Page 214 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 05 11/20/02 12:14 PM Page 203
Foam rubber animal masks Creating a Stimulating Learning Environment 203
Rubber animal noses
Clown noses, hair, and shoes
Costume masks

Holiday Supplies
If your training happens to take place on or near a special day (e.g., Easter, Valentine’s
Day, Secretaries’ Day, Halloween, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Mardi Gras, super bowl, and so
forth) you can buy supplies to decorate for the theme. If the holiday has already passed,
you can stock up on discounted materials for use later. You can generally find every-
thing from hats, masks, balloons, napkins, plates, and other items supporting the hol-
iday theme.

Streamer String
This foamy material comes in an aerosol can and can be sprayed around the room or at
some specific time in your program to signal an event. As you spray, a long stream of
the “string” shoots out of the nozzle. You have to clean up after the fun is over, however.
Still, it adds another dimension to your sessions.

International Theme Items

With participants coming from all over the world, you may want to give thought to
incorporating items from different countries into your sessions (e.g., Mexico, Italy, Ger-
many, France, and Ireland). These can be found in many party and specialty stores. Use
these to decorate your room for diversity training.

Smile Face Items

Most people have been exposed to the proverbial “smile face” (bright yellow with two
eyes and a silly grin). This recognizable character comes in all types of shapes and prod-
ucts. You can buy balloons, cups, shirts, pencils, balls, buttons, and virtually anything
else with smile faces on them. Use these for programs such as customer service, com-
munication, or to give as incentive prizes.
As you read in Chapter 2, you are limited only by your imagination when it comes
to decorating your classroom or creating a theme. Ask peers for ideas and observe other
trainers to see what they are doing and copy them. Keep in mind that your purpose in
using peripherals is to garner interest and to add a bit of excitement and fun to your
environment.