In a recent email she told me:
My favorite name game is Group Juggle because it seems to be the most helpful in actually learning names. But, after you facilitate it for the hundredth time it's time for something different.
Do you know of any [other name games] that are as helpful and active as Group Juggle that work with youth and adults?
Following this procedure leads most groups to a high percentage of successful tosses and catches (not that catching is even required). The next person to possess the object (since the intended person might not get the toss) follows the same procedure - name, connection, toss. This one object goes around the group in any which-way - no pattern is required (Like in the activity, Group Juggle). Once the process is understood, after a minute or so, I stop the action and tell my group about Testing Out.
Now that you understand how PTP works I would like to give you a challenge - remember, it's your challenge, your choice around here, so it's up to you if you want to try "testing out." We're going to continue the activity, following PTP. After a few minutes I will stop the process and ask if anyone would like to test out. If you are up for the challenge, the first thing you will need to tell me is what grade you want to go for - this means, getting 90% or more names correct gives you an "A" grade. (For an A+ you need to get all the names correct.) A "B" is in the 80th percentile, a "C" is in the 70th percentile, and so on. If you don't get the grade you want, you can try again after another round of tossing play.
One of the secondary goals of this process is to show the group how you are creating a safe learning environment - if you take a "risk" we will support you. With that said, I am always one of the first to "test," and I usually have to try a few times before I get my A+. (I show my group I'm willing to take the risk as well - and willing to "fail" and learn from the process.)
Have FUN out there!
Chris Cavert