In part 1 of this blog, I talked about why changing groups is such a good idea, when to change groups, and how to orchestrate that change. I’d like to expand on the how by sharing 3 of my favorite techniques for changing groups and would like to recommend our great product, 55 Creative Tools for Trainers.
Cartoons
Select 4 to 6 cartoon shows for use with this technique. Then find pictures of your favorite cartoon characters from each show. Create a set of 4 to 6 characters for each cartoon show by printing a picture of each character you’ve selected on an index card. When you want to change groups, distribute one character card from each show to each table. Keep in mind that the number of shows you use is based on the number of table groups, and the number of characters you distribute is based on the number of participants at each table. Then, assign each table a specific cartoon show. Once every participant has a card, invite them to move to the table representing the cartoon to which their character belongs.
For example, if I wanted to go old school, I could use “The Jetson’s” as one of the cartoon shows. I’d print pictures of George, Jane, Judy, Elroy, Astro, and Rosie. If I wanted to be more current, I could use “Phinneas and Ferb.” I’d print pictures of Phinneas, Ferb, Candace, Perry, Dr. D, and Vanessa. I’d put a different cartoon title on each table’s chart, so participants would know which table to join.
Comic Strips
Talk about old school. Consider some of the choices here. You could select “Archie,” “Blondie,” or “Dilbert,” just to name a few. Again select 4 to 6 different comic strips. Create sets of cell cards to create an entire strip by printing a picture of one comic cell from one comic strip on an index card. When you want to change groups, distribute one cell card from each strip to each table. Keep in mind that the number of comic strips you use is based on the number of table groups, and the number of cells you distribute is based on the number of participants at each table. Then assign each table a comic strip. Once every participant has a card, invite them to move to the table representing the comic strip to which their cell belongs. For an even greater challenge, have each group then put their cells in the right order.
Musical Eras
Select 4 to 6 songs/artists from each decade beginning in the 50s. Create sets of 4 to 6 music cards for each decade by printing each song title and artist’s name on an index card. When you want to change groups, distribute one music card from each decade to each table. The number of decades is based on the number of table groups you have, and the number of songs/artists is based on the number of participants at each table. Then, assign each table a decade. Once every participant has a card, invite them to move to the table representing the decade to which their music belongs.
For example, if I wanted to use the 80s, I might select Huey Lewis, Madonna, Prince, and U2. I’d include a song title for each artist as well. I might even add an icon for each decade. For example, a 45 RPM record for the 50s or the MTV logo for the 80s.
No matter which technique you choose, the key is to find creative ways to change groups. Besides, “Learners just want to have fun” (oooh, Cyndi Lauper from the 80s)!
Jim
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