes 1:

During the planning and practice phase before each timed attempt, be sure to wander around among the groups so you can answer questions and clarify anything you see that does not match up with the directions. (NOTE: If you are working with more than four small groups, it is a great advantage to have one or two co-facilitators to help manage questions and confusion. (Suggestion: 1 facilitator to 4 groups is a good ratio.)
During each of the three timed rounds, continue to walk around the groups looking for behaviors that will be good to reflect upon after each round (e.g., are they following the rules).
Be sure you (the facilitator) have your timing device ready for each timed attempt (e.g., Smart Phone).
Get the groups' attention and let them know you are about ready to time an attempt. (I get their attention with my trusty Cow Bell - it saves the vocal cords.)
Ask if anyone has and final questions before they start.

Here is a possible script before the first timed attempt:

Just a reminder - your goal as a group, is to get as many points as possible in 60-seconds by following the rules you have been given. When I say GO! the time will start. When I say STOP! please stop counting score.
If you are in possession of the Orb, hold it up so I can see your group is ready. [Look around, be sure every group has an arm up.]
Okay. On your mark. Get set. GO! [Start timing]
Give time checks every 15 seconds, then a 10, 9, 8...countdown to "STOP!"
How did you do? Raise your hands up if you got at least 20 points, keep them up if you got at least 25...[keep going by 5 or 10s until you get a high score].
We can see what's possible based on each group's skills and abilities at this time.
I'd like to invite you to make a second attempt at this one, with the objective to produce a better, or higher, score, following the same rules. But first, let's do some planning and practice.
During this next planning and practice round, each person in your group must change the way their paper transporter is configured - basically, everyone must make a different transporter.
[See Facilitation Notes 2 for an option here...]
You'll have about 2 minutes to plan and practice for the next timed round. Be sure to change your paper transporter and also identifying something that was slowing you down during the first timed attempt (a.k.a., a problem) and see if you can fix it.
Alright, your 2 minutes starts now...[Start the time. Keep an eye on the time and allow for a little more if needed].

Facilitation Notes 2:
Before I inform the groups about the impending planning and practice session, I encourage everyone to really think about how they can "change" their Paper Transporter. I ask them to go beyond, "just bending over a corner" of their paper. "Go for innovation. Really change it. Try something you might not even believe will work - why not. We're just experimenting, looking for the possibilities."

Let them know you are ready to time their second attempt:

If you are in possession of the Orb, hold it up so I can see your group is ready.
Okay. You are all after a higher score. On your mark. Get set. GO! [Start timing]
Give time checks every 15 seconds, then a 10, 9, 8...countdown to "STOP!"
How did you do? Raise your hands up if you got at least 50 points, keep them up if you got at least 60...[keep going by 5 or 10s until you get a high score].

Before the final timed attempt, I do a quick 'mid-reflection' for a couple of reasons. I'm hoping that a purposeful pause may get them to consider how they want to approach the final attempt and I want to give everyone a little time to talk to each other about 'change' - something I plan to bring up in the final reflection. Here's what I ask everyone to discuss:

Did your paper transporter changes help or hinder the success of your group's score? [Give them about 2 minutes to talk...] When it feels right to transition, move them into the final timed attempt...

We're now going to move into the final timed attempt. During this next planning and practice session, each of you is required to change the way your paper transporter is configured - basically, everyone must make a new transporter that is different from your previous transporters.
Take the next 2 minutes to plan and practice. Take some of the time to identifying another problem that is slowing you down. Decide on and practice a solution to fix it before the next timed attempt. The goal is the same, try to get a higher score, following the same rules.
Alright, your 2 minutes starts now... [start the clock]

Let everyone know you are about ready to time them...

Here we go. This is your final attempt.
On your mark. Get set. GO! [start timing]
Give time checks every 15 seconds, then a 10, 9, 8,...countdown to "STOP!"
How did you do? Raise your hands up if you got at least 30 points, keep them up if you got at least 35 points...[keep going by 5s or 10s until you get a high score].

CONTEXT: I led Paper Transporter three different times in one day (three different groups), with college Freshman (more about the backstory below). So the following closure is tailored as such. For a general view, substitute 'college success' with 'life'.

Possible Reflection:
I'd like to invite you to consider this...

The scores you all achieved were based on your skills & abilities, motivation, and time constraints. Getting through college is going to be the same. Problem-solving skills play a big part in college success.

Consider this - you were asked to change your paper transporter twice during this last activity. What does change have to do with problem-solving during college?

Provide a maximum of 5 minutes for this discussion. Be sure to mingle around through your groups and even chime in on some of their discussion when appropriate.

After the discussion I like to ask for people to shout out some of the insights they shared or heard about what change has to do with problem-solving.

As you've noticed, I ended with one final question for the final processing session (and there was the other question they talked about before the third timed attempt). This is one way to explore some learning after an activity. This format works well for me when I'm facilitating larger groups. I like to focus in on one concept at a time, let the groups talk for a bit, have some quick sharing of ideas for everyone to hear, then jump right back into another activity. It makes for a good flow with a lot of people. Let me know how this one goes for you.

Here is the Paper Transporter Directions Handout

papertransporter_directions_2.0.pdf
File Size:	90 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

Be well my friend! Keep me posted.

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

Backstory & Activity Thinking (If you want a little more about my thinking on this one.)
I was hired to lead a teambuilding/connection program with a large group (up to 120 at one time) of college freshman. One of the objectives was to tie in ideas about college success. In my experience teaching college freshman (and teaching classes on college success), creative problem-solving is right near the top of a college success skills set.

My thinking then moved to "I've got 120 people divided into groups of about 10 - what resources can I provide that would lead to some creative thinking for each person in the group." It came down to paper - I love using paper as a team building prop. (Check out the 'Ask Michelle & Chris About Teambuilding' podcast Episode #57: Teambuilding with Paper.)

I remembered the idea I've had about using paper as a 'channel' for pipeline. "What if I let them make their own transportation device. Then, what if they had to change their device three different times? In this way I could force a little creativity and maybe even some innovative thinking," I said to myself.

The activity formed around the idea that a group would move an Orb around a circle of players with their 'Paper Transporters.' Then it became the question of what type of Orb? After a little testing (wiffle golf ball, a mid-sized marble, a small marble and a small rubber ball), I went with the small rubber ball because it actually was a bit more challenging to move with some of the different paper configurations - it stuck a little bit to the paper.

So, I had my plan...on to the initial test.

Footnote:
More than one person will tell you throughout your career as a team builder, that you should always play-test a new activity with a group of friends or colleagues. I believe the advice is based on the fear of a flop - one might want to know if something is going to work before using it. I certainly do this when I can, when I have a group to play-test with.

When I don't get the chance to test something new, I make my best prediction and give it a try with the next best group. Sometimes I'll even say, "I've honestly never tried this one before, are you up for seeing how it goes?" Every time I've asked, my groups are very open to trying it out and then providing honest feedback over the outcome. It's all about the experience - and there is ALWAYS (again, ALWAYS) something to talk about.

DON'T FEAR THE FLOP! (And be sure you have other amazing activities you know will work.)

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Re-Build It (with Cups)

Trackball Challenge: A Self-Guided Process Suitable for Groups of 24 to 80 Participants (Printable Instructions)

Bullring Monkeys (Video)

Phraseology Cards, Set 2 (Print-N-Play)

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Tools for Team Builders: Making a Hole Tarp (video)

Aga Zumba Zumba - Action Song (Video)

Adventure Slips (for Unofficial Starts) Print-N-Play

Word Circle Puzzles: Self-Guided

Paper Transporter (with Video)

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