I run across short activity snippets in my files (both paper and digital) all the time - activity ideas I jotted down containing brief information about something I thought would be useful and/or fun to try. I always say to myself, "Chris, you need to do something with this." Okay, so here is me doing something with these. (Volume 1: HERE, Volume 2: HERE)
Shark Tank (This is a version of Mine/Obstacle Field I picked up at an International Physical Education Conference. Sorry to say, I did not document the speakers name, I was watching from afar while in the convention center. But, after a little resource research I would bet the presenter was a FlagHouse rep based on the gear he was using).
At the time my mental model with Mine Field (I, personally, don't use 'Mine' any more, but it is the traditional vernacular), was that everything inside the Field was something negative. Another "A-Ha" moment and so simple. (And, I liked the frontload/metaphor of a shark tank instead of mines.)
The 'tank' (a large square rope shape on the floor) was full of game spots, stars and SHARKS. (HERE is the FlagHouse link to the set of spots used. FlagHouse also sells just the Sharks.) Here is what I wrote in my notes: A blindfolded person [who is guided by someone outside the tank] is given 3 Oxygens before heading into the tank. Step on a shark, lose one oxygen. Step on a star, gain one oxygen. Step on the other stuff? [You can decide what you will for, "the other stuff."] NOTE: Of course, if you can't invest in the FlagHouse spots, you can designate a certain obstacle in the Field as a shark and another certain obstacle as an oxygen. And have lots of other "stuff" in the Field.
The one extension/rule option I'm thinking about right now is that when a 'star' (could be any type of spot/object in the Field) is touched, it goes away. So, how will the group as a whole manage the 'positive' resources? Another idea: What if sharks can move? Or be added? (The facilitator can move or add them during the action.)
At the time my mental model with Mine Field (I, personally, don't use 'Mine' any more, but it is the traditional vernacular), was that everything inside the Field was something negative. Another "A-Ha" moment and so simple. (And, I liked the frontload/metaphor of a shark tank instead of mines.)
The 'tank' (a large square rope shape on the floor) was full of game spots, stars and SHARKS. (HERE is the FlagHouse link to the set of spots used. FlagHouse also sells just the Sharks.) Here is what I wrote in my notes: A blindfolded person [who is guided by someone outside the tank] is given 3 Oxygens before heading into the tank. Step on a shark, lose one oxygen. Step on a star, gain one oxygen. Step on the other stuff? [You can decide what you will for, "the other stuff."] NOTE: Of course, if you can't invest in the FlagHouse spots, you can designate a certain obstacle in the Field as a shark and another certain obstacle as an oxygen. And have lots of other "stuff" in the Field.
The one extension/rule option I'm thinking about right now is that when a 'star' (could be any type of spot/object in the Field) is touched, it goes away. So, how will the group as a whole manage the 'positive' resources? Another idea: What if sharks can move? Or be added? (The facilitator can move or add them during the action.)
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Pipeline Prop
Here's another quick note I had on my phone (inspired by a Facebook quote by J.K.). Use 'Twisting Balloons' (those balloons used to make balloon animals and other fun shapes) as a super-portable prop for Pipeline. (HERE is the Amazon link associated with the picture.) |
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Adventures: Blowing up these little skinny balloons is not as easy as you might think - could be the most challenging adventure of all. Once blown up keep them straight for the pipeline activity. You'll need 6 to 12 marbles as well - easy to carry around. (HERE is a video of Immobile Chopsticks - the macro version of this idea using noodles.) Then, use the inflated twisting balloons to build 'The Tallest Tower.' Twist and turn the balloons together as a team to build a tall structure. "We are all a part of the bigger picture." (Clean Up: If popped before discarded, be sure only those with rubber gloves clean up the fragments.)
What You Say (without props)
This was an idea that came to me a while ago, but have yet to try - I think it should work. First, check out THIS FUNdoing POST from 2018 to get the basic idea using playing cards (and yes, this is still my all-time favorite Ice Breaker) and then come back to this no-prop variation.
When participants pair up, there are two ways you can have them play. 1) Each person holds up fingers - 1 to 5 fingers - indicating how many 'things about themselves' they are willing to share about themselves with her/his partner. Or, 2) The number of fingers held up - 1 to 5 - is how many things the person wants her/his partner to share about her-/himself. Depending on the version, it comes down to asking yourself to do something or asking someone else to do something. 'Something' interesting to explore. (Example: You give yourself one thing to share, but you 'make' someone share five things.) After each person shares the numbered information, each person then (virtually) takes her/his partner's number and goes off to find someone else to share with. (If you try this one, please share your results. I'd love to collect some data on this idea.)
This was an idea that came to me a while ago, but have yet to try - I think it should work. First, check out THIS FUNdoing POST from 2018 to get the basic idea using playing cards (and yes, this is still my all-time favorite Ice Breaker) and then come back to this no-prop variation.
When participants pair up, there are two ways you can have them play. 1) Each person holds up fingers - 1 to 5 fingers - indicating how many 'things about themselves' they are willing to share about themselves with her/his partner. Or, 2) The number of fingers held up - 1 to 5 - is how many things the person wants her/his partner to share about her-/himself. Depending on the version, it comes down to asking yourself to do something or asking someone else to do something. 'Something' interesting to explore. (Example: You give yourself one thing to share, but you 'make' someone share five things.) After each person shares the numbered information, each person then (virtually) takes her/his partner's number and goes off to find someone else to share with. (If you try this one, please share your results. I'd love to collect some data on this idea.)
Be well my friend. Keep me posted.
Chris Cavert, Ed.D.
Chris Cavert, Ed.D.
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