Key Pad Express 2

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I designed Key Pad Express (a.k.a., 'Chicken Express' when tossing a rubber chicken during the challenge), back in 2016 for a multi-group corporate program. We were working on process improvement through better communication. I finally posted it to the FUNdoing blog in 2020 after finding the (lost) video. This version really changed the old Keypunch (Rohnke) activity for me, getting more players moving throughout the activity and adding more 'problems' to solve (e.g., throwing, catching, more responsibilities). 

Recently I found myself thinking about other ways to use numbered spots and Pressure Play Too came to mind. With larger groups, of 30 to 50, participants work through the suits of playing cards moving from player to player in sequence. I think we can do the same thing with smaller groups using numbered spots. 

Key Pad Express 2

Needs & Numbers: I have yet to try this version of Key Pad Express (only a conceptual idea right now). When I do, I plan to use it with groups of 6 to 10 participants per number pool (a number pool looks like the graphic above). Of course, when I have a larger group, I'll divide it up into smaller groups. I'm going with sets of 30 numbered spots (or numbered index cards). This gives at least three 'responsibilities' to each participant in a group (see below). A 50-foot rope can be used as a boundary of the pool (shown above), but it's not required. 

Set Up: Scatter around 24 to 30 numbered spots (as shown above). If you are using a 50-foot rope, lay it out first in whatever geometric shape you like, and then scatter the spots inside – number sides up. (Again, the rope is not required.)

You can make numbered spots using small paper plates, index cards, or save those white plastic lids from yogurt containers (for example) and use a permanent marker to number them. Of course you can also buy yourself a set or two. Search online for 'numbered game spots' – there are lots to choose from!

The further you scatter apart the numbered spots, the more room players will have to move around others in the group. When the spots are closer together the physical risk factor of 'bumping' (i.e., crashing) into someone increases. So, choose the set up that is most appropriate for your group and their objectives. 

Play:

• Gather the group(s) around outside the number 'pool' area(s) - maybe about 5-feet away.
• The challenge they will have is to 'Tap Out' all the numbers in the pool as quickly and safely as possible.
• This will be a timed activity. (Each number pool group separately or as an all-group challenge – decide based on group outcomes. Individual group process improvement or an all-group – time stops when the last group is done. See Facilitator Notes below.)  
• Give each group in play time to plan without going into the number pool – they can move around it, but not step inside. 
• Here is the Expectation: When planning time is over, one player stays outside of their number pool, the other players will go into their pool and each stand on the first numbers. For example, in a group of 10, one person stays outside their number pool (they are not standing on a number), the other nine go into the pool, each standing on one number, one through nine. 
• When a player is standing on a numbered spot, the spot must be covered with the person's feet. The person can leave their number after being Tapped Out.
• When everyone is set, "GO" is called and the facilitator starts the time.
• The player outside of their number pool goes into their pool and Taps Out (i.e., tags) their teammate standing on the number 1 spot. Once tapped, this player leaves their spot to go Tap Out the player on the number 2 spot. Once tapped, the number 2 player goes to Tap Out number 3. Number 3 then goes to 4. This process continues until all numbers are Tapped Out. 
• Once a player Taps someone out, they have the responsibility to go to their next number in the sequence that is open. (Hopefully during planning, all players have determined their responsibilities – the numbers they are going to stand on. If not, problem solving will unfold.)
• The numbers, not covered before the activity started, 10, 11, 12 and so on need to be covered (stepped on) by the players who Tapped Out their teammates. Essentially, a number cannot be Tapped Out unless someone is standing on it. And the tapper cannot stand on the number and tap themselves out. (Clever, but against the rules.) 
• When the number 30 is Tapped Out the player that was on 30 moves outside of their number pool and yells, "DONE!" 
• If groups are woking independently, the facilitator calls out the time when a group shouts "DONE" and keeps time running in order to call out the next times for other groups in play. When working for an all-group time, the facilitator stops the time when the last group yells, "DONE!" 
• After the first timed Round, the group(s) has (have) a baseline. Program enough overall time so at least two additional Rounds can be played in order for the group(s) to do some planning and problem solving to lower their time – process improvement.  

Reflection: Discuss learnings and insights around the Planning Process; Roles and Responsibilities; Problems and Solving Problems; Personal and Group Safety; Cooperation and Collaboration (e.g., when 'all-groups' timing), as well as, Failure and Success – What led to each? What do we want to keep? What do we want to change? 

Facilitator Notes:

• Timing the Activity: When there are enough timing devices (e.g., stop watch, smart phone), you can require that each group keep their own time. This will necessitate the role of a timer. Then the question is: Will the timer be 'required' to participate in the process of Tapping Out? It's a bit challenging to multi-task during the activity, but it can be done. NOTE: When I have my groups time themselves, I provide stop watches. I prefer not to take the risk of a smart phone flying around the group. Make the best choice for your group at the time. 
• Human Locomotion: The challenge states, "as quickly and safely as possible." Have a thoughtful conversation about safety and expectations – what is reasonable for the group. Keep an eye on the group(s) and slow things down when needed.

​We'd love to get some data on how this goes out there! Please leave a Comment below. 

Have fun out there! 

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.