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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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Image Changing (with ZOOM or Image Cards)

1/27/2022

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I tried this communication activity for the first time using the ZOOM Book pages (I do love ZOOM Book variations: ZOOM: On the Spot, ReZOOM the Order). NOTE: We're not talking ZOOM virtual meeting software. (Don't know about the ZOOM book team builder - GO HERE for the basics.)

This one can also be done (I'm imagining - since I haven't tried it yet) with any deck of image cards (e.g., Chiji Cards or Climer Cards). I've included the Frontloading for image cards after the ZOOM Book pages version. 

I wanted a fairly quick activity to present to an adult group of 25 that could help me observe their initial behaviors around leadership and how the group communicated with each other - who was doing the talking and who wasn't. Another program objective (from the group) was to address how they handled change. Something the group members would be experience throughout their jobs. The long story short, we tried Image Changing. 

Programming Note: Right now, I'm thinking this one, for the complexity desired, will work with 20 to 30 participants (there are 30 good usable pages in the ZOOM Book). I also believe we can go as young as 5th graders - I think they could do it if there are a few leaders in the group. 

Directions Using ZOOM Book Pages 
  • Prepare a sequence of ZOOM Book pages equal to the number of people in the group - each person will need a ZOOM Book page.
  • Shuffle up the pages. TIP: Wait until the last minute with your group to be sure you have the correct number of pages before you shuffle them up.
  • Deal out one page to each person with the image side down. Ask everyone not to look at the image on the page s/he is holding until instructed to do so. 
  • Tell your group this activity will be played out in a number of different rounds. There will be quiet-shuffling rounds and talk-solving rounds.
  • The Objective: Solve the challenge within the time limit of a talk-solving round. 
  • Tell the group: "The pages you have in your hands go into a particular sequential order. Your challenge is to put these pages into that order with each person in the group holding on to one page."
  • During a talk-solving round, participants can only look at the images on the pages of everyone else in the group - they may not look at the image on their own page. 
  • Start out with a quiet-shuffle round. No one is allowed to speak during the quiet-shuffle round.
  • Ask everyone to move among the group and exchange their image page with five different people - still, no one looking at any of the image sides. After exchanging with five different people a person is required to stop moving. 
  • It is okay to exchange more than five times. However, a person should stop moving after s/he has exchanged five times. 
  • When everyone has stopped moving (they should not be in a circle if they followed the directions), the group will move into a talk-solving round. 
  • When you say, "GO!" (you start your timer), the pages can then be held up so others can see the image sides. (Remember, a person may not look at her/his page image.) 
  • A challenging talk-solving round is 60-seconds long. However, you can go longer (e.g., 90-seconds) if you believe it will benefit the group. (I'm thinking maybe younger groups get a bit more time.)
  • When the talk-solving round time is up, call, "Pages down." This means participants are required to again hold their pages with the image facing down towards the ground/floor.
  • At this time, you can call, "Quietly exchange your page with five different people and then stop moving."
  • When moving stops, you can go right to, "GO!" to start another talk-solving round. ​
  • This rotation between quiet-shuffling and talk-solving rounds continues until the challenge is solved.
  • When someone in the group states something like, "We got it!" during a talk-solving round, stop the time and check their result. If they got it, game over. Process the experience.
  • If they don't have it, start the time back up and say, "Not yet." Have them continue their work. 
Using Image Cards
Preparation: When I end up trying Image Changing with image cards, I will pick out the images that are a bit easier to name versus the more esoteric cards - I think you'll know what I mean when you look at the image cards you have. A logical sequence will be alphabetical by the name of the image - if they choose this sequence. Have enough cards so each person in the group receives one. 

​Frontload
  • "The cards in your hands can be arranged in a logical sequential order - there will be a beginning and an end to the order. Your challenge is to find and then circle up in that order during a talk-solving round."

​NOTE: This Frontload leaves it open for some creative sequencing. As noted above, alphabetical order is one possible sequence - which might be tricky with all the changing going on. What other possible sequences are there for the group to discover? 

All the remaining directions above stay the same (I imagine?!). 
What I Like About This One
  • It is ever-changing. What were the reactions to these changes? 
  • How is time spent? Taking time to help everyone understand what is going on (being on the same page) versus always trying to be 'solving' is a great skill to practice. (Taking a breath.)
  • Leadership must emerge, as well as followership. Too many leaders might slow success. 
  • Listening is vital to understand ones 'place' in the solution. 
  • Helping and the willingness to accept help is necessary. 
  • Sharing detailed information IS NOT always necessary. It might slow you down when you need to go fast.
Let us know in the Comments how this one goes. Especially if you try the image card version (we need some data). 

All the best, 

Chris Cavert, Ed.D. 
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Collaboration with Picture Word Circle Puzzles (Reprise) Print-N-Play

9/30/2021

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Back in December of 2016 I shared the first set of Picture Word Circle Puzzles (PWCP) and noted that I had yet to try them with a group. (You can find links to more information about Circle Puzzles at the 2016 post.) Fast forward almost 5 years now and I can tell you, this particular set of PWCP is one of my go-tos when I'm working with a group on collaborative behaviors. I've used this one with 8th graders on up. 

When I first started using PWCP, I felt the need to show my groups how Word Circle Puzzles (WCP) worked (the first iteration of Circle Puzzles). We would play out one or two WCP as a big group, then I would divide the larger group into smaller groups of three or four participants to solve this picture puzzle. Recently, I've chosen to skip the WCP introduction, adding a little more challenge to the cognitive aspect of the task - struggling a bit with the big 'picture' so to speak. 

Set Up and Play
Each group working around a table (or a group of desks) is ideal, but they can all work the cards around on the floor or ground if you don't have the table/desks option. 

First you'll need to print out the PWCP (find the PDF download below). Each small group of three or four participants will need a puzzle (this puzzle includes 16 picture cards). NOTE: I laminate my puzzle cards for long term use. The card set also includes eight Help Cards.

Choosing the number of Help Cards to put in play will determine the level of challenge. If you put 12 Help Cards in play the puzzle will be pretty easy to solve - if the group collaborates by sharing information and not 'waisting' the Help. Putting 10 Help Cards in play is a little more challenging, groups have to make more educated guesses (ideally together,) and they can still collaborate without using Help Cards. Putting eight Help Cards in play makes it a pretty difficult challenge, but the puzzle can be solved if all the small groups work together by sharing information and strategically using Help Cards. 

An Example of Play: Let's say you have 24 participants. You divide them into six groups of four and direct each group to move into an area away from other groups (separating the groups with some distance - when possible - is purposefully done so it's a bit more challenging to see and share information - look up 'activation energy' for some psychological connection.) You give each group the Picture Word Circle Puzzle saying:

"I'm now going to give each group a puzzle to solve. Each puzzle has a set of pictures. Your objective is to first name each picture using one word. Then, figure out how to connect each word, picture card, with another word, picture card, so that all the picture card words form one circle of connections. For example....." (If needed, you'll want to do a little research on Word Circle Puzzles in order to explain how to describe the process - intro info to Word Circle Puzzles is HERE. BTW: There are TONS of FREE Word Circle Puzzles at the FUNdoing Blog - use the Search feature - put in Word Circle Puzzles - to find them.) 

You've decided to use 10 Help Cards - five of each kind (see the header picture above for the two kinds). You distribute two Help Cards to four groups and one Help card to the remaining two groups (the distribution of resources is not always 'fair'). Explain that the groups can use the Help Cards to ask you the question on each card at any time during the challenge.

Be sure to provide time for the groups to ask you confirming and clarifying questions before getting started. Be careful not to solve any problems for them at the onset. You can use my favorite response when appropriate, "I'll leave that up to the group to decide." If they ask the 'Golden Question' right off the bat, they're ahead of the game: "Can the small groups work together on this?" I respond, "That is not against any of the rules." 

Be sure to set a time limit for the task to add a little pressure. I believe it can be solved in five minutes or less if all groups work together and share resources. However, I've yet to see this occur. Giving them 20 minutes is a good length of time to pull out a lot of learnings. 

A Nudge
Solving this Picture Word Circle Puzzle is very difficult without 'Help' or sharing ideas with other groups. I'm still fascinated by the resistance of the participants to use their resources in order to move ahead. The resistance to working together with others is fairly common in team building activities when there is a perceived notion of competition - we see it all the time.

This leads me to a tool I use as an educator whenever the groups are still struggling after 15 minutes of working on the task and have yet to share ideas with any of the other groups. I take a countdown 'time-break' to get their attention. I ask a few questions about how it's going, what's working, what isn't. Then, I start up the time again and share, "You are all working on the same puzzle." Sometimes this turns on lightbulbs, other times it doesn't.

Processing
As always, be observant of behaviors and make note of the questions related to the groups' behaviors. Here are some that always seem to surface for me:
  • What were the resources available to you during the task? 
  • How well did you utilize the resources you knew about? 
  • How long did it take you to utilize your resources? 
  • What prevented you from using your resources? 
  • Once you heard you were working on the same puzzle, what, if anything, changed? 
  • What advice do you hear about on a regular basis? Who gives you this advice? What influences your decision to follow, or not follow, someone's advice? 
  • What resources in your life are useful to you right now? Which ones are you not using? What resources might you be overlooking? 

Extension
Here's something I'd like to try in the near future. After the groups have gone through an enlightening processing session over this first Picture Word Circle Puzzle (??!!), I want to give them another attempt. I'll set up the same task, in the same way, with a different Picture Puzzle. Will they use their recently acquired information/knowledge to successfully complete the task in less time? (Want to try it? You can find the Picture Word Circle Puzzles Kit, with six more Picture Puzzles at the FUNdoing Store. Let us know how it goes.) 

Here's The First-Ever Picture Word Circle Puzzle:
picturewordcirclepuzzle_set1.pdf
File Size: 6000 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
All the best! 

Chris Cavert, Ed.D. 
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Quadistinctions (with Playing Cards & Chiji Cards)

6/18/2021

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In one of my recent FUNdoing Fridays emails I shared a link to a Free Experiential Learning Manual from RSVP Designs (free as in, give them your email free - but I like this group, fantastic tools for team building). I recommend the manual as a useful tool for training new team building staff. 

As I often do during my activity searches, I took an image capture of an activity shared in the manual in order to explore the idea at a different time. They call it, Making Novel Connections - an exercise in creative thinking (I'm calling it Quadistinctions). When I went back to explore, playing cards and Chiji (Image) Cards jumped to the front of the line. Here are the first several pieces of information for the activity from RSVP: 
  • Take a pack of assorted picture cards that is divisible by 4 - we suggest a pack of 32 to 48 cards.
  • Lay the cards out on the table and ask the learners to sort them into sets of 4. Each set of 4 must have something that connects all the cards (e.g., animals)
  • The task is easy to begin with but becomes more difficult as fewer cards remain. It may be necessary to break up existing sets in order to fit existing images into sets.
  • Insist that the group's members 'force' all cards into sets of 4. 
  • You can share that finding novel connections is a key skill when it comes to creative thinking. 
NOTE: There are some other educational points shared in the manual if you want to dive in deeper. 
Okay. I love the simplicity of the exercise. It's a good one for small groups (and larger groups divided into smaller groups - How will the different groups approach the problem and will answers be the same or different, or both?). It's nice for quiet cognitive engagement and can certainly be considered problem solving. 

Now, since a deck of Chiji Cards has 48 images, I was ready to try it out (my 'out'come is below). However, since more team builders have access to playing cards I thought I'd try them first. Here's my thinking/idea right now (help me sort it out): 

Quadistinctions with Playing Cards
NOTE: This is a different approach to the challenge suggested by RSVP Designs. 
  • Give each group (of 3 to 5 learners) a set of playing cards that include the Aces through the eights (put aside the nines through Kings). 
  • Challenge the group to discover the 12 different 'distinct' groupings (all cards organized into sets of 4 cards meeting the distinction) on the Master List (below). 
  • The distinctions for the groupings must be 'arguable' - groupings that are clear and obvious (you, as the facilitator may need to explain your expectations when necessary). 
  • After forming the sets of 4 to make the distinction, groups may not use these formed sets as another distinction - may not name the formed sets more than one thing. 
  • If a clear and obvious distinction is discovered by a group, one that is not on the list, it can be written onto the list and categorized as a 'creative discovery' - but will not count towards completing the challenge. 
  • Be sure to set a time limit for the challenge (e.g., 20 minutes) or end it when one group finds all 12 distinctions. 

As with any Beta testing, let me know how this works for you. And let me know if you have any questions about the distinctions I've come up with (some might not make sense or could be the same as another distinction). Here's the Master List (so far): 
quadistinctions_playingcards.pdf
File Size: 29 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Quadistinctions with Chiji Cards
Well, I gave myself 30 minutes for my first attempt with Chiji Cards following the RSVP Directions for Image Cards. I almost made it...I'll be making another attempt soon. Here's what I came up with creating 11 out of the possible 12 sets of 4...
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I would be super-excited to find out about your success - with whatever deck of image cards you have available. (The next deck I'm going to try is Climer Cards.) Send your discovery to chris@onteambuilding.com  Thank you in advance!!

Have fun out there my friend!

Chris Cavert, Ed.D. 
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The Bank Robbery - A Who Done It? Challenge (Print-N-Play)

6/5/2021

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Here's another fun share from Karen Whittaker. (THANKS Karen!) She shared this one with me a while back as a Virtual problem solving challenge. Now that we are starting to meet face-to-face again with groups, I thought I'd get this to you ready to print, cut and play. 

Karen developed this deductive challenge for up to 13 participants (there are 13 clue(s) cards to cut out). (Another good small group team building activity.) I also made another level of challenge for us. Karen numbered the clues cards. If read in order it's a little easier to follow the story/facts in chronological order. I took the numbers off the clue cards for another level of challenge - groups will need to sort out some of the chronological details. (So, there is a numbered version and an unnumbered version below.)

I'd say, this challenge is good for older middle school age and up. Again, for up to 13 participants. If you are working with larger groups, divide them up into smaller groups - each group getting a set of 13 clues cards. I wonder if they will collaborate? 

NOTE: If you want to attempt to solve the crime, know that the Answer is on the final page of each PDF document. 
bankrobbery_whodoneit_numbers_kwhittaker.pdf
File Size: 70 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
bankrobbery_whodoneit_nonumbers_kwhittaker.pdf
File Size: 68 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
If you try this one out, do let us know how it goes - we love feedback. Leave a Comment below. 

All the best, 

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.
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ICON Circle Puzzles (mini kit 2)

4/9/2021

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ICON Circle Puzzles are the latest evolution of Word Circle Puzzles. A few posts ago I shared a couple ICON Puzzles and I recently was moved to create a couple more - I wanted to add more to my ICON set so I can have challenge options when showing this version. (Puzzles sizes now include: 8 cards, 9 cards, 10 cards & 13 cards.) In this Kit 2 I added a separate HELP Cards page so we can print this off on different colored paper - I like to print my HELP Cards on light green paper.

For Your Reference: 
  • ICON Circle Puzzles Mini Kit 1 - FUNdoing Blog with play details and Word Circle Puzzles links and a link to the second evolution of circle puzzles - Picture Circle Puzzles. 
  • Use the 'Search' feature (top of this blogs right column) to find TONS of 'Word Circle Puzzles' ready to use. 
  • TheNounProject - This is where I get my ICONS (free for some ICONS, pay $40/year for unlimited).
  • Circle Puzzles Print-N-Play Kits - Check out the Circle Puzzles Kits, both Word and Picture Word Circles Kits at the FUNdoing store. PDF downloads ready to print and play! 
ICON Circle Puzzles - Kit 2
iconwordcirclepuzzles_set2_kit.pdf
File Size: 575 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Have FUN out there...
​
Chris Cavert, Ed.D.
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BUILDZI - Two for One Team Building Activity

12/18/2020

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If you are a gift-giver around this time of year, or any time of year really! (even giving gifts to yourself), here's a fun one you can give to your family and and then 'borrow' it to use for your team building programs. (Or, maybe it's the other way around?)

BUILDZI, comes from the creators of Tenti. (Tenzi is one of my favorite dice games - you can play with any number of people - well, maybe up to 12 around a table - as long as everyone has 10 dice. If you have or pick up Tenzi, don't forget the Cards Deck, 77 Ways to Play Tenzi, with Tenzi challenges). 
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(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. 
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Onimod Challenges (from Sam Sikes)

11/20/2020

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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:
domino_double-six_set.pdf
File Size: 38 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
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. 
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April Challenge Week (Experiential Learning)

4/13/2020

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5 Days, 5 Challenges - some you may know, others will be new. The theme is learning, teaching and then using our new-found skills and abilities in new situations. How will you challenge yourself? (Have FUN this week and don't forget, kindness goes a long way.) 
Challenge #5: Overhand Cuff Links 
This final challenge for the week is a tricky one (actually, tricky two). No magic involved, I promise. (I lost track of the source for this one - pretty sure I saw it online somewhere. Since I don't know the name for this challenge I could not re-find it. If you know a source please share. Thanks.) Challenge On!
Challenge #4: Double Jump Six Count
I have not seen a specific reference to this activity - someone taught it to me years ago at a conference. Thank You, Someone!
Challenge #3: Six Count
Six Count can be found in, Executive Marbles and Other Team Building Activities, by Sam Sikes (1998). Sam says, "This is a good, quick icebreaker that stretches people's minds and smile muscles." Six Count has become so much more since - it's about moving through the discomfort of challenge and failure. It's about sticking to it, even if it's not easy. 

You can find Six-Count to Competence (what I called, Synchronized Six Count in the video) in, The More The Merrier. Here are some of the Discussion/Questions from the book: What were some of the strategies your group used to learn Six-Count? What made the activity difficult? How did you, as a group, overcome the difficulties? In what ways is Six-Count like other things you do? 
Challenge #2: Pencil/Pen Turning
A write up for Pencil Turning (or, Pen Flip) can be found in, The More The Merrier, by Sikes, Evans & Cavert (2007). One Facilitator Note from the books says, "The wonderful thing about this activity is that both hands have to work together to accomplish the task." Discussion/Questions include: What makes this activity difficult? What helped the most to find a solution? How is this activity like our interactions with each other? 
Challenge #1: Wiggle-Waggle (with a special cameo guest!)
The most recent description of Wiggle-Waggle is found in, FUNN 'N Games by Karl Rohnke, 2004. (I believe, Wiggle-Waggle made its first appearance in Rohnke's, FUNN Stuff, Vol. 3 1998). You'll see the original mode of play in the video (along with two additional ways to Waggle), but there are more versions of play in the book: 
  • Digital Wiggle-Waggle - Big circle of players. Each player connects (e.g., point at one another) with another person across from him/her - essentially pairing up. "On the signal each person walks toward [his/her] partner and attempts a double (both hands) Wiggle-Waggle."
  • Blind Wiggle-Waggle - Pairs are divided in half, each half moves to one side or the other of the playing area - not too far apart. All players close their eyes (by choice). With bumpers up, partners move towards each other, communicating freely. When pairs meet, Wiggle-Waggle - eyes can open when successfully Waggled. 
  • Electronic (Virtual) Wiggle-Waggle - "Call a friend on the phone [or ZOOM call them] and try to verbalize what needs to be done to reach a satisfying level of solo completion." 
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The Colour Game (Face-to-Face or Virtual)

4/2/2020

2 Comments

 
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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:  
instructions_colourgame_chambers.pdf
File Size: 218 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Here are the 5 Colour Games (The Clues and Answers):
introductioncolourgame.pdf
File Size: 422 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
colourgame1_chambers.pdf
File Size: 55 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
colourgame2_chambers.pdf
File Size: 60 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
colourgame3_chambers.pdf
File Size: 41 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
ultimatecolourgame_chambers.pdf
File Size: 73 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
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: 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
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
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    Dr. Chris Cavert is an internationally known author, speaker, and trainer in the area of adventure-based activity programming and its relation to community and pro-social behavior development.

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