Shape-Up Game

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In this game of communication and collaboration, blindfolded players must figure out which of the shapes that they hold is a duplicate. Success requires clear and concise communica tion, active listening, and collaboration, as several of the shapes could be easily confused with each other. The facilitator will instruct players, “Without looking at your shapes, determine which players have matching shapes.” Optionally, you can let them know that only two players will have matching shapes. Or, you can throw in more matches and NOT tell them how many will be a match (this is much more difficult!) CONTENTS OF SHAPE-UP This communication and teambuilding game contains: 26 wooden shapes (2 each of 13 different shapes) 10 blindfolds MORE TEAM BUILDING FACILITATION OPTIONS In addition to the Shape-Up game, facilitation notes include 5 additional game ideas including: PARTNER PAIR-UPS - players use the 13 different shapes to find a partner (one with either a matching or complementary shape) BEHIND-THE-BACK PARTNER PAIR-UPS - without seeing the shape that they hold, players must find the person who has their matching shape. SHAPE-UP ICEBREAKER INTROS - using the shapes a metaphors, players pick a shape that reminds them of a personal experience (or a learning goal; or a characteristic they’re proud of; etc.) METAPHORICAL DISCUSSIONS & DEBRIEFS - players choose a shape that represents an observation, question, or learning point, and share their metaphorical reflections with the whole group. SHAPE-ly DEBRIEF & REFLECTION QUESTIONS - conduct a "S.H.A.P.E.ly" debrief S – SHAPES - discuss what was difficult about describing the shapes H – HELPFUL/HURTFUL - identify approaches that were helpful or hurtful to the effort A – ACTIONS - focus on actions and break-through moments P - PREPERATION - draw out the impact of preparation as teams approached the challenge E – END RESULTS - discuss the group's satisfaction with their end-result ©Trainers Warehouse. SHAPE-UP is a collaboration between Teamwork & Teamplay and Trainers Warehouse. COMPARISON CHART Not sure which team-building activity is right for your group? Trainers Warehouse offers a variety of experiential learning games that build skills in communication, collaboration, adaptability, leadership, and conflict resolution. Use the chart below to compare five of our most popular activities—PuzzleBlind®, Helium Stick®, TeamWRITER®, Shape Up!®, and Team 10®—and choose the one that best fits your training goals, group size, and workshop format. Activity Ideal Group Size Core Skills Developed Time Required Key Dynamic Best For PuzzleBlind® 4–8 players per puzzle (parallel teams for larger groups) Communication, trust, listening, coaching, conflict resolution ~30–40 minutes (play + debrief) Builders are blindfolded, coaches give verbal instructions Leadership training, conflict resolution, communication workshops Helium Stick® 8–12 participants per stick Communication, alignment, group focus, patience ~20–30 minutes (setup + play + debrief) Teams must lower a lightweight rod without it rising up Quick energizer, communication warm-up, leadership retreats TeamWRITER® 6–12 participants (expandable with multiple pens/strings) Collaboration, interdependence, coordination, listening ~20–30 minutes (assembly + play + debrief) Teams collectively pull strings to guide a pen and write/draw Collaboration workshops, leadership development, trust building Shape Up!® Small teams of 4–6 per set (multiple sets scale up) Problem-solving, communication, collaboration, ~20-30 minutes (multiple rounds + debrief) Players must figure out which of their pieces is a duplicate Problem-solving workshops, collaboration training, communication skill-building Team 10® Groups of 4–8 players Adaptability, resilience, dealing with disruption, collaborative planning ~20–30 minutes (play + debrief) Teams search for 10 matching cards until a “Scramble” card forces to begin again Change management workshops, adaptability training, and teamwork energizer Show more