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Grab ‘N’ Go: Printables

2013/04/04 by Leave a Comment

PrintablesA printable is anything that you can print on a sheet of paper and either use it as is (puzzles) or assemble it for play. These might include:

  • Games
  • Masks
  • Paper dolls
  • Puzzles

 

Tools:
  • Scissors
  • Anything listed on instructions

 

Materials:
  • Printable
  • Paper, varying thickness
  • Glue
  • Anything listed on instructions

 

Steps:

Printable — Find your printable. Make sure to save a copy in case you damage the original or want copies in the future. Also bookmark sites so you can return.

Instructions — Read the instructions. They might indicate additional tools or materials you will need.

Print — Print on the type of paper indicated. In general, use thicker paper for things that you’ll assemble and thinner for things you’ll use once like puzzles.

Some assembly required — If your printable requires assembly, follow the instructions carefully. As you create more, you’ll find it easier.

 

For a PDF copy of this Grab ‘N’ Go sheet, select this link > GnG_Printables_lrl_2013

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Filed Under: Grab 'N' Go, larajla creates, Printables Tagged With: , , , ,

Badge: Super-Size Games

2013/03/28 by Leave a Comment

Badge: Super-Size GamesMy daughter and I were brainstorming possibilities to add to a local garden as a way to increase attendance. We were exploring interactive ideas. Super-sized games was one of these ideas. While we haven’t implemented any of these, we have discussed them with the head master gardener who was very enthusiastic.

 

 

Steps

Board Games

1. Fairy circle.

Circle games are very popular. By creating a “fairy circle” out of paving bricks, stepping stones or concrete, you can create a permanent playing board. For a non-permanent board, try poster board or foam circles. Keep a list, binder or book of circle games for your board.

2. Checkers and chess.

Using paving bricks, colored concrete, different types of grass, tiles, painted fabric or anything else you can think of, plan out a large grid following the design of a traditional checkers or chess board (8 squares x 8 squares). Be sure to alternate the color / look of your squares.

For checkers, try painting any circular item with one color on the top and a different one on the bottom. For chess, use square flat items with multiple layers to indicate the playing piece — single thickness for front row, 2 for knight, horse, castle, 3 for king and queen. Add stenciled designs to the top to help identify the pieces.

What other games can you play with this type of board?

3. Tic-Tac-Toe.

Create a three-by-three grid. This might be as simple as leaving grass between paving bricks or making a sand pit and placing the bricks inside. Paint or stencil “x” and “o” on ten pieces of wood / tile for game play. You can also play Tapatan, Noughts and Crosses, Tripp Trapp Trull or Seega on this game board. Try one or more of these games.

4. Sudoku.

Start with your tiles (numbered pieces). You can purchase precut shapes in wood, tile, blocks, etc. You need to start with the tiles because with a 9 x 9 grid, you’ll need 81 numbers, 9 sets of the numbers 1 through 9. With precut shapes, you’ll only need to put the numbers on them. With those measurements, create a 9 x 9 grid by any of the ways listed above or one of your own.

5. Other boards.

Don’t stop at circles and squares. You can use any shape to create your own boards. Follow a traditional game like mancala or create your own board so you can create your own rules. Explore different boards you can convert into large playable areas.

 

Non-Board Games

6. Stacking game.

Create your own Ta-Ka-Radi / Jenga game with pieces of 2″ x 4″ boards. Use a sturdy base like paving bricks, a concrete pad or even a wooden platform to ensure the game pieces don’t shift during play. This game has 54 wooden blocks with the following measurements:

  • 3x width = length
  • 1/3 width = thickness

You don’t need to worry about following these dimensions or quantity of blocks. You also don’t need to stick with wood. Look into alternatives for the “bricks” that are softer and less likely to hurt someone when they fall.

7. Dominoes.

With a flat playing area, create your own dominoes out of wood. Use round sponges to make dots and use a template for consistent locations. What other materials could you make dominoes from?

8. Hangman.

Use a hanging plant stand or build one to hang your “body pieces”. Make body pieces to simulate the following:

  • Head — 1
  • Body — 1
  • Arms — 2
  • Legs — 2

You can also add pieces for hands, feet, make your legs in two parts, etc. It doesn’t have to look like a body. You can use pieces of wood with hooks at the top / bottom of each piece. You can use your own standard sheet “letters” (laminated), stencil them on wood or use other materials / techniques. Keep the backs blank so you can present the backs to your players to start the game.

9. Other games.

What other games can you super-size? Look at the pieces needed and determine if it is feasible to make a super-sized game.

You could also create your game to be more “free form” and provide a variety of pieces for players to make their own game.

 

All About the Pieces

10. Playing cards.

Create your own playing cards, trading cards or action cards from standard sheets of paper. Laminate them to help minimize wear. If you create them digitally, be sure to save your files.

11. Dice.

My favorite way to make large dice is with plastic canvas. Not only can you make them with pips, for younger audiences you can make them with colored sides. Don’t stop with plastic canvas, try other materials as well. Experiment with making large dice.

12. Tokens / pawns.

Tokens or pawns don’t need to be made. You can use anything you have around your house that is an appropriate size. Plastic mugs, stuffed animals, toys and more can be used as unique pieces.

 

Other considerations

13. Materials.

You don’t have to be a master craftsman to create these items. Check out hardware and lumber supply stores to see what they have. Brainstorm what materials will work for your super-size games.

14. Weather.

When choosing materials and building outdoors, your weather will be a major factor. If you have extreme temperature changes, you might find some materials expand / contract differently and you need to adjust your construction. Review the uses for the materials you choose to see what will work where you live.

15. Storage.

You may decide to store some of your pieces and / or boards. You may also use a temporary shelter to help protect it. Look at storage solutions so you don’t have to do major repairs to your super-size games every year.

16. Replacements.

Everything wears out. You’ll need to plan for replacements when you start building. Be sure to keep notes, templates, stencils, patterns, jigs, diagrams, plans, paint colors and other information as you work on your project. When you need to fix items or replace them, you’ll be glad you have this information.

 

Supplements Available

AEP_Supp_Game Basics.pdf

  • Boards and ideas for making super-size games

 

Sites to Explore

mentalfloss.com/article/29823/26-life-size-versions-popular-board-games
www.elledecor.com/home-remodeling/punch-list/super-size-sticks-49921
www.makedoblog.com/how-to-make-a-life-size-jenga-set
www.squidoo.com/giant-life-size-jenga
www.luxelivingforum.com/make-a-giant-twister-game-board
www.thegoodstuffguide.com/giant-board-games
www.chicaandjo.com/2007/12/29/risk-for-giants
recreationguy.com/how-to-put-together-a-life-size-candy-land-game-part-1
blog.makezine.com/craft/how-to_make_a_big-as-life_boar

Download a PDF of this badge program here > AEP_SuperSizeGames

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Filed Under: AEP, Badge Programs Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Badge: Creating Printables

2011/10/31 by Leave a Comment

Badge: Create PrintablesAnyone can create printables. The most difficult step is knowing your audience and what they need in a printable. Printables can cover everything from games and puzzles to decorations for cupcakes or door hangers.

To see a badge program created on a specific theme, see one of our “Printables” programs to see how the steps below can be customized.

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Steps

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Preplanning printables

1. Audience.

Who are you making this for? What kind of activities can your audience do? Will there be a language barrier? Ask yourself questions so you can define your audience and create printables that work for them.

2. Purpose.

Do your printables need to be educational as well as fun? Are you trying to keep someone busy? Are you trying to entertain them? Are you using your printable for a decoration? Advertising? If you know what you want your printables to do, it is easier to create them.

3. Theme.

While you may create a series of basic printables to use when you need an activity available, such as icebreakers, you’ll often want to give your printables the cohesion of working with other activities. To see themed printables, check out AEP’s Harry Potter or Girl Scout Traditions badge sets.

4. Reproduction.

You need to think about reproduction. How are the people who use your printables going to print your files? While your printable may look really good with colors, will your end user be able to afford printing 100 color copies for an event? Will they be forced to spend hours printing on an inkjet printer? How will it look coming off a 20-year-old photocopy machine?

Black and white is the easiest to reproduce on a photocopier or standard printer. It also prints faster. Including screens and photographs works great as long as it doesn’t interfere with your message and the quality of output. These items can increase your printing time, and possibly make your printable impossible for others to print.

If you do not know who will be reproducing your images, try to create standards to make sure your printables can be used by the majority of people. For example, AEP badge programs do not have screens and the badge sample has very strong colors. They are sized 8.25 x 11 so they can be easily used printing on US letter-sized or A4-sized printers.

5. Distribution.

How are you going to get your printables to the world? Are you creating these for a single event and they possibly won’t be used again? Are you sharing with others? Are you making it downloadable by anyone who wants them? Do you intend to sell them to help offset costs?

Here’s some distribution possibilities to get you started.

  • Print yourself, do not share
  • Send to a single person / group to print with verified software compatibilities
  • Document in Word, Excel, etc.
  • Acrobat PDF to keep prints consistent
  • Graphic JPG / PNG with enough resolution to be readable

Places you can distribute include:

  • Scribd
  • Google documents
  • Flickr
  • Etsy
  • Email groups
  • By request

6. Availability.

So you’ve created your printables. You’ve printed them. You get to the event and realize they are sitting on your dining room table. Or the person who was printing them has a family emergency and is not coming with the prints.

Copying the files to a memory stick allows you to have them for quick printing at a local office supply store. You can also carry the files to people who have a computer but may not be the most savvy with it.

Email the files to yourself at an online email provider such as Gmail. Then, no matter where you are, as long as you have access to a computer or an office supply store, you can get to it.

What other ways can you make sure your files are available no matter where you are?

7. Back it up!

There’s nothing worse than remembering that you created a printable only to realize you didn’t keep a back up copy . . . or two. Organize your printables so that you will be able to find them next week or next year.

Keeping a print with the filename on it will give you an extra way of searching in the future as well as knowing what you’ve already done. Write the name of the final file on the print. You can also use your prints for inspiration.

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Creating printables

8. Printables for young children.

Color sheets can be created from clip art, rubber stamps, photos or any digital image you have. Review the copyright on these items before deciding to use them in color sheets. Create one or more color sheets.

Dot-to-dot sheets can easily be created by placing the dots on a color sheet and then removing the parts of the image you do not want. Take one of the color sheets you created or a piece of clip art you have and create a dot-to-dot sheet.

9. Word games.

You can create your own word games or use creators found on the Web. Word games can include:

  • Boggle
  • Crossword
  • Cryptogram / cryptics
  • Find-a-word / word search
  • Mad libs / fill-them-in tale
  • Word scramble / jumble

10. Writing games and puzzles.

Some games need copies for each participant. Here are a few to think about.

  • Friendship questions
  • Matching
  • Mazes
  • Quizzes
  • Sudoku

Try creating one or more of these.

11. Reusable games and puzzles.

Taking a non-paper game and converting it into a reusable game allows you to place the sheet into a binder. You may need minimal markers or game pieces to play which can be included in your binder or in a separate container. You can then take them when you travel or use them as an additional activity. Explore the AEP supplements listed below to see some printable games.

12. Icebreakers.

Icebreakers are activities that allow you to learn about yourself and others to help you get comfortable in new surroundings with new people. Check out the AEP supplement SUPP_Icebreaker_Sampler.pdf and make a printable from one of those ideas or create one based on your own idea.

13. Miniatures.

Whether making a dollhouse, SWAP or a small item to create a mixed media work, miniatures on paper can be anything from your favorite box of cookies to piece of furniture. Explore miniature printables on the Web. Can you find any that fit into your theme?

14. Crafts.

Whether ephemera, clip art or directions, many craft items can be shared via printables. Some items may include:

  • Bookmarks
  • Cards
  • Door hangers
  • Drawing
  • Ephemera
  • Frames
  • Kaper / chore charts
  • Mini-books

Then, search the Web and find what others have created in a craft you’d like to do. Try their printables. Is this something you can do?

15. Templates.

Templates might be for boxes, cards or even puppets. Templates allow you to give basic directions while encouraging creativity. Find templates online and see how you can incorporate them into your own activities. Would this be something you could create and share?

16. Forms.

From calendars through to do lists, forms are a great printable that can be reused indefinitely. Brainstorm what forms you might find helpful, whether generic or specific, and create one or more. This might include checklists for materials, timelines for advertising, grocery list, etc.

17. Lessons / worksheets.

If you look through teacher sites, you’ll find a plethora of lesson plans and worksheets. Often, these go with a specific piece of literature or thematic unit. Sometimes a little tweaking is all you need to create something less “homework” oriented and more fun. Find at least one worksheet that incorporates your theme and adjust it to work with your event, party, etc.

18. Awards and certificates.

Awards can be given for perfect attendance, participating in a service project or even for a giggle. Look online for awards that you would like to give others. After you’ve looked, brainstorm your own ideas. Create and share at least two unique awards.

19. Endless possibilities.

There are too many possibilities for printables to name them all. Start archiving items you find for ideas to use later. Keep your own list of items that you would like to create. Enjoy making and sharing your own printables.

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Supplements

SUPP_Achi_GhanaNigeria.pdf
.     Game: Achi
SUPP_Icebreaker_Sampler.pdf
.     Samples of icebreaker games and activities.
SUPP_LenChoa_Thailand.pdf
.     Game: Len Choa
SUPP_Nim_China.pdf
.     Game: Nim
SUPP_Seega_Egypt.pdf
.     Game: Seega
SUPP_Tanagram_China.pdf
.     Puzzle: Tanagram
SUPP_Tapatan_Philippines.pdf
.     Game: Tapatan
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Sites to Explore

mail.google.com
familyfun.go.com/printables/printable-games-and-puzzles/printable-word-games
printables.familyeducation.com/?WT.srch=1&imode=1:225&WT.mc_id=Printable_Google&gclid=CLOTmtSEmKsCFQhrKgodpm1KmA
jc-schools.net/tutorials/gameboard.htm
www.toolsforeducators.com
tools.atozteacherstuff.com/word-search-maker/wordsearch.php
iammommahearmeroar.blogspot.com/2011/01/how-to-create-your-own-printables-using.html
www.centsationalgirl.com/2011/08/make-your-own-printable-word-art
www.jennifersprintables.com
www.123certificates.com
dltk-cards.com
www.your-printable-planner.com
www.mommytracked.com/downloads
www.scholastic.com
www.yougetinfo.com/Freebies/Printabl.html
Filed Under: AEP, Badge Programs Tagged With: , , ,

Badge: Cooperative Games (revised)

2011/09/15 by Leave a Comment

Badge: Cooperative GamesCooperative games allow your group to work together during a game. These types of games are inclusive. They emphasize participation and challenge rather than defeating another person or team. There is no “winner” or “loser”, just having fun!

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Steps

1. Explore group dynamics.

While cooperative games are inclusive, some steps may be difficult for your group. Review the participants you will have playing and find games that can be played by everyone.

2. Start with the provided PDF.

You will find SUPP_Cooperative Games.pdf on Scribd, Google DOCs and our Yahoo! Group. Review the games on this PDF. Find a few you’d like to try.

3. Play the games.

Play the games you chose with your group. Keep notes on things that worked and whether the group liked the game.

4. Adjusting games.

Sometimes you’ll want to play a game, but the rules don’t enable you to play or you need materials you don’t have. Perhaps the game is too easy or hard for your group. The simplest thing to do is change the rules. If you’ve played the game before with your group, make sure you communicate any changes. Always make notes on what you’re changing so that you remember in the future without losing a lot of time on discussion. Try modifying one or two of the games.

5. Finding more.

Search through books or Web sites to find more games to add to your collection. We have some sites to start you out below. As you collect them, make notes to any that you feel need modification to make them more usable.

6. Other game areas.

Other games areas where you might find cooperative games include parachute games, clapping games and even video games. Look outside games you would normally play to expand your cooperative game collection even further.

7. Design your own.

Take a personal challenge and design your own cooperative game. You’ll need to take into account your group, the time you want to spend and perhaps a theme if you’re trying to tie it into other activities.

8. Share.

Share your game collection with your organization, other groups or AEP members.

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Supplement

SUPP_CooperativeGames.pdf

Sample cooperative games.

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Sites to Explore

www.mrgym.com/CooperativeGames.htm
www.creativekidsathome.com/games/cooperative_games
www.ultimatecampresource.com/site/camp-activities/cooperative-games.page-1.html
dragon.sleepdeprived.ca/games/cooperative_games/cooperative_games.htm
www.responsiveclassroom.org/blog/?p=841
www.ehow.com/how_5638455_design-cooperative-games.html
scoutingweb.com/scoutingweb/Program/Games.htm
Filed Under: AEP, Badge Programs Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Badge: Parachute Games (revised)

2011/09/15 by Leave a Comment

Badge: Parachute GamesIncorporating a parachute in your fun time allows everyone a chance to play as a group. Parachute size should be considered to make sure there’s enough room for everyone. If you can’t afford a parachute, you can make your own from patterns available on the Web or try some of these with a simple sheet.

Pull out your parachute and let’s go play!

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Steps

1. Where can you play?

To successfully play with a parachute, you need to make sure you have enough room. Height has to be considered as well as the size of the parachute itself. Outdoors is an easy choice. You can play indoors in gymnasiums and other areas with high ceilings. Be aware of the floor surface as well as this may affect your game. Find somewhere you can play.

2. Safety.

One problem with group games is that accidents happen more often. Prepare a list of safety rules to share with your players. Make sure everyone understands not only the rules but also why rules are needed.

As you’re playing, be aware of the activity level and attention of the group. As kids get silly, they often forget the rules. By being vigilant, you can help minimize injuries.

REMEMBER: Never place a person on the parachute and attempt to raise or throw them. Most play parachutes are not built to hold people. Accidents from injury to death could occur from an improperly thrown person.

3. Commands.

Practice commands to make sure everyone know what to do. Commands may include:

  • Inflate – lift parachute over head
  • Deflate – parachute should be moved to a flat position
  • Float – keep parachute in air above heads
  • Stop – everyone stops what they’re doing

What other commands do you think you’d need?

4. Grip terms.

Practice these grips with your players.

  • Overhand: Palms are facing down
  • Underhand: Palms are facing up
  • Crossover: Right hand over left hand with both palms down

5. Skills.

Practice skills with the parachute.

  • Flutter – everyone moves the parachute up and down as fast as possible
  • Waves – everyone works together to make small, medium or large waves
  • Stretch – Using the overhand grip, lean back pulling the parachute taut
  • Dome – together, everyone pulls the parachute up and down quickly in front of them, catching air inside
  • Mushroom – together, everyone pulls the parachute up and takes a step or two forward so they
  • are “inside” the parachute when it comes down
  • Tent – together, everyone pulls the parachute up and down quickly, taking a step or two forward so they
  • are “inside” the parachute and sit down, holding the edge behind them
  • Jell-o – while in the final position of “Tent”, put feet out in front of you and kick the parachute up

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Parachute games and activities

6. Play with parachute only.

Try one or more of these games using only the parachute. Find these games on the Web or download the Parachute Games supplement for the rules.

  • Fruit salad
  • Colors
  • Cat and mouse
  • Sharks and lifeguards
  • See-saw
  • Air conditioning
  • Blob
  • Parachute tag
  • Ocean waves
  • One hand run

Search the Web for more games and activities you can do with the parachute alone.

7. Parachute with balls.

Try one or more of these games using a parachute and one or more soft balls. Again, the supplement has rules for you.

  • Rollerball
  • Popcorn
  • Ball toss
  • Bouncing balls

8. Other items for play.

You can replace the soft balls with soft dolls, yarn, bean bags, stuffed animals or other items to freshen your games. There are even games you can play with an earth ball. Look for other items and games you can incorporate into your parachute play beyond the standard balls.

9. Adapt other games.

Make a “Tent” and play “Duck, Duck, Goose” or a similar game under the tent. What other circle games can you adapt to play with your parachute?

10. Dances.

www.izaak.unh.edu/dlp/NorthernJunket/NJindex/folk%20dances.htm

You can do simple folk dance steps with your parachute. Check out some samples you can pull from this link or use some of your own.

If you choose, take a familiar song your kids know and put actions to it, creating your own circle dance. Pull steps out of folk dances or ask the kids to select their own actions. Make sure you document your new dances so you can do them again.

11. Circle activities.

You can adapt your circle activities with a parachute by creating a “Tent” to have your opening and / or closing circle. You can also do activities from discussions to singing under your parachute. Try using your parachute beyond games.

12. Create your own games.

Create your own parachute games or encourage your players to make them. Start by adjusting the rules of games you already know. Then, venture into your own original games.

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Supplement

SUPP_ParachuteGames.pdf

Parachute games sampler

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Sites to Explore

www.creativeplay4less.com/ppchutegames.html
www.mrgym.com/MiscGames/Parachute.htm
www.funandgames.org/games/GameParachute.htm
www.youthwork-practice.com/games/parachute-games.html
www.youthwork-practice.com/programs-youth-group-meetings/parachute-cloth-Olympics.html
www.scoutscan.com/beavers/parachut.html
www.ehow.com/parachute-games
www.squidoo.com/parachute-games
www.ultimatecampresource.com/site/camp-activities/parachute-games.page-1.html
rhymetime4kids.blogspot.com/2010/10/parachute-games.html
Filed Under: AEP, Badge Programs Tagged With: , , , ,

Badge: Icebreakers for Adults (revised)

2011/09/14 by Leave a Comment

Badge: Icebreakers for AdultsIcebreakers are used to get groups unfamiliar with each other to interact. It can help people become more comfortable in a new activity, event or gathering.

This badge program is geared toward more “adult” icebreakers.

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Steps

1. Provided PDFs.

SUPP_Icebreaker_Sampler.pdf is provided for this badge program by the Adult Enrichment Project. Download it to review as you work through the steps. As you review them, note that many of the icebreakers may be done by adults or kids.

2. Introducing icebreakers.

You may find resistance from adults to participate. You can help encourage participation by:

  • Being enthusiastic
  • Choose volunteers who are not embarrassed
  • Be prepared to move on if the icebreaker doesn’t have the intended effect
  • Finish icebreakers while they’re being enjoyed, not when your adults are tired of it
  • Make sure they are age and ability appropriate

Taking these into consideration, select a few icebreakers for an event, meeting or training you have coming up.

3. Themes for your icebreakers.

Look through your collected icebreakers. Find themes or common threads that you can incorporate with your meetings, events or trainings. You want your icebreakers to work with your activity, not be a distraction from it. You may need to adjust an icebreaker to fit your needs. For example, if you are doing an outdoor training, you may want to incorporate outdoor elements into your icebreakers.

4. Choosing icebreakers.

When you need to choose icebreakers, there are considerations beyond theme and age appropriateness.

You’ll need to determine how much time you have for your icebreakers. Some will take less than five minutes while some may take half an hour. Unless you plan for your entire event to be icebreakers, keep the length in mind.

Size of the group is very important. If you ask for five favorite animals from five people, that will take a lot less time than those same five animals for twenty people. Also, sometimes the Icebreakers require individuals, pairs or even groups of five or more.

The area you have to work with will have a great deal to do with your choices. If you are in an unfamiliar location, find out if you can visit it before your event. Ask if there are restrictions you must adhere to. Check to see if you have enough room for more active icebreakers. Also, if you need to put items on the wall, are you allowed to pin or tape them up?

What other restrictions might affect choosing and doing icebreakers?

5. Know your stuff.

A successful icebreaker needs step-by-step instructions and then needs to be demonstrated. They are most effective when they are thought out, practiced and have clear instructions. Take the icebreakers you chose and review them thoroughly. Ask yourself the following questions.

  • Do the directions sound clear and thorough?
  • Can I explain the directions in my own words?
  • Do I have the materials I need?
  • Can I acquire any materials I need to create or find beforehand?
  • Have I thought of ways to adapt the icebreaker to help it work better with my theme?
  • Do I have a person / people to try the icebreaker to verify I have everything and it works?

6. Search the Web.

The icebreakers in the provided PDF may not provide what you need. Go out on the Web and find more icebreakers you can use with your adults. There are many free ones online. Save the ones you think look interesting.

7. Breaking the rules.

Sometimes the icebreaker doesn’t work the way it is written. Keep notes on any adjustments you may have made to make it workable before the event.

If you tried to run it and it didn’t work, reflect on the situation to determine what went wrong and if you could use it again. Make sure you keep track of your thoughts so you don’t repeat a bad experience.

8. Icebreakers — introductions to energizers.

Icebreakers can be used to introduce people to each other and relax before starting your event. Sometimes your icebreakers can be used as energizers. Watch your audience for information overload, boredom or distraction. This is your hint to do something different to get everyone back on track. Usually you’ll want to plan two or three icebreakers for a two-hour activity. Review your icebreakers. Which can be used as energizers?

9. Develop your own icebreakers.

Sometimes it’s difficult to find appropriate ice breakers and you will need to make your own. Try developing an icebreaker and share it with us. Before you do, here are a few things to keep in mind.

  • Your program should be 60-70% of your time, with the remainder for icebreakers
  • Determine the abilities / dynamics of your group
  • What is the goal for your icebreaker? Warm up and introductions? Energizer? Bridging to another topic?
  • To illustrate as an example of what you are showing
  • Amount of physical and mental exertion of participants
  • Individual, pairs or group participants

10. Invite adults to lead.

Adults may have participated in icebreakers previously. They appreciate the opportunity to share their knowledge and experience. At your activity, you can ask for any adjustments that they have made to your chosen icebreakers. You can also ask them to lead. Make sure to give them enough time to prepare.

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Supplement

SUPP_Icebreaker_Sampler.pdf

Selection of ice breakers to start this badge program.

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Sites to Explore

www.wilderdom.com/games/Icebreakers.html
humanresources.about.com/od/icebreakers/tp/Everything-Ice-Breakers.htm?p=1
www.ultimatecampresource.com/site/camp-activities/ice-breakers.page-1.html
www.icebreakers.ws/good-icebreakers-by-name
adulted.about.com/od/icebreakers/Ice_Breakers.htm
Filed Under: AEP, Badge Programs Tagged With: , , ,

Badge: Icebreakers for Kids (revised)

2011/09/14 by Leave a Comment

Badge: Icebreakers for KidsWhether you’re starting a troop or planning an event, icebreakers are great for kids to get to know each other. While icebreakers can be games or activities, this badge program is geared toward kid preferences.

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Steps

1. Why icebreakers?

Icebreakers can play an important role helping kids connect with one another in a group environment. They can also act as energizers during a long meeting or discussion. Some ways they can be used include:

  • Get to know one another
  • Introduce a new member to an existing group
  • Help kids feel comfortable together
  • Encourage cooperation
  • Encourage listening
  • Encourage working together
  • Break out of cliques
  • Developing social skills

Identify when you can use icebreakers with your troop / group.

2. Provided PDFs.

SUPP_Icebreaker_Sampler.pdf is provided for this badge program by the Adult Enrichment Project. Download it to review as you work through the steps. As you review them, note that many of the icebreakers may be done by adults or kids.

3. Search the Web.

Go out on the Web and find more icebreakers you can use with your girls and / or boys. Save the ones you think look interesting.

4. Keep the kids in mind.

Before starting icebreakers, you need to determine if the game or activity is doable by your kids. You don’t want to have an activity that takes a lot of writing for Kindergartners and you don’t want one that’s too young for teenagers. Observe your target audience and select a few icebreakers you feel may work with your troop / group.

5. Breaking the rules.

Sometimes the icebreaker doesn’t work. Keep notes on any adjustments you may have made or to not use it again if it completely fails. Reflect on failed icebreakers to determine what went wrong and if you could use it with a different troop / group or age level.

6. The choice of themes.

Unlike adults, kids have more difficulty sitting still for long periods. While themes are a great way to tie icebreakers into an event or meeting, you’ll find that kids are more interested in the icebreaker itself. If they have one they enjoy, they’ll ask to do it again, whether it fits your current activities or not. As you use icebreakers with your kids, note how they react to icebreakers and what effect themes have on them. Track which ice breakers they request again.

7. More active.

Kids like to move. For this reason, you’ll probably want to choose more active icebreakers. Review the PDF and the icebreakers you collected. Assign an activity level to each so you can quickly pull an active icebreaker when they become restless. Also, watch your kids as the year progresses. As the weather outside discourages outdoor play, are your kids more likely to request active icebreakers?

8. When to use icebreakers.

As you search the Web, you may have noticed that many schools have icebreakers for classes to start the year. For meetings, they are used at the beginning to allow participants to get to know each other and raise the level of comfort. So, if you have a troop meeting frequently, you may not want to keep your icebreakers to introducing only. Kids love to share information about what they know, so adjust the icebreakers to share different information. In addition, icebreakers can be used as energizers when your kids start getting bored or overloaded. In what other instances do you think icebreakers could be used?

9. Fun props.

If the icebreaker says to use a ball to throw between participants to take turns, why not replace it? Try a teddy bear or rubber chicken. Before you use your icebreakers, see if you can replace the standard materials with fun props. Try running the same icebreaker with both the more traditional item and a fun prop. Which do the kids enjoy more?

10. Activities for props.

If you’ve ever forgotten your props, you’ll know the panic. You can add activities for missing props. Try taking turns by giving each other “high fives”, a handshake or even making faces at each other. What other activities can you come up with to replace props? How do these activities affect your icebreakers?

11. Friendship books.

If you are thinking of including icebreakers for the kids to share information about themselves, why not add sheets they fill out and make a friendship book? This will allow your kids to contact each other outside of your meeting times. This will add to their comfort as well as interacting outside of your shared setting. Think of ways to encourage your kids to use their friendship books.

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Supplement

SUPP_Icebreaker_Sampler.pdf

Selection of ice breakers to start this badge program.

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Sites to Explore

www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_central/activity_ideas/icebreakers.asp
www.scoutingweb.com/scoutingweb/Training/LdrTrain.htm
www.ultimatecampresource.com/site/camp-activities/ice-breakers.html
www.group-games.com
www.youthgroupgames.co.uk/icebreakers-for-large-groups-1030-people.html
www.ehow.com/how_2214688_plan-ice-breakers-youth-group.html
www.funandgames.org/games/GameIcebreakers.htm
Filed Under: AEP, Badge Programs Tagged With: , , , ,