Page 301 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 08 11/20/02 12:51 PM Page 290
290 The Creative Training Idea Book
Flip Chart Border Tape
These colorful tape borders can add impact and color to your written message. Simply
cut strips from a roll and attach them along your flip chart pages for instant pizzazz
(see Trainer’s Warehouse).

Error Correction Paper
If you have ever created flip charts before a session and realized that you misspelled or
used the wrong word, you know the feeling of frustration. You can correct the problem
by cutting two blank sections the size of the error from a blank flip chart page, then tap-
ing the sections over the mistake with transparent tape (from the reverse side of the page)
and rewriting your message. You can also purchase rolls of white correction tape onto
which you can write a new message after covering a mistake.

Double-Sided Adhesive Tape
Many organizations and conference facilities will not allow you to tape or pin things to
their cloth wall coverings. To get around such restrictions, there is now a new double-
sided tape that is made of felt and does not damage wall surfaces. Simply cut off a long
strip, run it along the wall, and then stick clip chart pages along the strip. When the
session ends, peel it off the wall, put it back on the roll, and you’re done (see Trainer’s
Warehouse).

Magnetic Shapes
If you have a metal writing board (some flip chart easels and dry erase boards are) or
metal strips around the wall of your room, you can hang individual flip chart pages and
posters. To do so, either buy refrigerator magnets in shapes related to your session topic
(e.g., cars, trucks, planes, or boats for travel-related classes, telephones or computers for
customer service) or create your own. To do the latter, cut out various shapes (e.g., stars
for service stars) from brightly colored poster board or construction paper and buy a
roll of magnetic strip at an office supply store and cut small pieces of the magnet to
glue to the back of the shapes. An added bonus is that you can award the magnets as
prizes at the end of the session as a reminder of the training experience.

BIG Pencils
You can buy actual pencils that are several feet in length, along with other huge props
such as Band-Aids, aspirin, notepads, and many other everyday items. Use the pencils
as flip chart or screen pointers and the other items as props to tie to program themes
(e.g., a Band-Aid for a big problem). I used to get these from a company called Think
BIG!, which is now out of business. If you know of an alternate source, please let me
know.