Page 211 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 05 11/20/02 12:14 PM Page 200
200 The Creative Training Idea Book
can even create a theme for your program (e.g., “South of the border”) for a hot new
project or product rollout, “safari” for problem-solving or decision-making when you
are brainstorming ideas, or “Las Vegas” for programs related to new programs or projects
that your company is launching that might involve a gamble or risk. Be creative and have
fun as discussed in Chapter 2.
Depending on the program topic, you can purchase items that will complement
and reinforce your message. The following are some ideas for peripheral materials that
can be used to enhance the learning environment for a variety of topics. Go to a
teacher supply or party/novelty store and look for these items or others that can be
modified or used as tie-ins to your program topics. If you have trouble locating local
sources, contact Creative Presentation Resources in the Resources for Trainers section
of the appendices.

Cardboard Wall Borders
These borders come in various shapes and designs and can be used to add color and
context to your theme. They are available as pieces of various lengths and can be taped
or thumb tacked along the top edge of the wall around the room. You can either get
solid-colored poster type borders just to add a splash of color, or ones that have a theme
(e.g., diversity figures, money, or numbers). The latter could be used in classes on diver-
sity topics, finance, accounting, cashier training, or other programs dealing with money
or figures.

®
Modeling Clay (Play Dough )
It is easy to bring out the child in your learners by placing modeling clay on participant
tables to allow them to manipulate it and quietly create little figures during the pro-
gram. You can also use this for teambuilding or individual competitions by having
learners create specified figures within a set timeframe.

Party Hats

Party hats, available at party and novelty stores,
allow you to fashion your session theme
around any holiday or festive event. Various
hats can be tied to a program, event, or hol-
iday theme. Participants might be given
hats that identify them as part of a small
group for activities or you may just give
them random hats as part of a celebration
or activity. For example, crowns (as used by
royalty) can be used to signify group leaders
during activities. As the role of leader is passed to