Page 213 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 05 11/20/02 12:14 PM Page 202
202 The Creative Training Idea Book
Mylar Balloons
Balloons inflated with helium can be purchased in a variety of shapes such as stars,
moon, sun, smile face, and so forth. These easily tie to a variety of program themes and
add color and fun. You can even buy your own portable helium tanks for use at your
organization. The biggest challenge with using these is that some hotels and organiza-
tions with closed systems (windows will not open) forbid using the balloons because
any escaping helium goes into the air circulation systems. Check before planning to use
them in your programs.

Party Balloons

The use of balloons is limited only by your imagination. You have already read a num-
ber of ways to incorporate them into your sessions. Later chapters contain even more
suggestions. By using various colors, sizes, and shapes you can brighten your environ-
ment and add a plethora of activity possibilities to your sessions. You can even have
balloons imprinted with messages or words related to your program topic.

BRIGHT I DEA
Festive Review
ide bits of paper with key program terms or content issues inside balloons that
Hyou hang on classroom walls. During the session the balloons add a festive
tone; later, when you are ready for an interim or final review of program content,
have participants select a balloon. Randomly, have learners pop their balloons and
read what is on the piece of paper inside. Have them tell as much as they can
about what is on their paper, based on what they learned in the program. Then
have anyone else add to what was said before going on to the next person, who
repeats the process.

Props

You can use props to grab attention and while facilitating, and to set the tone for activ-
ities or make a point. In addition to the hats mentioned earlier you can use some of the
following items:

Toy police badges
Light-up wands or swords

Hard rubber chickens that can be used as flip chart pointers