When a group is meeting for the first time or welcoming new members, this activity is a fun way to learn each person’s name and interesting facts about them. It also helps participants build connections by discovering what they have in common.
Time Needed: 15 minutes (more or less time for decorating!)
Group Size: Any
Materials: Gold cutout star for each participant; assorted sharpies and stickers (regular markers will NOT work!). If you are unable to find gold stars, you can use a piece of construction paper, a paper plate or any other item for participants to write on!
Directions: Give each person a star and ask them to decorate it with words and/or pictures that they would use to describe themselves.
Say in your own words, “Think of this star as your Wikipedia bio. If I were to Google your name, what might show up (that you are comfortable sharing with the group)?” Make one ahead of time that you can use as an example, and share it with the group.
Once everyone has completed their stars, instruct the group to stand and create a “Walk of Fame” by placing the stars in a line on the floor. The line does not have to be perfectly straight. It can wind around the room to give more space for walking it. When the stars are placed, invite the group to walk around and look at each star. After a few minutes, ask the group to stand by their own star. Lead the debrief with the group standing.
Debrief Questions:
- What did you find that you have in common with other members of the group?
- Why is it important that we identify commonalities with each other?
- How can both our similarities and differences make this group stronger?
- In what ways can finding common ground help prevent misunderstandings or conflict?