GESTURE GAME

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Recommended age: 5-12 years
Place: Anywhere
Time required: 5-10 min
Material/tools: –

Purpose: Learning each other’s names, laugh and getting the creative process started
Where in the process: At the beginning of a meeting as a playful greeting round

ABOUT THE METHOD

We have used the gesture game in Växtvärket since forever, because it is so simple and a good icebreaker. Many greetings are a bit stiff, but here everyone can be personal without having to be private. Plus, it’s nice to move your body!

PREPARATIONS

No preparation is required.

HOW TO DO IT

Stand in a circle.
You, the leader, start by giving instructions to say ‘Hello, my name is [your name]!’ and then do a movement of your choice. Feel free to make a witty gesture to introduce yourself and make the children laugh. Then everyone else should reply ‘hello [your name]!’ and mimic your movement.
Ask if any child wants to start. If it’s the first time you do the game, you will be allowed to start, but after a few times, many will probably want to start (this is a game that seems to get more popular the more times it is played).
After the first child has made a move, the child next to you continues, until you have gone round the team. If the children are shy or can’t think of a movement, give suggestions such as clapping your hands, forming a heart with your hands or making a ‘dab’. If it’s still too scary, just ask for the child’s name and say ‘hello [child’s name]’ together as a group and move on.

to think about

All adults should be involved! It’s all about giving of yourself!

THE METHOD AS PART OF THE DESIGN PROCESS

The method can be used the first time you meet or as an introduction to all meetings in the process. Over time, you can try to develop the game. As I said, it tends to become more popular the more times it is played and the more freedom the children dare to take.