Author: Andy

Overview:  In this activity, participants will be challenged to become aware of the power of focus. Resources: None Space Required: Can be indoors or outdoors. Group Size:  Any size group Total Time: 15 minutes 3 minutes to describe activity 4 minutes for the activity 8 minutes to review and debrief Prerequisite: None Set Up: Participants can stand or sit.  Look around your environment before you start the activity and notice what colors are prevalent.  Is there a lot of blue?  It could be in the carpet, walls or ceiling or in the clothing of the participants, their shoes, glasses, etc. …

Overview:  In this activity, participants will need to work together to complete a drawing. Resources: Strings or cords (6 to 8 participants strings per device) Oversized marker Heavy tape Space Required: Can be indoors or outdoors. Group Size:  6 people maximum on each device Total Time: 35 minutes 5 minutes to describe activity 20 minutes for the activity, including planning time 10 minutes to review and debrief Prerequisite: None Set Up: The device can be built with longer strings so that you can lengthen, or shorten, the play area.  Attach the strings/cords with heavy tape to the marker making sure…

Overview: In this activity, participants will be challenged to use active listening and awareness skills. Resources: None Space Required: Can be indoors or outdoors. Group Size:  Any size group Total Time: 25 minutes 5 minutes to describe activity and get participants into pairs 10 minutes for the activity 10 minutes to review and debrief Prerequisite: None Set Up Have participants break off into pairs.  They can either sit or stand facing each other – sitting is preferred. Running the Activity Objective:  For participants to sharpen their listening and awareness skills. Have each pairing decide who is Partner A and…

Overview In this activity, a group of silent participants will be giving instructions to a “caller”, who will be giving instructions to a blindfolded participant. Resources: An open field or ballroom Multiple soft objects A chair for the caller Blindfold Rope, or taped, line for the silent participants Space Required: Can be indoors or outdoors. Group Size:  Groups of 4 to 20 participants. Total Time: 45 minutes 10 minutes to describe activity, select participants for all three roles and allow pre-planning 20 minutes for the activity 15 minutes to review and debrief Prerequisite: None Set Up There are three participant…

Overview This activity illustrates how the same instructions can produce wildly different results. Resources: One index card or 81/2 by 11 piece of paper per participant. Space Required: Can be indoors or outdoors. Group Size:  Small to large.  There is no size restriction.  The only restriction is the amount of resources available. Total Time: 15 minutes 5 minutes for the activity 10 minutes to review and debrief Prerequisite: None Set Up Participants can stand or sit in any configuration.  Give each participant an index card or 8 ½ by 11 piece of paper.  Scissors are optional. Running the Activity Participants…

Overview In this activity, participants use their problem-solving skills and flexibility to bite a brown paper bag. Resources: Brown paper bag(s) and scissors. Space Required: Can be indoors or outdoors. Group Size:  Small to large, but it is better to have groups no larger than 10.  If larger than 10, create smaller groups – each with their own paper bag. Total Time: 30 minutes 5 minutes for the introduction 15 minutes for the activity 10 minutes to review and debrief Prerequisite: None Set Up Participants should stand in a circle. Running the Activity Objective: To be the last person to…

By Heather Hafner If you have been on a team – at school or work – you know it is a process.  The ease of communication can ebb and flow.  And conflict that did not exist in the beginning can appear along the way. Dr. Bruce Tuckman was one of the first to identify that teams experience distinct stages as they mature.  His 1965 model is a template for the four stages that most successful teams experience: Forming, Storming, Norming and Performing. Why are these important?  Because knowing where your team is at can help you understand the how to…

Overview In this activity, participants role play DISC-based scenarios. Resources: Paper, markers, flip chart (optional). Pre-set scenarios. Space Required: Can be indoors or outdoors Group Size:  Small to large.  Participants work in pairs and triads. Total Time: 30 minutes 5 minutes for the introduction and group formation 3 to 5 minutes per activity round, with mini debrief 5-minute small group debrief 5-minute large group debrief Prerequisite: None Set Up Participants should sit in pairs or triads Running the Activity Have participants sit in pairs or triads facing each other. Each group will receive a role-playing scenario sheet. The first pair will…

Overview In this activity, participants work together to send a message using their feet. Resources: No resources needed. Space Required: Can be indoors or outdoors. Group Size:  Small to large, but it is better to have groups no larger than 30. Total Time: 20 minutes 5 minutes for the introduction and card dispersal 10 minutes for the activity 5 minutes to review and debrief Prerequisite: None Set Up Participants should stand shoulder-to-shoulder in a circle. Running the Activity Have participants stand near shoulder-to-shoulder in a circle with their feet shoulder width apart – facilitator included. Then, instead of having their…

Overview In this activity, participants reflect on the participation and contribution of other participants. Resources: Index cards and pencils/pens (1 for each participant). Space Required: Can be indoors or outdoors. Group Size:  Small to large. Total Time: 25 minutes 5 minutes for the introduction and resource dispersal 15 minutes for the activity 5 minutes for debrief Prerequisite: None Set Up This is a closing activity. Running the Activity Ask the participants to sit in a circle. Handout one index card and a pen/pencil to each participant. Have each participant write their own name at the top of the index card.…

Overview In this activity, participants get an opportunity to reflect on how they see things. Resources: Paper and pencils/pens for each participant. For small groups, 1 photo per person and individual seating. For large groups, 1 photo per 4 to 6 participants and group seating. Space Required: Can be indoors or outdoors. Group Size:  Small to large. Total Time: 40 minutes 5 minutes for the introduction and card dispersal 15 minutes for the activity – Part 1 5 minutes for the activity – Part 2 15 minutes to review and debrief Prerequisite: None Set Up Participants need to have space…

By Heather Hafner Our series on the DISC behavioral styles has addressed how to use DISC with adults.  But, we often get questions from workshop participants asking about how to determine your child’s DISC style. Like adults, children have unique traits that can help you identify their primary style. Before going any further, let’s review the four DISC styles.  You can refer to the style by name or letter.  We believe the DISC is easier to remember, and more meaningful, by pairing the styles with birds from the book by Merrick Rosenberg and Daniel Silvert, Taking Flight! “D” refers…