Excellerate Icebreakers, Energisers and Teambuilding Games

www.excellerate.co.
nz
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Contents
A Quick Word and Quick Tips 2
Icebreakers for Introductions 3

Simple icebreakers to help participants relax and get to know each other
Games to Get Things Going 15

Icebreakers, energies and activities to break down barriers and
boost energy levels
Forming Smaller Groups 24

A few activities to quickly organise participants into smaller groups
Simple Team Building Games 26

Energisers and activities suitable for small groups and work teams
More Advanced Team Building Games 30

Activities that involve higher levels of trust, risk and physical activity
Learning Reviews 32
Activities to close a session and capture learning
© Excellerate People Performance New Zealand| www.excellerate.co.nz

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A Quick Word…
This compilation is the result of sifting through hundreds of games and exercises, which
have been collected over the years - thanks to the generosity of so many trainers,
educators and facilitators who willingly share their ideas in the public domain. In the same
spirit, you are welcome use, copy and share this booklet freely as long as it remains in its
complete form with the copyright intact. You may not, however, sell or distribute as part of
any other product or service for sale.
I hope it serves as a useful addition to your own collection while saving you a little time in
the never-ending search for ideas to keep training fresh, fun and relevant
Happy learning!
A few quick tips

Plan Ahead
Be clear on your goals. Choose the right game for the right group. Prepare for what
could go wrong, have a back up plan and be prepared to improvise if the icebreaker
isn’t working. Make sure your venue and equipment is ready, and always plan for
more than you’ll need
Be Safe
Emotional and physical safety are always a priority. If people don’t want to participate,
respect their wishes. Consider involving them as an observer and ask for their feedback
when you debrief activities. It is powerful learning and their insights can prove very
useful with the wider group.
Set Up Success
Make sure you have enough time. Always introduce the game by providing clear
instructions and demonstrating if required. Explain ground rules clearly and reinforce
safety consciousness. Display your ground rules and agreements on a flipchart if
necessary.
Have Fun
Don’t limit icebreakers to the beginning of a session. Use them to revitalize a group and maintain
high energy and don’t let participants stay in cliques or small groups for too long.

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1: Icebreakers for Introductions

Name Tags 1
Props: Provide a wide selection of coloured construction paper, felt, sparkle glue, markers, crayons,
glitter, regular glue, pipe cleaners, string, and other props.
Procedure As people arrive, ask them to make their nametag. Encourage them to express
themselves, and embellish as much as they want. The more fantastic the better! To attach
nametags use double sided tape or straight pins. (Variation: Create personalised name tent cards)
Name Tags 2
Prepare a nametag for each participant and place the nametags in a box. As each participant
arrives have him or her pick a nametag from the box. Participants locate the person whose
nametag they drew and introduce themselves. (This is especially useful for larger groups—20 or
more.)
Name Tags 3
Props 5" x 7" card for a nametag for each person/markers
Procedure: Instructions for preparing the nametag
1.Put your name in the centre of your card.
2.In the upper left corner, write four things that you like to do.
3.In the upper right corner, write your four favourite singers or groups.
4.In the lower left corner, write your four favourite movies.
5.In the lower right corner, write four adjectives that describe you.
When everyone has finished, get to mingle with the group for a few minutes. Without
talking, they are to read the upper left corner of the other group members' cards.
When the time is up, they are to find one or two people who are most like them, introduce
themselves and discuss what their commonalities.
When time is up, they are to mingle again reading the upper right corner of the other group
members' cards. They then find the one or two people most like them.
Repeat with the process with lower left corner and lower right corner information.
To ensure everyone visits with several people, you could implement a rule that no two people can
be in the same group more than once.

4
Icebreakers for Introductions
Circle of Friends
A great greeting (or departure exercise) for a large group who will be spending more than one day
together and the opportunity to meet everyone is minimal.
Props: Nil
Procedure:
Form two large circles one inside the other and have the people in the inside circle face the people
in the outside circle. Ask the circles to take one step in the opposite directions, allowing them to
meet each new person as the circle continues to move very slowly. If you have time ask them to
share one of the most important things they want to take away from the day/session or the greatest
insight/discovery/action they are taking away from the session/seminar.
Secret Celebrity /Cities

Props: Prepared Index Cards/tape
Procedure: As each participant arrives, tape a 3 x 5 index card on their back with the name of a
famous person or city. They must circulate in the room and ask questions that can ONLY be
answered with a Yes or No to identify clues that will help them find out the name of the person or
city on their index card. Eg Santa Claus, John Wayne, Casablanca, London. Variation: Substitute a
variety of well-known TV advertisements for celebrity’s names.
A Great Pair
Props: Prepared Name Cards
Procedure. Give a slip of paper with the name of a famous people partnerships or couples to each
person in the group. Eg Romeo and Juliet, Bonnie and Clyde, David and Goliath. After all the slips of
paper have been distributed, each participant is to find their “partner” and introduce themselves.
Ask them to identify any similarities/characteristics they may share with their famous couples.
Motion Name Game

Props: Nil
Procedure. Have everyone stand in a circle. Anyone can begin by saying his/her name and
demonstrating a [physical] motion to go with it. When the person is done, the entire group repeats
the name and the motion. Then, the second person (to the left or right) introduces him/herself and
does a motion. The entire group repeats that name/motion and then the first name/motion. This
continues until each person has given their name and done their motion, and the entire group has
repeated everyone’s name and motions.
The Interview
Props: Prepared interview questions
Procedure: Break the group into two-person teams (have them pick a partner that they know the
least about). Have them interview each other for ten – fifteen minutes (You can also prepare
questions ahead of time or provide general guidelines for the interview). They need to learn about
what each other likes about their job, past jobs, family life, hobbies, favourite sport, etc. After the
interviews, reassemble the group and have each person introduce their partner to the group

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Find Your Type
Props: Sets of 3x5 cards with matching animals, enough for each person to have a card
Procedure: Get the group in a circle and tell them they can’t speak. Give each person a card with
an animal. Tell them to find their mates by doing something (an action) the animal would do or by
making the animal’s noise. Start them all at the same time. Once they’ve found their partner they
introduce themselves and ask them to identify any characteristics they may share with their animal.
Birthday Party
Props: Nil
Procedure: Select one person from the group and ask him/her the date of his/her birth. Then
declare the current date as that person’s birthday. Announce to the group that today is (insert
person’s name) birthday. Explain to the birthday person that all of these people have been invited
to his/her party, but they don’t know each other. As host/hostess, s/he must go around and
introduce the attendees to each other. However, s/he only has three minutes (time may change as
size of group increases). The host/hostess needs to ensure the guests exchange names, shake hands
and greet each other warmly. The birthday person may start off with someone they already know
or introduce him/herself to a person s/he doesn’t know and begin from there.
Name Arrange
Props: Nil
Procedure: Once everyone has been introduced, arrange yourselves alphabetically by your first
name, WITHOUT TALKING. When you are done, or think you are done, check your group by calling
out your names. This is also an example of a Quick Line Up. Variation/Momentum: Now arrange
yourselves alphabetically by last name, WITHOUT TALKING! Check your group and when you’re
done give a cheer!
Name Games
Props: Nil
Procedure: Organise the group into a circle. Tell everyone to select an adjective starting with the
first letter of their own first name and add it to the front of their first name eg Adventurous Adam.
Then, introduce yourself, and tell the person next to you to introduce you and then himself/herself.
For example, “Hi my name is Terrific Tim.” The next person then says, “That is ‘Terrific Tim’ and I am
_____ _____.” Repeat this process until each person is introduced. Each person farther down the
circle will then introduce everybody in front of them then finally, himself/herself.
Variation for Larger Groups: Break the group into several smaller groups (use another game to
achieve this) so each group has about six to eight people. Keeping groups small eases the anxiety
about learning names. When a group feels comfortable with the names of its members, it can join
with another group and go through the same or similar process to learn even more names

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The Name Train
Props: Nil
Procedure: Participants stand in a circle, facing inwards. One volunteers to be the locomotive eg
Jen volunteers to be the locomotive. The locomotive chugs around the inside of the circle before
stopping to exchange introductions with one of the participant in the circle. “Hi, I’m Jen. What’s
your name?” “My name is Tim.”
Jen repeats Tim’s name three times, “Tim, Tim, Tim” while doing a semaphoric cheer (Moving arms
and legs in some movement)
After this cheer, Jen turns her back to Tim and Tim grasps Jen hips. Jen, is now the engine and Tim is
the caboose. The train chugs around the circle and stops at another person. When reaching
another person, the engine asks for the person’s name. Both engine and caboose go through the
three cheers of the new person’s name along with their individual semaphoric body movements.
The new person becomes the engine while Jen becomes one of the cars and Tim remains the
caboose.
Start with an “engine” who is not too self-conscious about yelling and cheering in front of the group.
The next person selected, the caboose, should also be someone who is not self-conscious about
bringing up the rear.
Name Toss (Name Juggling)

Props: Nil
Procedure: Use soft juggling instruments for this activity eg Yarn balls, rubber chickens, tennis balls
stuffed into a socks. Arrange the group into a circle. For large groups, break them into smaller
groups of six to ten people. Start with one person holding a “ball.” This person tosses the ball
(underhanded only) to another person in the group. This person catches the ball and tosses to
another. This continues until each person has caught the ball. The last person to catch the ball
tosses it back to the person who tossed first.
The next round of tossing is accompanied by the names of the people in the group. The tosser calls
out his or her name and asks the person to whom s/he first passed the ball his/her name. The
second person replies and the first tosses the ball. The second person, now with the ball, asks for the
name of the person to whom s/he tossed the ball in the first go-round. This continues until all names
are called out and the person who started the whole thing has the ball.
The third session begins exactly like the second, except the tosser just calls out the name of the
person who catches the ball. The pattern of tossing is the same, but after the second person has
called the name and tossed the ball to the third person, the first person calls out the name of the
second person and tosses him/her another ball. Keep adding balls until the air is filled will the names
of everyone in the group and the collision of numerous air-borne objects.
Variation: An effective energiser for later in the day where instead of real names use participant’s
Star War names. (See P14)

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Alphabet Getting to Know You

Props: Prepared Alphabet Sheet
Procedure: As people enter the room, give everyone a pre-typed sheet of paper with each letter of
the alphabet on the vertical left side or a word relevant to your session. For example:
Name: ____________
A____________ T______________
B____________ E______________
C____________ A______________
D____________ M______________
Everyone is to find out something about the other that begins with one of the letters. Keep people
moving every few minutes.
My First Job
Props: Nil
Procedure: Have participants introduce themselves, share their name and something they learned
during their first paying job. Play suitable music quietly in the background (to create a cocktail party
atmosphere) then turn it up a little louder as a cue for people to move on and meet someone else.
Variations: "Good or New" Ask each person to share something good or new they have
experienced in the last 24 hours. “Dinner for Two” If you could have dinner with one person, living or
from history, who would that person be and what are your reasons for selecting him/her?
Make a Date
Props: paper plates/marker/pens
Procedure: Give each participant a paper plate. Have them draw the face of a clock on their
plate with a line next to each number. Then have participants walk around a find a “date” for each
hour, writing their name by the hour. No one can make a “date” with more than one person per
hour. After everyone has made their dates, speed up time and allow 1-3 minutes for each hour.
The facilitator then asks a question for discussion on each date.
True Colours
Props: Nil
Procedure: The facilitator calls out a colour of the rainbow - for example RED: Red typically is the
stop/turn- off colour - so each member of the group quickly shares one thing (that they can disclose
in public) that is really a turn off. Orange: is the motivation colour - what motivates them? Yellow: is
the inspiration or creativity colour - what was the best idea they've had? Green: is the money colour
- what they plan to do for money? Blue: is the sky's the limit colour - what is your favourite aspiration
for your future? Indigo: is different colour - what is the most daring thing they ever did? Purple: is the
colour of royalty - if you were ruler of the universe / company for a day - what is the first thing you
would do?

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Self-Introduction
Props: Prepared Sheet for each person
Procedure: Each person is to complete the paragraph below and then share their answers (as many
or as few as they are comfortable) with the rest of the group.
Hello, my name is __________ and my role/job is ________ with ________(company). My hometown is

______________ and I really ________ it there because ______________. I always dreamed that
someday I would ________________, and that dream has ______ true. I feel __________ about it now!
Some things I like to do include ______________. There are many things I am good at and one of
them is ______________. I did a really interesting thing once and that was ____________. My family
consists of ______________. If I could change one thing about myself it would be _____________. Still, I
am really glad to be here right now because ______________. I would really like to get together with
anyone who be interested in _________________. The one thing I want to be remembered for is
_______________. As far as future plans are concerned, I hope for ________________ someday.
Bingo
Props: Prepared Bingo Cards for each person
Procedure: Each member receives a “Bingo Card.” The blocks are filled with information about the
people attending the session. Members walk around the room and interview the other members
trying to find someone to sign one of the boxes containing information pertaining to the person. No
name may be used more than twice. Bingo may be vertical, diagonal, or horizontal. Prizes are
awarded to the winners of Bingo.
Name Bingo
Props: Blank Bingo Cards for each person/ small prizes
Procedure: A variation of the previous game but the Bingo card is blank. Members get other
members to sign their squares. Everyone must fill their cards with names. The first person to fill all of
the squares with the necessary information is declared the winner. Prizes are awarded. The winners
card is then read by the leader and “verified.” The leader then calls out names of all the people in
the group. As his/her name is called, the person must stand and give the answers to questions
asked: Name, year, hometown, team, department, company etc. Compile a list of appropriately
funny questions to ask each person. This is an easy way to allow the group members to introduce
themselves to each other individually and to the group.
Hum Singer
Props: Index cards of songs
Procedure: Each person receives an index card with the title of a well-known song. You may want to
use both sides of the card for two rounds of this game, but be sure to delineate the sides so every
one is on the same page. People hum or sing the tune of the song found on his/her card. The goal
is for each person to find the other person(s) who are humming/ singing the same song. Once the
group is formed, participants exchange information about themselves.

9
Been There Done That
Props: Copies of prepared list of 25 items for each person
Procedure: A Variation of Bingo. Prior to the meeting, make a list of about 25 items relating to work
and home life. Ensure there is plenty of space below each item (3 or 4 lines) and then make enough
copies for each person. Allow about 30 minutes for the activity. Give each person a copy of the list
and have him or her find someone who can sign one of the lines. (You can also have them put their
job title, company name and phone number next to their names – great for networking) Give prizes
for the first one completed, most names (you can have more that one name next to an item), last
one completed, etc.
Finish the Sentence

Props: Prepared interview questions
Procedure: Go around the room and have each person complete one of these sentences (or
something similar):
The best job I ever had was...
The worst project I ever worked on was...
The riskiest thing I ever did was...
This is a good technique for moving on to a new subject eg When starting a session "I am in this
course because..." You can move on to a new subject by asking a leading question eg. For time
management, "One time I felt most stressed because I did not have enough time was ..."
Shoe Game
Props: Nil
Procedure: Everyone takes off their left shoe and throws it into a pile in the middle of the circle. Mix-
up the shoe pile and then invite everyone to select a shoe, other than their own, and find the
owner. Give them a few minutes to introduce themselves eg name, hometown, an embarrassing
moment, (often this exercise ☺) or one they are proud of etc.
Identification
Props: Nil
Procedure: Organise people into pairs or groups of four. Tell them to introduce themselves and then
have each partner or group member look in their purse/wallet/briefcase to find something that is
significant to them. Each participant then shares with group members why the item is significant. The
exercise continues until everyone has had his or her turn. The session resumes as each member
introduces their partner, or a person from their group, while sharing something significant about
them.
My Slogan
Props: Nil
Procedure: Explain that many companies have slogans or "mottoes" which reflect their values. For
example, Air New Zealand: 'Amazing Journeys. Everyday” MacDonald’s: “I’m lovin it” Ask each
person to write (or borrow) a slogan to describe him or herself and share that with the group

10
“The Circles of _______(insert own name)

Props: Paper/flipchart/markers
Procedure: Have participants draw a large circle on a sheet of paper and other smaller circles
radiating outwards. Get them to write their name in the central circle and then in the satellite circles
write the names of groups with which they identify e.g, gender, age group, culture, social, political,
professional, sporting etc. Ask participants to move around the room to find and get to know three
other people who are most and/or least similar to themselves.
Human Treasure Hunt:

Props: Prepared list of criteria/items
Procedure: It is important to keep the pace of this game rather fast. Frame the activity: On this
treasure hunt we’re going to search for things we have within us and not necessarily on us. Your
goal is to meet as many people as you can and find the similarities between you. If you don’t know
the person(s), be sure to introduce yourself. Ready?
Examples:
Find another person who has the “same” shoe size as you;
Find three people who live in a different type of living group than you
Find three other people who enjoy the same type of music;
Fine two other people who drink at least one cup of coffee each day and tell each other your
favourite thing about coffee; or
Find two other people who don’t drink coffee on a regular basis, Tell each other why you don’t like
coffee (or how you avoided becoming a caffeine addict)
Find two people who enjoy the same recreational activities (biking, swimming, watching tv, reading,
playing music, etc.)
Group Variation: The facilitator directs the group to form groups. Give the group enough time to
incorporate and then introduce themselves to one another.
Examples. Get into a group of…
Three and introduce yourself

A different group of five people and introduce yourself
A group of people who have shirts of the same colour and introduce yourself
People whose names have the same first vowel in their first name
People who were born in the same season (fall, winter, spring, summer)…in your season group,
arrange yourselves by birth date (month and day)

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Information List
Props: Prepared Information Lists
Purpose: Use this with groups who will meet more than once and for longer courses. It allows for
humorous re-introduction of group members.
Procedure: During the first meeting/session have each group member fill-out a questionnaire. Eg If
you were a shoe, what would it be and why? What is your most embarrassing moment? What is the
least favourite food? Without telling names, tell a funny story about one of your bosses/workmates
etc; if you could only watch one television show for the rest of your life, which one would it be and
the reason(s)
Collect the completed questionnaires and cut them up and organize the responses into question
groups. At a later time/day/different meeting, select a question and pass the slips out to the group.
Each person with a slip must find the individual who wrote it, then have people disclose their
response to the group.
Sweet Confessions
Props: Basket of candy (Wrapped for hygiene)
Procedure:
Candy Key Code (e.g. For Mini choc bars KitKats = Favourite Movie, Favourite Magazine, Favourite
Song, or Favourite Book; Time Out = Favourite Holiday Spot, Place you would like to visit, place you
would like to least visit, or worst holiday; Lollipop =Number of years in current job, Where you work,
what you do or brief description of your first job Crunchie = Something about where you live, where
you grew up, your Family, your Town/City, Picnic Bar = Wildcard [tell us anything])
Instructions
Choose four candies from the bowl without looking. What makes this candy different from other
candy is that each flavour is associated with a fact about you. In a moment, a candy code will be
revealed, indicating which facts you should share. Once the code has been revealed you may
begin your confession.
Variations
Allow people to take as many candies as they like from the basket and reveal something random
about themselves for each candy they take.
M & M’s Variation: Pass a bowl of M & M’s around the room. Instruct the group to take some of the
chocolate treats, but don’t eat them. Once everyone has selected their candies, tell the group
that they will disclose one piece of information about themselves for each M & M they took from the
bowl. (Or colour code the M&M’s similar to the activity above)
Variation: You can do the same exercise with square sheets from rolls of toilet paper. Pass around
the roll and participants take as many sheets as they want, they must reveal one fact for each
square of paper.
Variation: Use spool of thread. Pass around a spool of thread and instruct each person to break off a
piece. Don’t tell them why or how much to pull off. Each person then wraps the thread around
his/her index finger. Everyone takes turns telling something about her/himself for each wrap of
thread.

12
ABCs of Me
Props: Paper, Markers, Tape
Time: Allow five to ten minutes for set-up and drawing.
Procedure:
You have been hired by to illustrate a poster to help children learn their ABCs. By happy
coincidence, you are the subject of the poster!
1. First, take a piece of flipchart paper and write your FIRST name vertically down the left side.
2. Next, choose a word that starts with each letter of your name. The word should describe
something about you. Write those words horizontally across the paper, using the letters of your name
as the first letter of each descriptive word.
3. After you have listed your words, draw an accompanying picture to illustrate each.
4. When you are finished, tape your poster to the wall.
When all posters are complete, have people introduce themselves using their name drawing.
Depending on the size of the group, you may want to debrief in smaller groups. If possible, leave the
drawings posted throughout your session.
Variations Narrow the focus of the words. For instance, all words must be adjectives, nouns, or verbs
related to work, foods you like, etc.
Race for the Truth

Props: 2 Long Pieces of String for the Start and Finish Lines, List of statements related to the group
Time: Allow five to ten minutes for this activity.
Procedure
You and the other “runners” in the room are about to embark on a race for the truth. Your goal is to
cross the finish line as quickly as possible by truthfully answering questions about yourself as you
follow the facilitator’s directions.
1. Line up on the starting line as directed by the facilitator. In a moment you will hear a statement. If
it is true about you, move forward one step. If it is false, remain at the finish line.
3. Once all first moves have been made, the facilitator will make another statement. Again, if it is
true, move forward one step. If it is false, remain on the starting line if you have not yet advanced. If
you have advanced past the starting line, take one step back.
4. Repeat step three until the first “runner” completes the race.
Use statements like: “I have worked here more that one year.” “I think we have too many meetings
around here.” or “I understand xyz aspect of my job.”
Variations: Narrow the scope of the statements to relate to issues at work, the subject of the session

13
2: Games to Get things Going

Activities to break down barriers and boost energy levels
Star Wars Names

Props: Nil/Name labels optional
Use this before a more active team game eg Balloon Ball or Juggling and then make it a rule that
people can only address each other by their Star War Names.
Your First Name: Take the First 2 letters of your last name + first 3 letters of your first name
Your Last Name: Take the First 2 letters of your Boss' (or wife/flatmate/sports coach/teacher etc) first
name + first 3 letters of the city you were born in.
For example Trish Tyson from Wellington and Daniel = TyTri Dawell (Tip: if you want people to use
these names for the remainder of your session then use quick stick name labels)
I’m Seeking Common Ground

Props: Enough chairs for all participants, minus one.
Procedure: Group sits in a circle of chairs with one person standing in the middle (no empty chairs).
The person in the middle says. “I seek common ground with people who were born south of
Wellington!” Anyone who was, including the person asking the question, must get up and run across
the circle to find a new seat. You can’t take the seat of the person next to you. There will be one
person left in the middle who must ask the next question. Statements include: people who wear
glasses. Likes vanilla ice cream better than chocolate. The facilitator may ask the first few questions
to get the game going and set the tone, then handover to the to participant in the middle.
Musical Partners
Props: Music/cd participant
Procedure: This game can only be played in an area with plenty of space. Each person is to select a
partner and stand beside them. There must be an odd one out, standing by him/herself. Begin
playing the music. Each time you stop the music, members must change partners (run and grab
someone else)
Variation: Keep the momentum going. Call out a random numbers eg 7. The group has to form sub
groups of 7. Call out 5 and the group has to reform into sub groups of 5. Increase the complexity
and call out two numbers 4 and 2 where the group has to form into two groups one of four
members and one of two. (Groups seem to really love this one)
The Clock
Props: None (stopwatch)
Procedure: Create a large circle by having the group join hands. Mark one spot inside the circle as
12 O’clock and another as 6 O’clock. Have the group rotate in one direction, returning to the start
position, in as little time as possible. After discussing strategies, the group can try to improve its
previous record. You’ll need the stopwatch if you do this.

14
Games to Get things Going
Black Knight, White Knight
Props: None
Procedure: Define a space appropriate for the size of the group. Tell everyone they are a knight.
Appoint one person to be The Black Knight. Tell the knights that they can move like a knight in chess
(define if necessary). Allow the white knights to move the black. If the black knight tags a white
knight, the white knight becomes a black knight. Note: At the end of the game everyone will be a
black knight.
Impulse
Props: Stopwatch
Procedure: Have the group form a circle and hold hands. Ask them to send a pulse signal through
the group. Time it. Challenge the group to do it faster. Note: If you allow them several opportunities
to try this, make sure you have a timer that will display hundredths of a second.
Variation: One participant begins the game by doing an action and “sending it” around the circle.
After each person in the circle has done the action, the next person sends another action around.
Variation: Send two different actions the opposite way!
Blooop
Props: Balloons (1 per group of 5)
Procedure: Break out large group into small groups of 4-6, and give each a balloon to inflate. In
small groups, join hands to and form circle. The objective is to keep the balloon off the floor by
batting it, without letting go of hands. If the balloon touches the floor, the group losses its hands,
meaning they can’t let their hands touch the balloon; as balloon keeps hitting the floor, they loose
elbows, shoulders, heads, thighs. Facilitator may have groups "carry" balloon across an area, or just
have them work in place for [X] amount of time.
Variation: The entire group makes a huge circle and puts their arms around their neighbour’s
shoulders. As the music plays, they pass balloons around the circle using their legs. Start with three or
four balloons. When the music stops, the person left with balloon is eliminated from the group. As the
group gets smaller, take balloons away. Eventually there will be two people left and only one
balloon
Human Scissors/Paper/Rock
Props: None
Procedure: This is the human-size version of scissors/paper/rock. The end zones need to be clearly
defined. To begin, each team huddles and decides on which play to run- either rock, paper or
scissors. Then the two teams meet in the playing area. If your team’s symbol wins, you chase the
other team back into its end zone, trying to tag the team members before they get there. If your
team’s symbol loses, you must dash back to your own end zone before you’re caught. Those people
who get caught change to the other team. The game ends when everyone is on the same team.

15
Brain Motivator
Props: Group/Category cards for each person, small prizes
Procedure: Divide members into small groups using a one of the following two methods:
Count participants off 1…2…3… depending on the number of groups you need. All ‘1’ s form a
group, all ‘2’s from another group etc or distribute paper with colours, animal names, bird names,
rock bands etc. Those with the same word form a group. Ask the groups to make a list of as many of
the following as possible in, one minute: eg Place names in New Zealand beginning with “W”,
People’s names which are also names of occupations eg. Mason, Gardner, Cook etc. Names of
rivers in New Zealand, Boys names beginning with J. Winners are the group with the most different
answers, which no other group came up with. Hand out small prizes for the winning team e.g. sweets
Five Changes
Props: Nil
Procedure Have people pair-up. Once they’ve found a partner, have them sit or stand back-to-
back. While back-to-back, have each person changes five things (things they can change) about
their appearance. After the changes are made, have the partners turn around and identify the
changes made by their partner. Do this one more time and see if you can identify those changes.
Human Knots
Props: Nil
Procedure Divide the group into smaller groups of eight to ten. People stand in a circle and place
their hands into the centre. Instruct them to join hands with two different people but not those who
are standing next either side of them. A human knot is born. The goal is to untie the knot without
letting go of hands.
Tube Pass
Props: Bicycle tube
Procedure: Organise the group into a circle and get them to join hands. Then ask them to pass a
bicycle inner tube around the circle without either breaking the circle or letting the tube touch the
ground.
Human Machine
Props: Nil
Procedure: One person comes to the front of the group and performs a type of mechanical
“operation” or movement, including sound effects. The “operation” needs to have some type of
beginning and end to the movement. The end of the “operation” allows for the next person to
come up and perform another “operation” that feeds off of the first operations end movement, but
is different in nature. This allows for a third person to add onto the machine. Let people add on at
their discretion without directing.

16
Pass the Orange, Please
Props: Orange or any small object
Procedure: Divide the group into two equally numbered teams. Arrange the teams so they face one
another. Team members then join hands. This leaves two “free” hands on each team (the two
people at the ends of each line). Give the orange to one of the “end” people on each team. The
task is to pass the orange from one end to the other without unclasping the hands of the team. The
orange cannot be passed or kicked along the ground. If the orange drops, it must be picked up
while all hands remain clasped.
Clap Snap Association

Props: Nil
Procedure: Gather group in a circle sitting on the floor. Start by teaching them the clap, clap, snap,
snap left, snap, snap right and repeat several times till they get the hang of it. Then explain that
they are going to free associate. At the end of the second snap to the right the first participant says
the first word that comes to their mind. Keep going clockwise around the circle until you get to the
end. (Note: food or sex always comes up!) Tell the Participants to shout out their words loudly so all
can hear over the clapping and snapping.
Juggling Balls
Props: Random selection of small objects
Procedure: Using several objects (such as tennis balls, hackey sacs and koosh balls) members
establish a random order of throwing and catching objects within the group as they attempt to
juggle several objects simultaneously. (Follow on with Warp Speed)
Warp Speed
Props: balls
Procedure: Warp Speed begins the same as Group Juggling. The group starts in a circle formation
but instead of adding objects, the group must comprise a way of moving the object in the same
name pattern under time constraints. Let the group come up with the time constraint. The object is
to move the ball (or whatever) through EVERYONE’S hands as fast as possible. One person cannot
hold onto the object at all times.
3 Noses
Props: Nil
Procedure: Have the group begin to wander around the room. When the leader calls out a
command like three left elbows then as quick as you can, Participants should gather in groups of
three with left elbows touching. Next do four butt cheeks, two right feet etc. End with three noses
and/or four belly buttons.

17
Mingling Scrabble
Props: Alphabet cards for each person
Procedure: Each person is given a card with a letter of the alphabet printed on the card. Tell the
group their task is to arrange themselves into groups and to create words using use every letter in
the group. The group can come up with many little words or a few longer words, as long as every
letter is used. The group can then be directed to find new people and make new words. Be sure to
include a proportionate number of vowels to consonants and go easy on X’s, Q’s and Z’s.
Body Language
Props: Nil
Procedure: Split into two groups. Each group must plan and spell out words by using their bodies
only (no hand signals or signs). The other group must figure out what they are spelling. Start with
single words and move onto phrases, as the groups get better at spelling in this fashion. Give groups
a selection of words that relate to your session eg teamwork, leadership, planning etc
Storytelling
Props: Nil
Procedure: Seat the group in a circle and ask for suggestions on a genre of books (mystery,
romance etc.) and then ask someone else for a title for the book the group is going to create. Have
someone start telling the story. They will need to continue to tell the story until you (the leader) point
to someone else. That person will need to pick up exactly where the other left off (even if it’s mid
sentence or mid word). Continue until all but one person has contributed and then say “and the
moral of the story is” and point to the final person to finish it off
Wordles
Props: Two Wordles sheets with answers on following pages
Procedures: Use this as an individual exercise as a quick Energiser, or make it a little more fun by
organising people into pairs or small groups, set a time limit and have them compete for the best
score.

18
WORDLES ONE
side side You / Just / HO

Me
BAN ANA Noon Lazy ECNALG
HIJKLMNO IECEXCEPT BJAOCKX

ONE _________IT
PAS ONE
TIMING TIM ING

LAL WHEATHER
MCE
ED
T I M E + ED
MCE
MCE
ABDE
ME NT Meaning Meaning NAFISH NAFISH
HE’S/HIMSELF THHAENRG ME QUIT

E
Copi Coppy Copy! (HEAD)1/4s

lean XQQQME Σer school
revo
19
WORDLES ONE: ANSWER SHEET
side side You / Just / Me HO

side by side just between you and me half an hour
BAN ANA Noon Lazy ECNALG

banana split Lazy afternoon backward glance
HIJKLMNO IECEXCEPT BJAOCKX

Water (h to o) I before E except after C Jack in the box
ONE
PAS ONE __________IT
Incomplete pass one on one blanket
TIMING TIM ING

LAL WHEATHER Split second timing
all mixed up A bad spell of weather
ED MCE
+ ED MCE
ABDE added MCE
Mice without eyes (three blind
long time, no see
mice)
Meaning Meaning NAFISH NAFISH
ME NT double meaning 2 na fish (tuna fish)
apartment
HE’S/HIMSEL THHAENRGE ME QUIT

F hang in there quit following me
He is beside himself
Copi Coppy Copy!
copyright
(HEAD)1/4s
headquarters
double cross
lean XQQQME Σer school

excuse me summer school (sum er school)
revo
lean over backwards

20
WORDLES TWO
It’s a ALL world

DEAL
gesg
PROMISES
Your PaAnNtTsS head
lheoevlse
CLOSE
CLOSE
CLOSE
CLOSE
on
NiRENDEVOUSght Thought thought
COLOWME KNEE
LIGHT
PERFORMANCE iii iii

“ O O
“

21
WORDLES TWO: ANSWER SHEET
It’s a ALL world

DEAL Big Deal
It’s a small world after all
gesg
scrambled eggs PROMISES
broken promises
Your PaAnNtTsS head
ants in your pants
lheoevlse
head over heels in love
CLOSE
CLOSE
CLOSE
CLOSE
Surrounded by enemies Foreclose
on
NiRENDEVOUSght Thought -- thought
mid-night rendevous on second thought
COLOWME KNEE
LIGHT
Low Income neon light
PERFORMANCE iii iii

“ O O
“
Repeat Performance circles under the eyes

22
3: Forming Smaller Groups

A few activities to quickly organise participants into smaller groups
Breakin’ Down the Group

Ask the group to think of a number between 1 and 10. Ask the people with even numbers to move to
one side and the odds to move to the other.
Have the groups form a circle. Split the circle in half by dividing the circle along the diameter. Try to
get an equal number of people in each group. Then have those groups form a circle.
Divide these two circles by the same method to get four, approximately equal groups. The reason for 1-
10 numbering is to break up people who tend to “stick together” no matter what
Quick Line Up
The leader calls out a variety of commands to the group and they line up according to the command
as quickly as possible. Once in a line divide quickly into groups eg first 5, next 5 etc
Examples: 1. Line up in order by shoe size. 2. Line up in order by length of arm's reach. 3. Line up in order
alphabetically by favourite color. 4. Line up in order by number of siblings you have. 5. Line up in order
by hair colour, lightest to darkest. 6. Line up in order by age, youngest to oldest. 7. Line up in order by
length of time with current employer. 8. Line up in order alphabetically by first name. 9. Line up in order
alphabetically by last name. 10. Line up in order by number of pets owned. 11. Line up in order by hair
length, longest to shortest. 12. Line up in order by the number of bones you've ever broken.
Musical Partners
Props: Music/cd player
This works well as an energiser and introductory icebreaker too. It needs an area with plenty of space
for free movement.
Procedure:
Each person is to select a partner and stand beside them. There must be an odd one out, standing by
him/herself.
Begin playing the music. Each time you stop the music, members must change partners (run and grab
someone else)
Keep the momentum going. Call out a random numbers eg 7. The group has to form sub groups of 7.
Call out 5 and the group has to reform into sub groups of 5. Increase the complexity and call out two
numbers 4 and 2 where the group has to form into two groups one of four members and one of two.
Finish by calling the out number combination you need to form groups for the next activity

23
Forming Smaller Groups
Barnyard
Props: Pre-made cards (enough for every participant)
Procedure: Determine how many groups you need and how many people in each group. Then select
as many animals as you need to for the number of groups eg If you want four groups, have four
animals). Make the number of cards for every animal you’ve chosen to match the number of people
you want in your groups. Eg 6 chicken cards, 6 cow cards, 6 donkey cards and 6 pig cards). Hand out
cards randomly and tell people not to not tell anyone their animal. When you give the signal, have
them make the sound of their animal as loud as possible until they find their entire group.
Shuffle The Deck Mixer

Prop: Playing Cards
Give everyone a playing card as they arrive and then throughout the day use various combinations of
the cards to form groups eg 4 groups = suite / 2 groups = colour / Pairs = two pairs. Use picture cards to
allocate roles eg Queens = Scribe Kings = group leader Joker = Observers etc…
Icebreaker Variation: Call out different card combinations to form a group. Example: four of a kind, a
flush, two pairs, etc. Once in their groups, have them answer pre-planned icebreaker questions.
Comic Strip Chaos

Prop: Prepared Comic Strips
Procedure: Each participant takes a turn at picking a comic frame out of the large container. After the
entire group has each chosen one, the participants begin to search for others with the same comic strip
sequence. After the participants have found everyone in their group, they must arrange themselves so
that the sequence of frames are in chronological order to form the comic strip correctly. Upon
completion of sequence, the newly formed group sits down together.
Pop-a-palooza
Props: Balloons (different colours) for each person/ paper/ pen
Procedure: As people arrive have each one write his/her name on a piece of paper then blow up their
balloon and put the piece of paper inside the balloon. All the balloons are then put into an area (away
from everyone)
When you are ready to begin your group work, give each person a balloon. They are to pop the
balloon and find the person whose name was in the balloon they popped. Play some upbeat music
while the popping and partnering is going on.
Balloon Trolley
Props: 1x Balloon for each person
Procedure: Give each person a balloon. The team stands in a line with a balloon separating each
person. The team must move as one, from point A to point B. Balloons can't fall. No hands allowed.

24
4: Simple Team Building Games
Simple activities and games for groups and work teams
Spider Web
Props: Yarn or ball of string
Procedure: The group forms a circle. One person has a skein of yarn. S/he tells why s/he enjoys the
group and tosses the skein to another person. This person states why s/he enjoys the group and tosses
the skein to another person. This continues until everyone in the group has caught the skein. The web
formed between all of the members illustrates the individuality of the group and the ties that bind them
into a group. (This can also be adapted as an end of session/learning review)
Quote Quest
Props: Selection of Quotes, 3x5 Cards
Procedure: Write one or two words of a famous quote on a card until you have the complete quote
on a set of cards. This will result in some cards only having one word and other may have multiple
words. Be sure to include all capitalization and punctuation, as this will assist the group in constructing
the sentence. Avoid selecting “esoteric” or difficult quotes. Choose quotes that have some significance
to the group’s purpose or the session topic.
Issue the shuffled cards, one to each group member and ask them to assemble the cards in the correct
sequence to complete the quote. (You can choose to provide hints or not)
Once they have done this have the group arrange themselves physically in the same order of the words
to complete the quote. Once they have organised themselves, have the group “read” the quote by
each person speaking the word(s) in succession. This serves as an accuracy check.
Balloon Ball
Props: Supply of two different coloured balloons
Procedure: Divide the group into two teams and give each team a bag of balloons of equal number eg
Team 1 Red and Team 2 Blue. Allocate Team Ones “goal’ i.e. their target at one end of the room and
Team Two’s Target at the opposite end of room.
Brief the Team on the Rules:

Objective: To win the team is to score as many goals as possible in the time allowed
A goal is scored by hitting the designated team target with the balloon
Team members must position themselves around the room. Once team members are in position they
are not allowed to move from it. (No walking, crawling etc)
Each balloon must be FULLY blown up before it can be passed.
If a balloon bursts before hitting the target a new balloon may be blown up to replace it.
Team members are not permitted to HOLD the balloon i.e. hands, knees etc.

25
Simple Team Building Games
The Magic Wand

Props: Nil (or a wand if you wish)
Procedure: You have just found a magic wand that allows you to change three work related activities.
You can change anything you want. How would you change yourself, your job, your boss, coworkers,
an important project, etc.? Have them discuss why it is important to make the change. Another
variation is to have them discuss what they would change if they become the boss for a month.
Marooned
Props: Flip Chart and markers
Procedure: You are marooned on an island. What five items (use a different number of items depending
upon the size of each team) would you have brought with you if you knew there was a chance that
you might be stranded. They are only allowed five items per team, not per person. Have them write their
items on a flip chart and discuss and defend their choices with the whole group.
Traffic Jam
Props: Squares (eg carpet tiles)
Procedure:
Divide the group into even numbers of six, eight, etc. If there is an odd number of people have them
help observe the activity and provide feedback afterwards during the debriefing.
Place marked squares (one more than the number of people in the group) on the floor in a straight line.
Have each person stand on a square, leaving the centre space open. The challenge is for the groups
on either side of the centre unmarked box to completely change to the other side, by moving one at a
time, like a game of checkers. Players may move into the vacant spot next to them, or they may jump
another player on the opposite side, but they cannot jump a player from their own side. Players may
not move backwards, and two people cannot move at once. After the group has figured out a
solution to the traffic jam, have them show the leader.
12 Days of Christmas
Props: CD 12 days of Christmas /CD player/small prize
Procedure: Divide into 12 different groups of any size, as long as they similar in number. Assigned one gift
from the song. For instance, a partridge in a pear tree, 9 lords a leaping, etc. As you play and sing the
song “12 days of Christmas” each group had to act out what was sung in that verse. Allow the groups
time to prepare a skit with their own actions. As the music plays point to each group to perform their skit
every time it’s their turn. You may want to award a prize to the group that comes up with the funniest,
best, most original skit/action.

26
Too Many Cooks
Props: Cut recipes from old Magazines or photocopy from a Recipe book. Separate the Title,
Ingredients, and Instructions etc. Several small prizes for the winning team
Time: Allow 10 - 12 minutes. Once a team calls “bon appetite,” have them introduce themselves and
read their recipe in order.
Instructions
Your group has inherited a successful restaurant from Chef Charlie, a long lost relative however Charlie
was very disorganized. The only recipes you can find are on torn strips of paper. You have to make
sense of it all and quickly because the restaurant is opening tonight.
1. Each member of the group will be given part of recipe (an ingredient, instruction, etc.).
2. Your job is to put yourselves in order as quickly as possible. Your recipe must make sense.
3. When your group is done, loudly announce “bon appetite” to signal the end of the game.
Variations
For an added challenge, this game can be made considerably more difficult if groups are not pre-
designated before the recipe pieces are distributed. Participants must then not only find the correct
order but the correct recipe as well.
The Lava Pit
Props: 20 paper plates, scotch/masking tape
Time Limit: A time limit can be imposed
Procedure: Make up a story that the group is being chased and they need to get across a field of hot
lava to safety. Give each group about 1/3 the number of paper plates as people. Explain that when
they step on these plates they will not sink into the lava.
The group must figure out how to get the entire group from point A to point B (marked by scotch tape
on the floor), from one side of the Hot Lava Pit to the other.
Only one person can be on a plate at a time, and the plates may be picked up and moved.
If a person falls off their plate into the lava they die but get a second life - they must return to the
beginning (point A) and start again.
The key to the game is that only part of the team will be able to cross the field at a time and one person
will need to work their way back across the field to help the rest of the team across.

27
Masks
Props: Cardboard/scissors/markers/glue/coloured paper etc
Procedure: Give each participant piece of cardboard and ask them to cut out a face shape (same size
as their own face). They can cut eyes and a mouth if they choose. Then ask them to decorate the
face. One side represents what they feel people see/know/believe about them (the outside). The
other side represents what he/she feels about her/himself (i.e. the inside, what people do not
necessarily know or see, etc.) The participants then share (wear) their masks with the group.
Pieces of the Puzzle

Props: Prepared puzzle pieces for each person
Procedure: Hand out the puzzle pieces and have participants decorate their piece to represent who
they are and what they feel they can contribute to the group Eg strengths, talents, skills, experience etc.
Once participants are done, have them present their piece to the rest of the group. Finally participants
assemble the full puzzle using all the pieces. This can stand by itself or can be followed with a discussion
on team membership, collaboration, contribution etc.
What Kind of Team?

Props: Flip chart/Markers
Procedure: Divide the team into small groups of 4-6 people. Have each group discuss and identify an
analogy for their team. For example: "We are like a 3-ring circus -- because we have many things going
on at once and it feels chaotic at times." Optional: Get the groups to illustrate and record their analogy
for presentation to the rest of the team. Then have teams share.
"Picture Perfect"
Props: Flip chart/Markers
Procedure Have each person on a team draw a picture or series of pictures to represent their current
view of the team. Post the flip charts around the room. Allow time for a tour of the team gallery tour
then have the rest of the group explain what they see in each other's pictures.

28
5: More Advanced Team Building Games
These activities involve a degree of trust, risk and physical activity. Reinforce ground rules and make
sure you have a spotter to prevent physical injury. Some activities may be better towards the end of the
day once people have established rapport.
Blindfold Line Up
Procedure: Use blindfolds or ask the group to close their eyes and keep them closed for the remainder
of the game. In the bumpers position for protection, ask the group to mill around without talking. After
10-15 seconds, ask them to stop and put their hands down. Assign each person a number by tapping
them on the shoulder and saying the number at the same time. Then tell them to line themselves up by
number without talking or opening their eyes
United We Stand
Procedure: Try this in pairs first, then groups of three, then fours and work up to the entire group. Sit on
the ground, back-to-back, knees bent and elbows locked. Try to stand up without falling down. For the
large group, sit as tightly packed as possible and work in unison.
Lap Sitting
Procedure: Participants stand shoulder to shoulder and form a circle. Participants are all facing in
towards the centre of the circle. All participants then turn left (or right) and face the back of the person
in front of him/her. Tighten the circle and round out any corners. Place your hands on the hips of the
person in front of you. As the leader counts to three, carefully guide that person’s bottom onto your lap.
This game requires a great deal of trust and communication.
The Yurt Circle
Procedure: Participants stand in a circle, facing in, holding hands, and shoulder-to-shoulder. Starting
with one participant, have the group count off by two’s (1,2,1,2,1,2 etc.). Before you start check that
1’s or 2’s are not standing next to one another. Each participant places his/her feet closely together.
On the count of three the 1’s lean forward and the 2’s back. The group is supported by the “cantilever”
action of the opposing forces between the 1’s and 2’s.
Participants need to keep their arms and legs straight. Don’t let go of hands. At first, only lean a little
and increase the angle of the lean with each “creation” of the yurt circle. On the next count of three
the 1’s lean backward and the 2’s lean forward. Go slowly and mirror your two neighbours movements.
This will allow for maximum support offered to each person.
Blind Walk
Props Blindfolds for half of the group, Obstacle course items.
Procedure: This is variation of the Trust Walk. Set up an obstacle course with a designated route e.g.
Indoors – tables, chairs, masking tape boundaries, cardboard boxes etc. Blindfold half the group with a
seeing partner who guides the blindfolded partner through the course.
Variation: Debrief notes Rotate the Seeing Eye partner with the blindfolded partner half way through the
obstacle course. Other constraints can be included e.g. No touching or use of hands or no speech or
only the Seeing Eye guide can speak

29
More Advanced Team Building Games
The Trust Walk
Procedure: Before initiating this activity, let the group know that anyone feels uncomfortable with the
activity that it is all right to opt out.
Have the group form a line and hold hands. Everyone then closes his/her eyes except for the first and
last person in line. It is the job of these people to keep the entire group “safe” while on the walk. The
first person in the line is “the leader” who then takes the group on a very slow walk.
The Leaders instruction must be passed on down the line. The last person assists the leader by calling
out what is happening at the end of the line. After a time, have the two people switch roles.
This can be a powerful activity for a group learning about leading and following roles in a group. Just
because a person is a follower does not mean s/he is passive and “blindly” followers all of the leader’s
instructions. Followers have the duty to take care of themselves and those around them. This is
illustrated by the communication of the person’s needs (I need to slow down... please stop... )
Wind in the Willows

Props: Nil
Procedure: A group of six to eight people form a tight circle standing shoulder to shoulder. One
member enters the centre of the circle. This person, with hands clasped in the “zoom” position (arms
extended and cross at the elbow, rotate hands so palms face each other, touch palms, intermesh
fingers, rotate hands down and up so hands are against the chest), keeps his/her body straight and
taut. S/he then leans forward allowing the members of the circle to gently break his/her fall and pass
them around the circle.
Skin the Snake

Props: Nil
Procedure: Participants divide into teams of up to twenty-five members each. The teams line up single-
file. Each participant reaches back between his/her legs and grasps the extended hand of the person
behind him/her. This chaining continues down the line. Only the first and last person in the line will have
a free hand.
At the signal (eg a count of three) the last person in the line will lay down on his/her back; the person
just in front of the last person will back up by straddling and “walking” (more like a shuffle) over this
person’s body and lies down on his/her back. The feet of this person will be next to the shoulders of the
person lying down.
This goes on while the entire team is still holding hands. When the last person has laid down and
touched his/her head to the group, s/he gets up and “walks” forward and “pulls” the other members
up. This is skinning the snake.
The first team up without unclasping hands is the winner. Before the game starts, define what will
happen if a team unclasps hands.

30
6: Learning Reviews
A few reviews to close your session and capture the learning.
Ball-Toss
Props: bean bag/balls
Procedure: Use this to review a session with a lot of information. (It can also be used midway through a
workshop eg just before lunch) Have everyone stand up and form a circle where everyone is facing
inwards and looking at each other. Toss a ball or bean bag to a person and have them describe what
they thought the most important learning concept was. They then toss the ball onto the next person
who explains their most important concept. Continue until everyone has caught the ball at least once
and explained one important concept.
Process Ball
Props: bean bag/ball
Procedure: This is similar to the previous exercise, but each person describes one step of a process or
concept when the ball is tossed to him or her. The facilitator (or learner) records this on a flip chart. Eg
after covering "Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs," you would start the ball toss by having everyone give one
step in the pyramid of needs, e.g. Safety, Physiological, Esteem, etc.
The Frame Game

Props: Blank Cards/Pens
Procedure: Give each learner four blank cards and ask them to record four different responses on the
topic/subject: "What were main concepts or learning points of the material we just covered?" Give
them about five minutes to complete the exercise, then collect the cards, shuffle them, and randomly
deal three cards to each learner. (Note: If desired, the trainer can make up four cards of her own, but
they should be philosophically unacceptable with the principles presented - play devil's advocate.)
Ask everyone to read the cards and then to arrange them in order of personal preference.
Place the extra cards on the table and allow them to replace the cards in their hand that they do not
like. Next, ask them to exchange cards with each other. They must exchange at least one card.
After about three minutes, form into teams and ask each team to select the three cards they like the
best.
Give them time to choose, and then have them create a graphic poster to reflect the final three cards.
Select or vote on best poster that best represents the topic.
Toy Story
Props: Lego/building blocks
Procedure: Using Lego have each person or a small group build a model of the main concept that’s
been presented. After a given time, invite each person/group present their model to the wider group.
They should describe how their model relates to their work or the subject being taught.

31
Learning Reviews
Spider Web
Props: Yarn or ball of string
Procedure: The group forms a circle. One person has a skein of yarn. S/he describes their greatest take
away of day and what they will do differently at work - then they toss the skein to another person and
then to another. This continues until everyone in the group has caught the skein. The web formed
between all of the members illustrates the network of learning through the integration and linking of
principles/concepts/topics.
Calm Down!
Props: Nil
Procedure: Reflection is one of the most powerful learning techniques. Have the learners get into a
comfortable position lay their heads on their desks or lay on the floor. Then, have them reflect on what
they have just learned. After about four- five minutes call out a key word or short phase and have them
reflect on this for a few minutes. Repeat one or two more times then gather everyone into a circle and
have them share what they believe are the most important points and how they can best use this at
their place of work.

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Excellerate Icebreakers, Energisers and Teambuilding Games

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A Quick Word and Quick Tips 2

Icebreakers for Introductions 3

Games to Get Things Going 15

Forming Smaller Groups 24

Simple Team Building Games 26

More Advanced Team Building Games 30

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A few quick tips

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1: Icebreakers for Introductions

Procedure: Instructions for preparing the nametag

1.Put your name in the centre of your card.

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Secret Celebrity /Cities

Motion Name Game

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© Excellerate People Performance New Zealand| www.excellerate.co.nz

Name Toss (Name Juggling)

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Alphabet Getting to Know You

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Hello, my name is __________ and my role/job is ________ with ________(company). My hometown is

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Finish the Sentence

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“The Circles of _______(insert own name)

Human Treasure Hunt:

Examples. Get into a group of…

Three and introduce yourself

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© Excellerate People Performance New Zealand| www.excellerate.co.nz

4. When you are finished, tape your poster to the wall.

Race for the Truth

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2: Games to Get things Going

Star Wars Names

I’m Seeking Common Ground

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© Excellerate People Performance New Zealand| www.excellerate.co.nz

© Excellerate People Performance New Zealand| www.excellerate.co.nz

Clap Snap Association

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© Excellerate People Performance New Zealand| www.excellerate.co.nz

side side You / Just / HO

HIJKLMNO IECEXCEPT BJAOCKX

TIMING TIM ING

ME NT Meaning Meaning NAFISH NAFISH

HE’S/HIMSELF THHAENRG ME QUIT

side side You / Just / Me HO

BAN ANA Noon Lazy ECNALG

HIJKLMNO IECEXCEPT BJAOCKX

TIMING TIM ING

HE’S/HIMSEL THHAENRGE ME QUIT

lean XQQQME Σer school

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It’s a ALL world

PERFORMANCE iii iii

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It’s a ALL world

Hello, my name is __ and my role/job is with (company). My hometown is