Page 272 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 07 11/20/02 12:29 PM Page 261
Engaging and Energizing Learners 261
To help protect from injury and liability, offer participants the opportunity to opt
out of the activity. Also, monitor their actions carefully and stand ready to intercede, if
necessary.
Knot Me

Form teams of 8–10 participants and have them stand in small circles facing one another.
Have each person in the team reach out with his or her right hand and grasp the hand
of someone across the circle from him or her. Next, have each participant reach out with
his or he left hand and grasp someone else’s left hand (not the person whose right hand
he or she holds). Tell them that when you say “Go” they should try to untangle the knot
of people without anyone releasing hands. Before they begin, designate two people who
will release either a right or left hand and have them do so. Everyone else in the group
should maintain a grip with both hands. Give participants 10 minutes to end up with
everyone in a straight line.
If you plan to use this activity, you may want to inform women to wear comfortable
flat shoes and slacks or shorts. Also, tell participants that if anyone has a physical con-
dition that might be irritated by the activity of bending and twisting they can coach and
cheer their group on. End with a round of applause.

Have a Seat on Me

Here’s another simple team activity that demonstrates how important working together
and supporting one another can be. Start by having everyone form circles with 8–12 par-
ticipants per group. Have everyone face to either the right or left, feet together, and ensure
that they are all about 6 inches apart. Tell everyone to place his or her hands on the hips
of the person in front of him or her. Without releasing their grasp on the person in front
of them, tell participants that on the count of 3 they should carefully sit down on the
knees of the person behind them. Once everyone has done so, they can release their
grasp and sit comfortably. To have everyone stand, tell them to again grasp hips and on
the count of 3 stand up. In debriefing the activity discuss how similar support is neces-
sary in the workplace to achieve success. Have learners applaud themselves.

Simon Sez

Remember the fun game, Simon Sez, that you played as a child? Adults often enjoy an
opportunity to revisit childhood memories. In the game, you will give instructions, such
as “Simon Sez put your left hand on your head.” Explain that unless you say Simon Sez,
no one should execute the action. Anyone who does is eliminated from the game. After
explaining the rules, ask if there are any questions before you start, then go though a
series of commands until only one person remains standing. Have everyone give this
person a round of applause and then reward him or her with a small prize. You may
want to give everyone a piece of candy or other treat for their participation and so they
do not feel like they failed or are being punished.