Category: Variations

Snowball Pick-N-Choose (with Video)

3/2/2023

(About a 7-minute read.)

'Pick and Choose' was one of my go-to's when I was getting started in the adventure education world. I first discovered it in the 1984 edition of Silver Bullets, by Karl Rohnke (it was the first 'Adventure Games' book I encountered in 1990). Over the years it solidified in one of my mental models that we always use buckets and tennis balls (cause that's how I learned it). Here is the Silver Bullets picture that's imprinted in my mind:

To make a relatively long story short (and you know I love long stories), I ran into a variation of Pick and Choose involving marbles and tape. I made the jump to 'paper snowballs' after an 'Ask' podcast I did with Michelle Cummings (Episode 57: Team Building with Paper) and a new mental model was born - Snowball Pick-N-Choose.

Snowball Pick-N-Choose

Set Up: The picture below is the set up in the video (above). This is a good configuration for a group of up to 10 players. IMPORTANT NOTE: I used a combination of targets - hula hoops and masking tape - in order to demonstrate options. If I'm traveling light and playing inside, I'll just bring paper, masking tape, and an activity rope. The hoops are great if you have them on site or if you're okay traveling with them.

If you have a larger group of 11 to 14 players, add another Snowball receptacle behind the line and more Snowballs - about 3 Snowballs for every player in the group (e.g., 12 players 36 Snowballs divided between the two receptacles). Then your first target row will have four targets, the second row will have three targets and the third row will have two targets.

Distancing: The first row of targets is about 8-feet from the throwing line, the second row is about 13-feet from the line, the third row is about 18-feet from the line. NOTE: Paper Snowballs do not go very far when thrown. An 18-foot distance to the highest points is doable, but not easy.

Scoring: You can choose any combination of scores for your targets. My first row is worth 15 points, my second row is 30 points, and the third row is 50 points (I want to make the farthest target(s) enticing). I put little point markers (index cards) at each distance but it's not necessary.

Objective: Score as many points as possible in 90-seconds. (Karl's original version is 2-minutes, which can be a good cardio workout if needed.)

Play:

The configuration of the equipment may not be changed. Only the Snowballs can be moved (by being thrown).
A team will require at least two roles to be covered during play - Throwers and Retrievers. (Other roles can be created if needed.)
Throwers must stay behind the throwing line and only the Snowballs (paper) can be thrown.
Throwers can only take Snowballs from the receptacles behind the throwing line.
There is no limit to the number of Throwers.
Retrievers can move anywhere - near the targets and behind the throwing line - around the playing area to pick up Snowballs.
Retrievers may not 'influence' Snowballs into the targets.
There is no limit to the number of Retrievers.

Allow time for your group to plan and practice before each attempt. Be sure they understand and follow the rules. You can keep and call the time. And I like to record, in big numbers on flip chart paper, the scores of each round. Three or four rounds work well to notice some change in a groups process.

Why I like This One

The rules are super-simple.
To be successful a group must realize they need a lot more retrievers than throwers (but everyone wants to be a thrower to get points). How do they go about letting go of the glory for the good of the group or goal?
Its high energy in short bursts. Does/Can everyone give their all in that short burst?
'Problems' are easy to identify (there aren't that many) and solve - if people are willing to do the hard work (running around).
Hard work is involved. What else is hard work for people? What can be good about hard work? How do we want to handle hard work together? What's possible when we work on something together that is difficult?

Wonderings

Will a group uncrumple the Snowballs (paper) and make paper airplanes to fly into the distant targets?
Will a group uncrumple the Snowballs (paper), tear them in half and double their throwable Snowballs? Will a half-Snowball make it to the farthest target?

Have fun out there my friend!

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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Number Shuffle (for any Weather)

1/19/2023

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Since March of 2016 I've posted and used several versions of this simple-to-lead problem-solving activity I love to do at the beginning of a program. (If you want a deep dive into all the versions and why I use them, you'll find links below.) Recently I was planning for a program and was just about to pass on using Name Card Return (one of the versions) because there was snow on the ground (some people use the ground as a resource - the index cards would get wet) and I wasn't going to have access to a table to make the Name Cards.

Before I could move on with my programming thoughts a familiar question showed up for me: What else could I use in the snowy tundra instead of index cards? Easy answer. Vinyl numbered spots (commonly known as livestock tags - see the picture to the right). I pulled out my sets and chose one where the numbers didn't show through the back. I was ready to try Numbers Shuffle for the first time.

Preparations
Stack your numbered spots (vinyl in damp weather or paper index cards on dry days) in numerical order with number one on the top so you are ready to use the numbers you need. You will also want a timing device of some sort, like a hand-held stopwatch or a stopwatch located on your Smartphone.

Directions

Circle up your group and quickly count how many participants you have.
Grab the numbered spots you need equal to the number of participants (keep the extras off to the side - if there are late arrivals, you can easily give them numbers so they can play).
Give half the stack to the person standing on your left and the other half to the person on your right - tell both people to, "Take one and pass the rest to the person next to you." (It's okay if participants see the number on the spot. And you will not need a number.)
When everyone has a number ask them all to line up into a new circle in numerical order with the number one person standing to your left and the highest number to your right.
When the new circle is formed, present the challenge something like this:

First and foremost, don't forget this original number you are holding - this is your number. You are this number. Got it? Okay.

In a moment but not yet, I'm going to ask you to shuffle all the numbers in the group. To shuffle you will first hold your numbered spot with the number facing towards the ground so as you are exchanging the spots no one can see the numbers. You'll keep shuffling until you hear me say, GO!. At that time, I will start my stopwatch.

After you hear that magic word, GO!, you will first look at the number you are holding, second, get this number back to the person it belongs to while at the same time be on the lookout for your number, then third, once you have your number reform your numerically ordered circle in relation to where I'm standing - number one is to my left then around sequentially to the highest number to my right. When the numerically ordered circle is reformed, I will stop the time. Do you have any questions about the challenge? [Answer questions here.] Okay, listen for that magic word - you may begin the shuffle.

Give the shuffle a good 30 to 45 seconds before you shout the magic word. (I like to move around during the shuffle to end up in a different spot from where we first started. I do this every round.)

After stopping the time - when the circle has reformed - check for accuracy. Have everyone hold her/his number up so everyone can see if they are in order. If there is a mistake the time will be declared invalid.

Typically, I give my groups three or four attempts to see how fast they can complete the challenge. Before each attempt I either give my groups unlimited planning time (this can be good or not so good) during all-day programs or I limit the time (e.g., 3 minutes to plan) when I'm facilitating shorted programs.

Why I like This Activity
This one is easy explain, participants will not need to listen to me for very long. There isn't a lot of waiting to play and each attempt takes less than 90 seconds. Participants are mixing and mingling around talking to each other and they pretty much have to help one another in order to get the numbered spots in the hands of the right people. Then, I always play until there is some notable improvement so we can talk about identifying problems, solving problems and team improvement - and what we 'did' to improve.

Number Shuffle or any of the other versions have been a good way for me to start off a program day. Groups can see what is possible and are ready for more.

Links to the Other Versions
Name Card Scramble (The idea that started it all.)
Name Card Return (Part 1 of a What? & Why? three-part series - super deep dive.)
Values Shuffle (A version I tried with a group working on norming.)

Have fun out there! Let us know how it goes.

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

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Materials Move (A Pipeline Variation) a.k.a. Seven Minutes!

3/10/2022

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Pipeline! As many of you know, it's one of my all-time go-to activities - so many ways to play. HERE'S my favorite variation using pool noodles (with video).

Quick Bit of History (for those who want some): As far as I can go back through my bookshelves, it was written up as 'Half Pipe' in Karl Rohnke's FUNN STUFF, Volume 2 in 1996. Karl gives credit for this 'move-a-marble-from-point-A-to-point-B-using-PVC-piping' activity to Larry Brown who shared it with Karl around 1981. (Cutting the PVC tubing in half appears to be Karl's idea?) When Karl bumped into Larry in the mid-90s, he shared with Karl that he added a version with different sized marbles "to represent different kinds of metaphorical problems at home or in the workplace." Materials Move plays off of Larry's idea (and I didn't even know it!).

Quick Prop Note: Cutting PVC tubing in half is not for everyone (this usually involves a table saw with a fine-tooth blade, steady hands and a brave soul - and, if you do this, wear a mask to prevent breathing in PVC dust. Apparently this dust is not good for you!). There are lots of vendors that will sell you 'half-pipes' - Training Wheels has a marvelous colorful set. You can also use the full PVC tubes (not cut in half). The big-box hardware stores sell 10-foot lengths of PVC tubing you can cut up with a PVC cutter (it looks like a pair of scissors). Options: You can use pool noodles as shown in my favorite variation above. I've also used paper towel and toilet paper rolls as 'marble-tubes' and spent time with groups personalizing the tubes with colorful markers. And, check out the corner molding in THIS 'Bridges and Traits' version (scroll to the bottom of the post). All you need is a handsaw to cut the molding.

Materials Move

The set up (above) for this one involves four buckets. (I'm a big fan of buckets!!) Other containers, of course, can work as well. There is a center 'Destination' bucket and three 'Warehouse' buckets. Each Warehouse bucket contains three different kinds of material. (See right.) When I came up with this variation I had small bouncy balls, medium sized plastic (hollow light-weight) golf balls and tennis balls on hand. So, that's what I used.

NOTE: Of course you can use other resources you have on hand like marbles, real golf balls, pool balls or baseballs. What I like about the light-weight plastic golf balls is that they are very susceptible to wind - the wind can blow them right off the tracks! A problem to solve.

Place each of the three Warehouse buckets about 40-feet from the Destination bucket. Put three of each kind of material in each Warehouse bucket. This particular set up is for the 'Seven Minutes' challenge. (NOTE: I believe this challenge can be completed within 7-minutes with 12 to 30 participants. However, the five groups (of 20 to 30) I've tried this with so far have yet to make it in seven minutes - a couple were very close. So, am I setting my groups up for failure? I don't believe I am - I know there is a group out there that will get it. The points we've been exploring (see below) have been worth the struggle and failure.)

You will also need one 'half-pipe' (channel, gutter, tube) for each person in your group.

The Story: You are a team tasked to move supplies to a nearby village. However, you will only have a small window of time to complete the task due to recent conflict in the area. In the three Warehouses you have at your disposal [show each object] there is food (smallest-sized object), water (medium-sized object) and medical supplies (largest object). To ensure the wellbeing of the village inhabitance, you need to get seven of each supply (food, water, medical supplies) to the village (bucket) in seven minutes. You each have one resource to use to help transport the supplies. Your instructor [this is you, the facilitator] will show you how to use this resource with the different supplies. Good luck. And may the force be with you! [Or something of that nature.]

After the story, I share the 'rules':

Each person can use one and only one of the resources - the half-pipe. Each person must keep this resource in his/her possession at all times and may not touch anyone else's resource.
When moving the food (smallest object), it can only travel down the 'inside' of the resource. (See first picture.) [Note: At this time I do not limit how many food items can be in a half-pipe at one time. It does not seem to matter in relation to the outcome, yet.]

When moving the water (medium object) it must travel on the outside of two resources. (See second picture.) Remember, you can only touch the one resource you were assigned. [Note: Again, at this time, I have not specified how many 'waters' can be on any one resource at a time. This factor has not influencing the outcome, yet. However, when a group finally 'gets it' I think it will matter.]

When moving the medical supplies (the largest objects), they must be 'lifted' and carried, not rolled, using at least two resources. (See the third picture.)
Supplies from the warehouse can be picked up by a person in the group and placed into or onto the first resource(s) available near the warehouse.
If at any point in time during transit a supply container drops to the ground or it is touched by a participant during transit, it must be returned to the nearest warehouse for decontamination and repair before it can be transported again.

To limit transportation damage, if you are moving supplies your feet must be stationary - you may not move your feet if you are in contact with supplies. If a foot moves, all supplies in contact with the person who has moved must be returned to the nearest warehouse for damage assessment before it can be transported again.

After the story and rules, I tell my group they have seven minutes to plan and practice their process for moving the supplies - this is their skills-development training. I watch and check with my group to make sure they understand the objective, the rules and how to use their resources. Basically, will they be playing by the 'rules' (or 'procedures' in place).

So far with every group I've observed (5 groups so far) during this planning and practice time, they've divided into three groups, each working on how to move one of the different supplies - 'skill specialty' is not a bad approach, but it has its limits, so they've found. One group, I recall, actually did decide that everyone should practice moving each of the different supplies, but not everyone took the time to do so. (In the end, practicing with each supply - using best practice ideas - would have been beneficial.)

After the planning and practice, I prepped everyone for the 'seven-minute' move. I ask for any last questions, reiterated some of the rules (e.g., "you can only touch your resource") and then said, "GO!", starting the timer. I then monitor the rules for compliance. (Or, let them hold themselves accountable if you want to focus on this objective.) After seven minutes I said, "Stop!"

Here's why I like Materials Move:

Groups realized they did not use their 'practice' time well. They spent far too much time talking and not enough time 'doing' in order to get data on their skill development.
Moving the water (on the backs of the resources) is the most challenging task - it takes the longest time to get to the village. This was not identified by any of the groups during planning and practice. Reallocating group members to this task, they discovered, would have been helpful.
Groups also determined, after the attempt, that learning 'best practices' from other small groups would have helped them integrate and help other groups still working on moving a particular supply. For example, the food was the easiest/fastest to move. Integrating into another group's process took valuable time - group members, the food-movers, had to learn how to help the other groups.
Groups determined, too late, that they allocated more personnel than they needed at first for their supply movement. In other words, if people were waiting for any length of time to move a supply (e.g., moving the food), they actually could have been more help with another group (e.g., moving the water).
(My Favorite Insight) Some people in all the groups I've been with admitted they avoided the most difficult task (moving the water) because there was more failure involved - working with another person to move the water took more coordination and often resulted in more drops and restarts. This brings up the idea of 'doing the hard work first' so it will be less stressful (in most cases) towards the end of task when the easier things remain.

Let us know how this one works for you and if you change up anything to reach other outcomes. I'll add any new information I discover and let you know when I get that group that can get it done in seven minutes.

All the best,

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

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Floor Safe (Venn Key Punch Reprise) with Video

2/20/2022

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At the recent Association for Challenge Course Technology conference I attended a fun and informative activity workshop, "A Fresh Perspective on Three Favorites" led by KC Ray (thanks KC, so much fun!!). One of the three favorites was Key Punch (Rohnke, Quicksilver). KC shared the Venn Key Punch setup I learned a while back from a fellow facilitator. (HERE is the original FUNdoing post.)

KC's (purposefully subtle) directions revealed an additional "fresh perspective" involving an added problem-solving opportunity. Here's the take-away I'm calling, the Floor Safe Challenge:

Set Up: The picture above is from the original Venn Key Punch post. Each rope circle (above) includes 30 numbered spots. (If I remember correctly, I think each rope in the picture above was 25-feet long. KC indicates the ropes - seen in the video below - are each 30-feet.) I suggest, in this particular write-up, using 24 numbered spots in each rope circle due to the timed challenge. Here are some set up considerations:

There will be numbers 1 through 24 in each rope circle. In the overlapping 'eyeball' section of the two circles, the numbers inside are shared by both circles/groups.
The numbers in the eyeball are not sequential. For example, if I use four numbers, I'll put down a 3, 9, 15 & 21. Avoid putting the number 1 in the eyeball. The more numbers in the eyeball, the more coordination between the two groups in play.
The size/diameter of each rope circle in play will determine the level of challenge (based on this write-up). The smaller the rope circles, the easier the challenge. NOTE: In the video below, the groups are able to reach all the numbers (if they wanted to), by leaning into each circles and touching the numbers. If the circles are bigger participants may need to step into them to get to the numbers. Hence, taking more time to complete the task/challenge.

The Story (if you want one): In front of you, and the rest of your salvage team, is a giant floor safe filled with unimaginable riches. An identical safe was discovered recently half way around the world by your main competitor. They figured out the steps to unlock the safe. One of their team members, disappointed in the cut s/he was going to get, contacted you and offered your team the instructions for double what s/he was going to get. Shortly after you agreed to the terms and encrypted email was sent to you with the instructions to open the safe. [This is where you give the group the Floor Safe Instructions sheet - PDF Download below.]

You also just found out that your main competitor knows you discovered this identical floor safe. Some of their team are on their way to crack the safe - which means you will only get half of the riches inside since you discovered the safe. Your competitor will get the other half for opening it. They will be arriving to this site in 30 minutes. Will you get all the riches of just half?

Floor Safe Instructions (This is the information included in the PDF Download (below) that you will hand to the group(s) - handing out multiple copies of the instructions will make the challenge a bit easier.)

You have 30 seconds for each attempt at opening the safe. If you fail to open the safe in 30 seconds you will need to wait 60 seconds before the next attempt - the safe seems to be resetting itself.
The two woven ropes around the numbered keys and the numbered keys themselves may not be moved - the safe locks itself down when the ropes or numbers are moved.
All the numbered keys inside both keypads must be touched in sequential order starting with the number ones.
Numbered keys must be touched by hand or foot (it doesn't seem to matter) and each numbered key may only be touched once.
The two numbered keypads appear to be weight sensitive. Only one person can touch the surface inside each keypad at a time. In other words, it's okay for two people to be touching inside the keypads - one person in each pad.

floorsafeinstructions_vennkeypunch.pdf
File Size:	59 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

Facilitation Notes:

Your role during the challenge is to let the group know whether they opened the safe, or not, in 30 seconds. This is all you can say: "Yes, you did it!" Or, "No, the safe is still locked."
So, this means you are watching for "Instruction" violations. You do not share your violation findings with the group. You wait for the group to finish or until 30 seconds have passed. Then, you share one of the two responses above.
Some of the basic Instructions are easy for the group to catch (or see), like more than one person touching inside a key pad, or the ropes or number keys being moved. The tricky bit involves the number keys inside the 'eye' (overlapping rope sections) which is the "fresh perspective" I picked up from KC. There is an Instruction that states, "...each number key may only be touched once." More often than not, (I'm going to presume) the groups working each keypad will each touch the numbers inside the eye - violating the "once" rule.
When you respond to the group, "No, the safe is still locked," there is nothing more you can say. The group is left to figure out what they (think they) did wrong and fix their plan during the 60 seconds they have to wait before the next safe cracking attempt. (You can be the one to time the 60 seconds.)

Processing Thoughts:

Lots of planning will go (or should go) into this challenge. How was this planning process for each person? Who was involved? Who was not involved? How did this 'sit' with everyone?
What roles and responsibilities were taken on, or given, to participants during the different attempts? What influenced any changes in roles and responsibilities during the challenge?
At any point during the challenge were you 'stuck?' What did being stuck look and sound like to you? If you were able to get un-stuck, what did this take?
What emotions surfaced for you during the challenge? How did you manage these emotions? How did the emotions influence the challenge?
What information do you want to remember from this challenge?

Let us know how this goes for you! Leave us a Comment.

All the best,

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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26 Word Builder (In the Dark)

11/19/2021

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Quick Context: Recently I was planning for a team building program where the last half of the experience was going to be after the sun went down - so, in the dark (very little twilight where I work - it gets dark fast). I actually found myself in new territory. How fun! This is where 26 Word Builder showed up. (Spoiler Alert: I didn't get to try it, so we're still in Beta. And this activity involves the 26 letters of American alphabet, so this may limit it's scope around the world. But I assume there can be some adaptation!!)

One of my go-to activities with large letter tiles is Word Builder. Sam Sikes and I shared this one in, "50 More Ways to Use Your Noodle" back in 2002. Before Sam and I had access to Jumbo Bananagrams (currently unavailable - bummer!) and Crowd Words (shown in the picture above) we sliced up noodles into 1.5 inch thick 'chips' and wrote letters on them (see Scrabble to make your set) to play letter-prop team builders. (Those were the days....) Anyway, back to the present...

'Building' in the Dark: Team building 'in the dark' poses some interesting challenges - most notably, the light (or lack of). The first prop chosen was a small camping lantern (low light, USB rechargeable) for each group/table and one for the letter cards table. Word Builder involves placing all of the letter cards (or tiles, about 120) on the ground where participants go out to get them - easy to see and avoid during the day. I thought this would not be ideal running around all over the letters in the dark so I chose to have the cards on a portable table - easy to see and obtain the letter cards. This table would be located in the center of a 50-foot long rope circle (the circumference is 50 feet). About 15 feet from the letter cards rope circle were six picnic tables - one for each group of 2 to 4 participants. Doing the math, 26 Word Builder (in my mind) will work well with 12 to 24 participants. Okay, that's the general set up.

26 Word Builder

Objective:
All groups are challenged to form a word, three or more letters in length, as quickly as possible.

Rules:

Players must remain around the outside table area unless they are going to pick up a letter.
When the timer says "GO!" (could be a player or facilitator) time starts and the game is on...
One person from each table group is allowed to be inside the rope circle at a time. (There will/should never be more than six people inside the rope circle.) The rope may not be reshaped in any way during the activity and the table with the letters on it may not be moved.
All of the letter cards on the table, inside the rope circle, must always be letter-side down.
Once inside the rope circle, each person is allowed to pick up one letter card and bring it back to his/her table. The letter on the card may not be revealed (looked at) until the card is at the group's table.
If the group wants the letter that was brought to their table, it stays there - face up or face down, this is up to the group. Then another person from the group can go into the rope circle to get another letter. Again, the letter may not be revealed until it's back at the group's table.
If a group does not want the letter that was brought back to the table, the next person going to retrieve a letter may bring the unwanted letter back. The unwanted letter must be placed back on the table, letter-side down.
All players are required to take turns going into the rope circle to get a letter. In other words, everyone from a small table group will need to go get a letter before anyone else from their group goes in again to get a letter, and so on...
When every group has spelled out a word of three or more letters, the time stops.
Record (write down) all of the words used during the first round then process the experience to showcase what was learned.

Additional Thinking on 26 Word Builder:

Why six groups? A, E, I, O, U and sometimes Y - six groups. American English words require at least one vowel or the letter Y (well, there are some words in English that don't have vowels, but we don't use them much). So, using only the 26 letters of the Alphabet there will need to be a vowel or the Y at each table, then consonants are used with them to form the words (but you knew that!).
Why only the 26 letters of the American Alphabet? I believe, the limited resources will force the small groups to communicate with each other a bit sooner than later. If they (someone) were to make a pre-assessment and count the number of letter tiles available, they could make an educated guess as to what the set contains - the 26 letters of the Alphabet. Then, they would be able to determine what 'six' words would be possible with the limited choices available. Then, each group will be searching for their letters.
Why three letter words or longer? Two-letter words are too easy, three-letter words are possible for every one of the six groups. I don't think four-letter words for all six groups is possible? A combination of three- and four-letter words between the groups is possible. And, if a pre-assessment is not successful and a group uses two (or more) vowels in their word, the overall objective will not be met. (A problem they will all need to sort out if this happens - while the time is still running.)
Helping? This is the major behavior we're after in this one. When a group uncovers a letter they don't need, but someone else might, how do they make this information available to the other groups while following the rules. (Hint: More communication.) And, when a group realizes they do not have the resources they need, how do they make it known to the other groups - how do (will) they ask for help?

Round 2
After the first Round of learning, challenge the group(s) to another Round. However, let them know they will not be able to use any of the words created (the ones you wrote down) from the first Round. Hopefully, with the learning they acquired from Round 1, the second Round will be a lot faster. Process their new experience to pull out the benefits of learning from our past.

Please help me work through this one - Beta is fun! (One thing that comes to mind for me, while in the dark [that could be read at least two ways!], the physical rope on the ground might be a tripping hazard!! How could we designate a boundary area?) Share those ideas in the Comments or send me an email!! I think this one has potential....

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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Micro Cup It Up Activities: Flip Flop Tower & Reverse Pyramid Build (with video)

8/13/2021

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If you've been following the fun for a while, you know I love team building with cups (in non-alcoholic ways). And, you might also know I'm the co-author of the book, Cup It Up: Team Building with Cups (with Barry Thompson). The book is available for immediate download or paperback version.

Recently I was organizing some pictures and video files and found some cup action using the smaller one-ounce cups (initially presented at NCCPS: The National Challenge Course Practitioners Symposium - a.k.a., the Un-Conference near Boulder Colorado).

Those of you who have been team building with cups for a while should be able to pick up the steps from the video. (As always, if you have any questions be sure to email me: chris@onteambuilding.com) Here are some finer details for each activity:

Flip-Flop Tower
All the details are HERE for the Macro Cup version - plays the same with the smaller cups!

Reverse Pyramid Build
You will find complete details for this one in the Cup It Up book (along with lots more cup activities). Here are the basics:

Pyramid Rule: Each horizontal level/row of cups has only one more cup than the level above it.
Start with one cup on the table (i.e., flat surface).
Only the cup(s) touching the table can be lifted.
Cups may only be added underneath the pyramid structure.
If a cup falls from the pyramid in any way, start over with one cup.
If you are not lifting the pyramid, only by the bottom row, you can use your index fingers (only) to touch the pyramid structure.

The Reverse Pyramid Build is one of my favorite cup activities. It has the tactile, visual and auditory connections that engage participants. It brings up great conversations about success and failure (when you fail you see it and you hear it) and small groups are active in planning and carrying out particular roles and responsibilities - some are more demanding than others. All good stuff to talk about.

Do let me know if you have questions! Email: chris@onteambuilding.com

Have FUN out there.

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

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<<Previous

Snowball Pick-N-Choose (with Video)

Word Circle Puzzles: Self-Guided

Paper Transporter (with Video)

Number Shuffle (for any Weather)

Materials Move (A Pipeline Variation) a.k.a. Seven Minutes!

Floor Safe (Venn Key Punch Reprise) with Video

Image Changing (with ZOOM or Image Cards)

26 Word Builder (In the Dark)

Collaboration with Picture Word Circle Puzzles (Reprise) Print-N-Play

Micro Cup It Up Activities: Flip Flop Tower & Reverse Pyramid Build (with video)

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