Group Games Lynne Hughes-Guy Ramesh Mehay

Aims of this Session Why Use Games How do you run a game? How do you build it into a programme? What types of games Examples of the greatest hits Pitfalls The booklet

The Life Cycle of a Group Group Stage (Adapted from Woodcock (1979) Characteristics The Underdeveloped Stage Task orientated Poor listening skills Low level of involvement Leader, Individuals conform The Experimenting Stage Group realises difficulties Willing to tackle them The Consolidating Stage Open & Trusting Approach More structured The Mature Stage Flexibility Improved Relationships Trust, Openess, Honesty, Cooperation & Constructive Confrontation

Why Use Games EDUCATIONAL Games are fun Experiential learning Safe environment (& Receptiveness) Flexibility & Relevance Promotes change GROUP DYNAMICS Involvement Promotes cohesiveness Interpersonal skills Motivates Encourages responsibility Framework & Structure

Running the Game Game Preparation - homework (game selection, practicalities) The Activity - giving instructions - allocating roles - ground rules - playing the game Reflection and Discussion - importance of discussion - phases of discussion Review You Facilitator Role

Reflection/Discussion Phase 1 – expression of feelings Phase 2 – thoughts Phase 3 – planning for further action Phase 4 – evaluate the game 4 things

Encouraging Participation Make it Fun Build trust - ground rules - avoid exlusion games - feedback (give & take) - acceptance Participants feel valued - being listened to - democratic style of leadership Facilitator as a model Facilitator’s personal qualities

How to build it into a programme talk game film group work close

Putting it into Practice Icebreakers Ground Rules Openers Activities for team building Problems Main teaching Activity Evaluation & Closure Games Brainteasers Skill builder Energisers Problem curers

Types of Games Icebreakers Ground rule setting games Energisers Brainteasers Problem Curers Skill builders Closing Games Evaluation games

Icebreakers (1) The boring traditional one What I Learnt Last Year The most Important People in My Life What I like To do What I hold most dear Hobies etc… My famous 3 minutes

Icebreakers (2) Write down 5 facts about yourself. One must be a lie Present yourself to the others Others have to spot the lie

Icebreakers (3) ANIMAL FINDER Get some blank cards and write the name of four different animals several times eg for a group of 12 : sheep x3, pig x3, cow x3, dog x3). Give the cards out randomly..one to each person. Ask the members to find each other by making an appropriate noise to that animal...but no speaking.

Ground Rule Games Listen to others Don’t put other people down Respect Confidentiality & Trust Show Respect Don’t Interrupt others Try to accept others views TACADE, 1986

Mid Course Energisers DONT FALL INTO THE SEA Lay out an appropriate number of chairs in a circle (according to your group size). Get everyone to stand on the chairs. The chairs are safety points floating in a sea which is full of sharks. The task....the group has to arrange themselves in birth date order (day and month only....exclude the year). BUT they must not fall into the sea!

Brain Teasers See later for examples

Problem Curers (1) A Personal Talk Talk Limitation Exercise Dominant Talkers

Problem Curers (2) Challenging them Get them to Observe Using Matchsticks Silent Sitters

Skill Builders Team building Communication skills Facilitator-Presenter skills Learning Perception & Lateral thinking games Self management

Closing Games Each participant is handed pieces of paper Each paper has the name of other participants Each participant has to write “ I am glad I met XXX because…….” The pieces of paper are distributed to the appropriate people and read when they get home

Evaluation Games Lay out 5 chairs Inform participants which is 1 and which is 5 (1 meaning bad, 5 good) Ask a question Participants have to stand behind the appropriate chair Repeat with more questions

Pitfalls – why games don’t work Games not selectively chosen Timing Groups too big Poor Briefing/Feedback rules? Poor facilitation skills