#1. “I’m Puzzled” Requires partners or groups of 3. One partner is blindfolded and will be completing a task, while the other can see and give instructions, but may not touch any of the puzzle pieces.
Goal: Partners to work cooperatively to complete a puzzle. They take turns working – one blindfolded and one not. You can determine when the partners will alternate- every 60 seconds, after successfully connecting 4 pieces, etc.
Variations: This game could be used with separate tasks or as stations in a rotation. Try having blindfolded partners coloring in the lines, cutting simple shapes from poster board, tying a shoe, moving an item from one place to the other, etc. You could even try asking one partner to lead the blindfolded partner to a certain location!
#2 “Three-Legged Sports” A variety of “normal” games can be modified using connecting partners by their legs.
Goal: Participants are challenged to communicate and coordinate their movements together. This reinforces teamwork, listening, and communication. Being connected will require practice in order to field a ball, catch, throw, and score. Try games like kickball, volleyball, basketball, and Frisbee games.
Connecting players is important to the game, but help keep kids safe. Players will likely fall at times, so a loose bandana tied around their legs should suffice. Be sure not to cut off circulation and make sure the playing field is relatively level!
#3 “Circular Logic” All members of the group are connected by holding hands or by holding the edges of a bandana.
Goal: Complete tasks while connected as a group. Some tasks are more physically challenging than others, but all require the group to communicate and work together.
To begin, have everyone remove their shoes and place them in a pile before joining hands. They must stay connected and work to put on and tie their shoes. When they finish, have them try a few of the following. You can arrange tasks in any order depending on space.
- navigate up & down stairs
- go through doors
- have each team member get a drink of water from the fountain
- go over/around certain objects (low-level playground equipment, table, benches, etc.)
- accumulate objects (collect 6 basketballs, etc. and continue the initiative while maintaining control of them)
After playing these games, groups will be able to discuss the challenges they encountered and how they worked together.
