Page 74 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 02 11/20/02 11:37 AM Page 63
Juggling Lighting the Creativity Lamp 63
While juggling appears to be complicated, it is relatively easy to learn and master with
practice. It is also entertaining, stimulating, and fun to watch. Although you may not
want to start with chain saws, you can easily incorporate juggling into your sessions as
an attention gainer and as a mental break for participants. Probably the easiest and most
physically draining form of juggling uses silk scarves. Since these float slowly back toward
the ground, they are easy to master and teach. The technique can be learned from any
basic juggling book (see Creative Presentation Resources, Inc. in Resources for Trainers
in the appendices). The technique energizes while teaching hand–eye coordination,
concentration, mental alertness, and creativity. Juggling can be used as an individual or
group activity in which pairs of participants practice to enhance teamwork and com-
munication. They can coach one another, then provide feedback as they learn the skill.
You can even add the element of competition [e.g., the person(s) who can keep juggling
longest without making a mistake].

PUTTING YOUR BRAIN TO WORK: ACTIVITY
In what ways can you incorporate juggling into your training programs?

How do you envision juggling being tied into program content?

Jigsaw Puzzles
Most people learn to put jigsaw puzzles together as children. They can often recall
spending hours trying to assemble the odd shaped pieces to form a picture just like the
one on the box. The challenge and feeling of satisfaction after completing the puzzle
(especially when there were 500 or more pieces) is exhilarating and provides a feeling
of accomplishment. Similarly, you can help participants recall those youthful feelings
by incorporating jigsaw puzzles into your programs. Jigsaws can be used to introduce
objectives or key concepts, as an interim review, as a teambuilding activity, at the end of
a program for review, and in a number of other ways.
There are several ways to create a customized jigsaw puzzle to use in a session. Many
art and craft stores sell blank white jigsaw puzzles that have coated surfaces onto which
you can write or draw terms, objectives, or images. You can create one for each partici-
pant, pass them out in small paper bags, and have participants try to assemble them in
a timed activity during your introduction or later as a review.
Another option for team activities is to purchase small children’s puzzle (18–25 pieces
is usually plenty; otherwise, an activity becomes too time consuming) at any hobby, toy,