Leadership Games |
Target Themes: Conflict Resolution, Community, All Together
Supplies: a ball (or rolled up tape); for each group: 6 pieces of newspaper, 4 paper plates, 4 paper or plastic cups, ruler, scissors, roll of tape, 4 toothpicks (optional)
Divide participants into groups and have them sit around their building materials. Tell them they are not allowed to touch their materials at this point. Explain that each group is going to build a bridge using only the materials in front of them. The bridge must be able to support a small ball rolling from one side to the other and must meet the following criteria:
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Explain that for the next 10 minutes the groups can talk and plan how they will build their bridges, but that they still cannot touch the materials. After these 10 minutes are up, give them another 10 minutes to build their bridges, however they may not talk once the building time has begun. When time runs out the facilitator will measure each bridge to make sure they are at least 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide, and then each group will test their bridge with the ball.
Ask if they have any questions before the activity begins. Be sure to walk around to each group during both the planning and building phases to monitor their progress and make sure they are sticking to the rules.
Variations:
-Randomly assign a leader to each group but do not give them any specific responsibilities.
-To do this activity with slightly younger children, allow them to talk throughout the building phase.
Supplies: a ball (or rolled up tape); for each group: 6 pieces of newspaper, 4 paper plates, 4 paper or plastic cups, ruler, scissors, roll of tape, 4 toothpicks (optional)
Divide participants into groups and have them sit around their building materials. Tell them they are not allowed to touch their materials at this point. Explain that each group is going to build a bridge using only the materials in front of them. The bridge must be able to support a small ball rolling from one side to the other and must meet the following criteria:
- It must be at least 2 feet tall
- It must be at least 3 feet wide
- It cannot be anchored to the table or floor
Back to Fall Themes
Back to Spring Themes
Explain that for the next 10 minutes the groups can talk and plan how they will build their bridges, but that they still cannot touch the materials. After these 10 minutes are up, give them another 10 minutes to build their bridges, however they may not talk once the building time has begun. When time runs out the facilitator will measure each bridge to make sure they are at least 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide, and then each group will test their bridge with the ball.
Ask if they have any questions before the activity begins. Be sure to walk around to each group during both the planning and building phases to monitor their progress and make sure they are sticking to the rules.
Variations:
-Randomly assign a leader to each group but do not give them any specific responsibilities.
-To do this activity with slightly younger children, allow them to talk throughout the building phase.
Target Themes: Leadership, Community, Conflict Resolution, All Together
Supplies: Six paper or plastic cups per team, rubber bands, string or twine
This game is played in small groups and is good for encouraging players to work together as a team. The variation can be used to examine the role of the leaders.
Before you play the game, make rubber band tools for each group. There should be four people per group. Make the rubber band tools by tying four pieces of string to a rubber band so each person on the team can hold a string and partially control the opening and closing of the rubber band.
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Back to Spring Themes
It will probably be easiest to explain this game by demonstration. Have all the players gather around one group of four people. Six cups should be laid out in the middle of the four players. The players should then stack the cups into a tower by only using the rubber band tool. After they have made a tower, they can be given additional challenges.
Variations:
- Have the groups try to stack the cups or make some other kind of structure without talking.
- Designate one member of each group as the leader. The other members of the group must close their eyes. The leader will guide the other members of the group in stacking or making a structure.
Supplies: Six paper or plastic cups per team, rubber bands, string or twine
This game is played in small groups and is good for encouraging players to work together as a team. The variation can be used to examine the role of the leaders.
Before you play the game, make rubber band tools for each group. There should be four people per group. Make the rubber band tools by tying four pieces of string to a rubber band so each person on the team can hold a string and partially control the opening and closing of the rubber band.
Back to Fall Themes
Back to Spring Themes
It will probably be easiest to explain this game by demonstration. Have all the players gather around one group of four people. Six cups should be laid out in the middle of the four players. The players should then stack the cups into a tower by only using the rubber band tool. After they have made a tower, they can be given additional challenges.
Variations:
- Have the groups try to stack the cups or make some other kind of structure without talking.
- Designate one member of each group as the leader. The other members of the group must close their eyes. The leader will guide the other members of the group in stacking or making a structure.
Target Themes: Self Awareness, Conflict Resolution, Community, All Together
Supplies: Several bowls, Candy
From the start announce to the group that there will be no talking during this activity. You also want to mention that there is no physical contact with other members, so if someone gets a piece of candy before another they CANNOT attempt to take it away from them. Also, let the groups know that they can’t eat the candy until the activity is over. Groups of 3 to 5 should be created.
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Each group should be given a bowl with twice as many pieces of candy as there are people (i.e if there are 3 people the group starts with 6 pieces of candy). The object of the game is for each player to get the most candy for his or herself. The game works in rounds, to start a round the facilitator simply says “Go” and the participants have the choice of taking either at least one piece of candy or as many pieces as they’d like. Before you start the first round let everyone know that at the end of each round (which is determined by the facilitator) the amount of candy left in the bowls is doubled (with a maximum of the original amount in the bowl). Once a group has no candy left in their bowl they can no longer participate. The game goes until all of the groups have no candy left or the facilitator calls the game
Supplies: Several bowls, Candy
From the start announce to the group that there will be no talking during this activity. You also want to mention that there is no physical contact with other members, so if someone gets a piece of candy before another they CANNOT attempt to take it away from them. Also, let the groups know that they can’t eat the candy until the activity is over. Groups of 3 to 5 should be created.
Back to Fall Themes
Back to Spring Themes
Each group should be given a bowl with twice as many pieces of candy as there are people (i.e if there are 3 people the group starts with 6 pieces of candy). The object of the game is for each player to get the most candy for his or herself. The game works in rounds, to start a round the facilitator simply says “Go” and the participants have the choice of taking either at least one piece of candy or as many pieces as they’d like. Before you start the first round let everyone know that at the end of each round (which is determined by the facilitator) the amount of candy left in the bowls is doubled (with a maximum of the original amount in the bowl). Once a group has no candy left in their bowl they can no longer participate. The game goes until all of the groups have no candy left or the facilitator calls the game
Target Themes: Introductions, All Together, Teamwork, Communication
Supplies: A light-weight object, such as a hula hoop or long stick
Have the group put their pointer finger underneath the object. Explain to the group that the task is to lower the object slowly to the ground, but the object must stay in contact with everyone’s finger or the challenge starts over.
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Supplies: A light-weight object, such as a hula hoop or long stick
Have the group put their pointer finger underneath the object. Explain to the group that the task is to lower the object slowly to the ground, but the object must stay in contact with everyone’s finger or the challenge starts over.
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Back to Spring Themes
Target Themes: Safe space, Leadership, Critical thinking, Teamwork
Have the group stand in a tight circle. Tell everyone put their right hand into in the middle of the circle and grab the hand of someone else, making sure that it is not the person standing on their immediate left or right. Next, tell everyone put their left hand into the middle of the circle and grab someone else’s left hand, again making sure that it is not the person on their immediate left or right (and also making sure that they are holding the hands of two different people). To make sure that everyone is connected,have the groups quickly “pass a pulse” around the circle. When the group is well-tangled, explain that their job is to untangle themselves without letting go. Walk around the group and observe the strategies that players are using and the way different people are displaying leadership. Also, make sure that people are physically safe and mindful of each other.
Variation: Challenge the group to untangle the knot without talking.
Back to Fall Themes
Back to Spring Themes
Have the group stand in a tight circle. Tell everyone put their right hand into in the middle of the circle and grab the hand of someone else, making sure that it is not the person standing on their immediate left or right. Next, tell everyone put their left hand into the middle of the circle and grab someone else’s left hand, again making sure that it is not the person on their immediate left or right (and also making sure that they are holding the hands of two different people). To make sure that everyone is connected,have the groups quickly “pass a pulse” around the circle. When the group is well-tangled, explain that their job is to untangle themselves without letting go. Walk around the group and observe the strategies that players are using and the way different people are displaying leadership. Also, make sure that people are physically safe and mindful of each other.
Variation: Challenge the group to untangle the knot without talking.
Back to Fall Themes
Back to Spring Themes
Target Themes: Embracing Potential, Communication, Conflict Resolution, All Together
The object of this game is for people to work cooperatively in small groups to imitate a machine using only their bodies. Divide the groups into teams of approximately 3-6 people. Explain that they will have five minutes to choose a machine and to plan how the team will present it to the rest of the group.
Some guidelines:
After five minutes, bring the teams back together and have each team present their machine for the whole group. After a team has presented, have participants raise their hands if they think they can identify the machine. Give the group three chances to guess the machine.
Variation: Have the whole group (or teams) create a new machine – either functional or fictional. Begin with one or two players performing a motion, possibly accompanied by a sound. One by one, have additional players add a complementary motion and sound until the machine is complete. This can get quite loud so make sure the group is in a place where they can make noise without disturbing others. If the group is mature or has had some practice, tell them that their new machine must accomplish some task, such as cooking, cleaning, building, making music, farming, or something else.
Back to Fall Themes
Back to Spring Themes
The object of this game is for people to work cooperatively in small groups to imitate a machine using only their bodies. Divide the groups into teams of approximately 3-6 people. Explain that they will have five minutes to choose a machine and to plan how the team will present it to the rest of the group.
Some guidelines:
- The machine must be an actual machine. (Examples have included everything from televisions to tractors to espresso machines)
- The only materials available to use are the people in the group.
- Every person on the team must be included.
After five minutes, bring the teams back together and have each team present their machine for the whole group. After a team has presented, have participants raise their hands if they think they can identify the machine. Give the group three chances to guess the machine.
Variation: Have the whole group (or teams) create a new machine – either functional or fictional. Begin with one or two players performing a motion, possibly accompanied by a sound. One by one, have additional players add a complementary motion and sound until the machine is complete. This can get quite loud so make sure the group is in a place where they can make noise without disturbing others. If the group is mature or has had some practice, tell them that their new machine must accomplish some task, such as cooking, cleaning, building, making music, farming, or something else.
Back to Fall Themes
Back to Spring Themes
Target Themes: Communication, Critical thinking, Teamwork
Supplies: Rope
Divide participants into groups of four or six. Group members move as if they would hold hands, but instead they hold pieces of rope between them. The goal of the exercise is to tie a not in the piece of rope between the middle two classmates. Participants must hold onto the rope at all times, but move in a way such that they make a knot.
Confused? Watch one of the many possible solutions here
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Back to Spring Themes
Supplies: Rope
Divide participants into groups of four or six. Group members move as if they would hold hands, but instead they hold pieces of rope between them. The goal of the exercise is to tie a not in the piece of rope between the middle two classmates. Participants must hold onto the rope at all times, but move in a way such that they make a knot.
Confused? Watch one of the many possible solutions here
Back to Fall Themes
Back to Spring Themes
Target Themes: Conflict Resolution, All Together, Our Space,
Split the group up into groups of 6 people and explain that they are going to work together to make a jigsaw person. Inform the groups that each jigsaw person will be made up of a head, a torso, two arms, and two legs. Tell the groups it will be up to them to decide who will be which body part, and to arrange themselves on the floor so that they make up a jigsaw person.
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Back to Spring Themes
Variation:
- Assign each member of each group to a body part. Explain that they will be limited by their body part assignment, and may only use that part of their own body while attempting to form the jigsaw person. The person who has been assigned the head may think and talk, but may not point or move unless directed. The people who have been assigned the arms may point and wave, but may not move unless directed. The people who have been assigned the legs may walk and nudge people into position, but may not talk or point. The person who has been assigned the torso may not talk or move unless directed.
- An additional variation is to have the groups form giant animals, and to act out how that animal would behave.
Split the group up into groups of 6 people and explain that they are going to work together to make a jigsaw person. Inform the groups that each jigsaw person will be made up of a head, a torso, two arms, and two legs. Tell the groups it will be up to them to decide who will be which body part, and to arrange themselves on the floor so that they make up a jigsaw person.
Back to Fall Themes
Back to Spring Themes
Variation:
- Assign each member of each group to a body part. Explain that they will be limited by their body part assignment, and may only use that part of their own body while attempting to form the jigsaw person. The person who has been assigned the head may think and talk, but may not point or move unless directed. The people who have been assigned the arms may point and wave, but may not move unless directed. The people who have been assigned the legs may walk and nudge people into position, but may not talk or point. The person who has been assigned the torso may not talk or move unless directed.
- An additional variation is to have the groups form giant animals, and to act out how that animal would behave.
Target Themes: Embracing Potential, Community, Introductions, Conflict Resolution
Try to find a playing space that has a clearly marked dividing line long enough for each team to line up along. Divide players into two teams and have each side choose a “home base” like a wall or play structure. Once a player reaches his or her home base, they are safe and cannot be tagged. Explain that in each round, one team (Team 2) will stand a few feet back from the center line while the other team (Team 1) will huddle up and choose an occupation to act out without talking and a home city/state/country. After they have decided, have them start walking toward the centerline and begin the following script:
Back to Fall Themes
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Try to find a playing space that has a clearly marked dividing line long enough for each team to line up along. Divide players into two teams and have each side choose a “home base” like a wall or play structure. Once a player reaches his or her home base, they are safe and cannot be tagged. Explain that in each round, one team (Team 2) will stand a few feet back from the center line while the other team (Team 1) will huddle up and choose an occupation to act out without talking and a home city/state/country. After they have decided, have them start walking toward the centerline and begin the following script:
- Team 1: “Here we come”
- Team 2: “Where from?”
- Team 1: “_” (the city/state/country)
- Team 2:” What’s your trade?”
- Team 1: “Lemonade”
- Team 2: “Well show us some if you’re not afraid”
Back to Fall Themes
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Target Themes: Communication, Leadership, All together, Conflict Resolution, Speaking Up
Supplies: Marshmallows, toothpicks
Split the group into two or more teams. Each team should have about 3-6 people. The goal of this game is to see which group builds the highest tower using only the items provided. The towers must be stable. What’s the catch? Explain to the groups that each person in their group with have different skills taken away from them. The roles are listed below.
Person A – eyes open, can talk, cannot build
Person B - eyes open, cannot talk, can only build using pointer and middle fingers
Person C – eyes closed, can talk, can build
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Supplies: Marshmallows, toothpicks
Split the group into two or more teams. Each team should have about 3-6 people. The goal of this game is to see which group builds the highest tower using only the items provided. The towers must be stable. What’s the catch? Explain to the groups that each person in their group with have different skills taken away from them. The roles are listed below.
Person A – eyes open, can talk, cannot build
Person B - eyes open, cannot talk, can only build using pointer and middle fingers
Person C – eyes closed, can talk, can build
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Reviews
We tried playing this game with a 4th grade class (ages 9-10). We had eight kids so one of our volunteers participated in one group as Person A, and that group happened to do a lot better than the other two groups, who either cheated or gave up mid-game. If you have a low kid to volunteer ratio (approximately 2:1), try having a volunteer in each group so that the groups can stay on track and it's easier to keep them under control. -JE
Target Themes: All Together, Conflict Resolution, Community, Leadership, Embracing Potential
3rd grade & up – Medium group (10+)
Empowerment, Observation, Nonverbal communication, Patience
Similar to Blizzard/Silent Lineup
Have students find their path in a game which combines mazes with teamwork.
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3rd grade & up – Medium group (10+)
Empowerment, Observation, Nonverbal communication, Patience
Similar to Blizzard/Silent Lineup
Have students find their path in a game which combines mazes with teamwork.
Back to Fall Themes
Back to Spring Themes
Target Themes: Self-awareness, Leadership, All Together
Supplies: Blindfold (optional)
In this game, four to six players will be human obstacles, while the rest of the group will be split into pairs. Explain that the space will be transformed into an obstacle course that people will need to negotiate. Ask for volunteers to be the “obstacles,” then place them strategically around the room and help them to create the course. This may include stepping over a volunteer (or frozen log), crawling under a table or stepping through a hoop of some sort (ice cave), walking between two people who are standing close together (crevasse), being held in mid-air (climbing in and out of the survival tent), avoiding a person pacing back and forth (snow plow), or stopping at a station to complete a task (like singing “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”). Have the remaining participants pair up, so that everyone has a buddy. Explain that there has been a terrible blizzard in the room. Some players can still see (one person in each pair), but others have become snow blind (the other person in the pair who must close their eyes or use a blindfold). Give the pairs a minute to decide which person will play each role. Have each pair line up at the beginning of the course. The game begins when the pairs navigate their way through “the blizzard.” The players who can see must lead the blinded players through both the blizzard and obstacles safely. (Depending on the group, allow the guides to lead their partners by touching them lightly on the shoulders or instruct them to use only words). Send pairs through at staggered intervals so players do not bump into each other. Remind guides to watch not only their partner but other groups, as well. The game ends when each pair has successfully completed the course.
Back to Fall Themes
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Variation: Have the group direct people through the blizzard. Choose a volunteer to be blindfolded and help them to the starting line. Have another player/volunteer to be their “spotter” and follow them, making sure that they are safe at all times, but explain that the spotter may not give directions.Directions and help may only come from the group, who are standing at the perimeter. Begin by letting anyone give directions. When this becomes too chaotic, freeze the game and have the blindfolded player explain what was easy or hard and what she or he needs to be successful.
Supplies: Blindfold (optional)
In this game, four to six players will be human obstacles, while the rest of the group will be split into pairs. Explain that the space will be transformed into an obstacle course that people will need to negotiate. Ask for volunteers to be the “obstacles,” then place them strategically around the room and help them to create the course. This may include stepping over a volunteer (or frozen log), crawling under a table or stepping through a hoop of some sort (ice cave), walking between two people who are standing close together (crevasse), being held in mid-air (climbing in and out of the survival tent), avoiding a person pacing back and forth (snow plow), or stopping at a station to complete a task (like singing “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”). Have the remaining participants pair up, so that everyone has a buddy. Explain that there has been a terrible blizzard in the room. Some players can still see (one person in each pair), but others have become snow blind (the other person in the pair who must close their eyes or use a blindfold). Give the pairs a minute to decide which person will play each role. Have each pair line up at the beginning of the course. The game begins when the pairs navigate their way through “the blizzard.” The players who can see must lead the blinded players through both the blizzard and obstacles safely. (Depending on the group, allow the guides to lead their partners by touching them lightly on the shoulders or instruct them to use only words). Send pairs through at staggered intervals so players do not bump into each other. Remind guides to watch not only their partner but other groups, as well. The game ends when each pair has successfully completed the course.
Back to Fall Themes
Back to Spring Themes
Variation: Have the group direct people through the blizzard. Choose a volunteer to be blindfolded and help them to the starting line. Have another player/volunteer to be their “spotter” and follow them, making sure that they are safe at all times, but explain that the spotter may not give directions.Directions and help may only come from the group, who are standing at the perimeter. Begin by letting anyone give directions. When this becomes too chaotic, freeze the game and have the blindfolded player explain what was easy or hard and what she or he needs to be successful.
Reviews
For younger kids (K, 1, 2), we had the guide hold one end of a scarf and the blindfolded child hold the other end. This way, they were still dependent on one another but it was less dangerous due to the age factor
Target Themes: Safe space, Leadership
Begin by having participants pair up. Explain that there is going to be a leader and a follower but that these roles will be switched frequently. Ask for one person from each pair to volunteer to be the leader first. Have the leader place their hand one foot away from their partners face. Explain that the followers’ goal is to maintain this distance while the leader slowly moves their hand up, down, sideways, and walks around the room. After about a minute or so, explain that there are going to be two “commands.” If the facilitator claps one time the players are to switch roles, if the facilitator claps two times they are to quickly switch partners. Make sure to continuously give commands so that the game stays interesting, and play for as long as everyone is having fun.
Back to Fall Themes
Back to Spring Themes
Variations:
- One way to switch up “Hypnotist” is to have both players lead. Have the players choose one spot on their body (fingertips of their left hand, nose, elbow, etc.) Have players walk around the room while trying to maintain three feet of distance between their partners chosen body part and their own face.
- Another way to switch up “Hypnotist” is to have one person lead the entire group. The leader would have all of the followers attempt to keep their faces three feet away from the leaders hand while the leader slowly and deliberately moves their hand.
Begin by having participants pair up. Explain that there is going to be a leader and a follower but that these roles will be switched frequently. Ask for one person from each pair to volunteer to be the leader first. Have the leader place their hand one foot away from their partners face. Explain that the followers’ goal is to maintain this distance while the leader slowly moves their hand up, down, sideways, and walks around the room. After about a minute or so, explain that there are going to be two “commands.” If the facilitator claps one time the players are to switch roles, if the facilitator claps two times they are to quickly switch partners. Make sure to continuously give commands so that the game stays interesting, and play for as long as everyone is having fun.
Back to Fall Themes
Back to Spring Themes
Variations:
- One way to switch up “Hypnotist” is to have both players lead. Have the players choose one spot on their body (fingertips of their left hand, nose, elbow, etc.) Have players walk around the room while trying to maintain three feet of distance between their partners chosen body part and their own face.
- Another way to switch up “Hypnotist” is to have one person lead the entire group. The leader would have all of the followers attempt to keep their faces three feet away from the leaders hand while the leader slowly and deliberately moves their hand.
Target Themes: Self-Awareness, Leadership, All Together
Have the group stand in a circle an arm’s length apart. Explain that you are going to be the conductor and that as you chug around the circle people should jump on your train! Once everyone is on the train move around the room, inventing obstacles that your train has to bypass. Maybe the train has to slow down as it is moving up a hill, or speed up as it is coming down the other side. Maybe the train has to crouch down to go under a tunnel, or stand on tip-toe while going over a bridge. Maybe the train as to hop up and down as it hits a particularly bumpy part of the track. Use your imagination! Facilitators can be obstacles as well (leg tunnel, toll booth, etc.). Once the group gets used to working as a train, pick a different conductor. Play for as long as everyone is having fun or until the time runs out. Play this game often enough so that different people get the chance to be the leader.
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Variation: Split the group up into two or three different trains to give more participants a chance to be the leader.
Have the group stand in a circle an arm’s length apart. Explain that you are going to be the conductor and that as you chug around the circle people should jump on your train! Once everyone is on the train move around the room, inventing obstacles that your train has to bypass. Maybe the train has to slow down as it is moving up a hill, or speed up as it is coming down the other side. Maybe the train has to crouch down to go under a tunnel, or stand on tip-toe while going over a bridge. Maybe the train as to hop up and down as it hits a particularly bumpy part of the track. Use your imagination! Facilitators can be obstacles as well (leg tunnel, toll booth, etc.). Once the group gets used to working as a train, pick a different conductor. Play for as long as everyone is having fun or until the time runs out. Play this game often enough so that different people get the chance to be the leader.
Back to Fall Themes
Back to Spring Themes
Variation: Split the group up into two or three different trains to give more participants a chance to be the leader.
Target Themes: Individuality, Teamwork, Communication
Supplies: None
One chosen student, the actor must act out anything he or she desires. All other students in the classroom have their back turned to the person acting so that they cannot see what he or she is doing. One student, the translator, can see what is happening. He or she must try to describe to the students who cannot see what the actor is doing without mimicking the actor’s actions. The other students in the classroom must work together to guess what the actor is trying to act out.
If the group is larger, the class can split into teams of four—where one person is the translator and the other three can’t see the actor. Facilitators can choose to set a one-minute timer to limit how long the teams can guess. The team that guesses in time earns a point and at the end of one round, the actor switches with whichever students wants to act next.
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Supplies: None
One chosen student, the actor must act out anything he or she desires. All other students in the classroom have their back turned to the person acting so that they cannot see what he or she is doing. One student, the translator, can see what is happening. He or she must try to describe to the students who cannot see what the actor is doing without mimicking the actor’s actions. The other students in the classroom must work together to guess what the actor is trying to act out.
If the group is larger, the class can split into teams of four—where one person is the translator and the other three can’t see the actor. Facilitators can choose to set a one-minute timer to limit how long the teams can guess. The team that guesses in time earns a point and at the end of one round, the actor switches with whichever students wants to act next.
Back to Fall Themes
Back to Spring Themes
Target Themes: Leadership, Community, All Together
Supplies: Pieces of paper
Islands are laid out in a designated area of play. Groups must travel from point A to point B by only stepping on the islands. This may be presented as a competition between two teams, a race against the clock, or both!
There can be many variations with this game. Islands can be laid out in an easy/difficult pattern, be smaller/larger, etc. The children may not be able to verbally communicate, or they must have to hold hands in a line through the entire journey. A rule could be made where the first person cannot step off of the last island until the last person is on the first island, etc. Additionally, if someone steps into the water, an island may be removed from his or her team, making the challenge more difficult.
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Supplies: Pieces of paper
Islands are laid out in a designated area of play. Groups must travel from point A to point B by only stepping on the islands. This may be presented as a competition between two teams, a race against the clock, or both!
There can be many variations with this game. Islands can be laid out in an easy/difficult pattern, be smaller/larger, etc. The children may not be able to verbally communicate, or they must have to hold hands in a line through the entire journey. A rule could be made where the first person cannot step off of the last island until the last person is on the first island, etc. Additionally, if someone steps into the water, an island may be removed from his or her team, making the challenge more difficult.
Back to Fall Themes
Back to Spring Themes
Target Themes: Embracing Potential, Self-Awareness, Communication, Leadership, Speaking Up
Have the group sit on the floor and form a large circle. Explain that there will be a leader and a guesser. The guesser will leave the room while the group selects a leader. The leader will begin a rhythm using their body ex: clapping, slapping thighs, snapping, etc. The rest of the group must follow the leader’s pattern. When a pattern has been established the guesser will rejoin the group and attempt to guess who the leader is and will have two or three guesses depending on the size of the group. The leader can change the pattern at any time.
Back to Fall Themes
Back to Spring Themes
Have the group sit on the floor and form a large circle. Explain that there will be a leader and a guesser. The guesser will leave the room while the group selects a leader. The leader will begin a rhythm using their body ex: clapping, slapping thighs, snapping, etc. The rest of the group must follow the leader’s pattern. When a pattern has been established the guesser will rejoin the group and attempt to guess who the leader is and will have two or three guesses depending on the size of the group. The leader can change the pattern at any time.
Back to Fall Themes
Back to Spring Themes
Target Themes: Self-awareness, Leadership, All together
Put people in pairs and have them spread out around the room. Have the groups choose someone to be the leader and someone to be the follower. Explain that the leader should move slowly and deliberately while the follower mimics their every move, thus creating a mirror image effect. Players shouldn’t talk, but should focus on each other’s movements. Leaders should make sure that they are moving at a speed the follower can keep up with. After a minute or so, have the pairs switch positions. Once pairs demonstrate enough skill to successfully mirror one another, have the pair try again without a designated leader/follower.
Back to Fall Themes
Back to Spring Themes
Put people in pairs and have them spread out around the room. Have the groups choose someone to be the leader and someone to be the follower. Explain that the leader should move slowly and deliberately while the follower mimics their every move, thus creating a mirror image effect. Players shouldn’t talk, but should focus on each other’s movements. Leaders should make sure that they are moving at a speed the follower can keep up with. After a minute or so, have the pairs switch positions. Once pairs demonstrate enough skill to successfully mirror one another, have the pair try again without a designated leader/follower.
Back to Fall Themes
Back to Spring Themes
Target Themes: Our space, Self-Awareness, All Together, Helping Others, Speaking Up
Have the group stand in a circle. Explain that in this game, people will be asked to create one of three animals: a moose, an elephant, or a walrus. In order to create these animals, they must rely on the people to their left and their right. Choose three volunteers, or facilitators to demonstrate how to make the animals.
Back to Fall Themes
Back to Spring Themes
Variations:
Add new animals or objects to the game. Have fun with it! Invite players to create their own or try one of the following:
Have the group stand in a circle. Explain that in this game, people will be asked to create one of three animals: a moose, an elephant, or a walrus. In order to create these animals, they must rely on the people to their left and their right. Choose three volunteers, or facilitators to demonstrate how to make the animals.
- Moose – the person in the middle places the thumbs of their open hands to their temples, creating moose antler. However the moose has very large antlers so the people on either side hold up their hands (with fingers spread out) adjacent to the middle antlers.
- Elephant - the person in the middle sticks one arm straight out in front of them to create the trunk. The people on either side use both of their arms to create the elephant’s ears.
- Walrus – the person in the middle tucks their fists up under their neck, letting their elbows jut out to form the tusks and their fingers point down to form whiskers. The people on either side lean in and then clap their hands to the outside to create flippers.
Back to Fall Themes
Back to Spring Themes
Variations:
Add new animals or objects to the game. Have fun with it! Invite players to create their own or try one of the following:
- Rabbit. The person in the middle holds their hands curled in front of them and bounces up and down, while the people on either side hold both of their hands straight up next to the middle person’s head, forming long ears.
- Elevator. The person in the middle stands still and pretends to be pushing a button for their floor. The people on either side hold out their hands, enclosing the middle person, and move slowly to the floor, giving the impression that the elevator is moving up.