Race to Rearrange

Overview:

Looking for an ice breaker that will energize your team at your next large gathering? Race to Rearrange is a fun and competitive way to get your participants up and moving. Begin by dividing your group in two teams. Position the teams on opposite sides of the room and inform them that they will be competing against one another to see which team can rearrange themselves the fastest. Announce a category such as number of countries each participant has visited or number of months they have been employed by the company. The teams will then work together to immediately rearrange themselves in the correct order. Once the first team finishes, go down the line, and ask each participant to share their personal answer. If the team finished correctly, they win 10 points. Repeat the process with additional categories (keeping score as you go) and conclude by announcing your winner!

Equipment Required: None.

Space Required: Medium to Large.

Group Size: 20 – 100 people.

Total Time: 15 to 30 minutes.

5 minutes to brief the activity.
5-20 minutes to complete the activity.
5 minutes to debrief the activity.

Instructions:

Divide your group in two teams. Position them on opposite sides of the room.
Have each team stand in a straight line, side by side, facing the opposing team.
Brief the teams that they will be competing against one another to see which team can rearrange themselves the fastest according to a category that you announce. You will announce the category and they will immediately rearrange themselves in the correct order.
You may choose whichever categories you desire. Month/Date of birth is a great starting point. Have each team arrange themselves in order of birth day/month (no need to discuss the year). Have your teams start the line with their January babies and end with their December babies. Once the first team finishes, go down the line, and have each team member announce their birthday. If the team finished correctly, they win 10 points.
Repeat the process with an additional category. Some examples are included below:
- Number of months employed at the company
- Number of states each participant has visited
- Number of jobs each participant has held in their career
- Number of siblings each participant has
- Number of countries each participant has visited
- Number of years of school each participant attended
- Number of schools each participant has attended
- Number of National Parks participant has visited
Keep score as you go and announce the winner at the conclusion of the exercise.
Debrief the activity.