In this fast-paced, hands-on challenge, teams will work together to sort objects by color while overcoming a few creative obstacles. Each person will take on a specific role, and together they will rely on clear communication, collaboration and quick thinking to succeed!
Time Needed: 10 minutes
Group Size: 4-5 people
Materials: Socks; colorful objects in Ziplock bags (small items such as Legos, pom-poms or candies like Skittles or Runts); colorful cups (these should match the colors of your small objects); blindfolds
Set Up: Arrange materials on a table. If you have multiple small groups participating, set up separate stations. Each station should have 1 sock, 5 or so different colored cups and a Ziploc bag with colorful objects.
Directions: Participants will work together in small groups with assigned roles to complete a challenge. If you have a large group, you can have them break off into smaller groups with no more than 4-5 people per group.
Share the roles and tasks for the activity:
- Leaders will be sorting the objects, but cannot speak or see.
- Speakers are the only participants who can speak but cannot handle the objects.
- Supports cannot speak but can aid the leader in handling the objects. They can pick up dropped pieces, scoot objects closer to the leader and, if the group has something like Legos, Supports can pull them apart before the leader can sort them. They mat not put the objects into the cups.
- Cheerleaders cheer the team on without words. They can use props, hand gestures and body movements.
Have the groups self-assign each person a role. Each group should have a leader, a speaker, a support and a cheerleader. Multiple people can have the same role, but each role should be assigned to at least one person.
Explain that the group must ensure that as many objects are sorted by color into the corresponding cup. (e.g., red objects go into the red cup, yellow in the yellow cup, etc.) They have 2 minutes to get as many objects as possible into the correct cup. The leader must be blindfolded and use the sock as a glove and cover their hand to handle the objects. Leaders must have their dominant hand (the one they write with) behind their back and utilize their other hand in the activity. Emphasize that only ONE hand may be used.
Ask if participants have any questions, oversee their set up and make sure they are ready. Set a timer for 2 minutes and then start participants with a “Ready! Set! Go, Please!”
Give a 1 minute, 30 second and 10 second warning.
Ask for a check of the number of objects in correct cups or left to be sorted, applaud the teams and then ask participants to switch roles.
Run another 2 minute round and, if you have time, a 3rd round. Have participants switch their roles each round.
After applauding and celebrating the activity, debrief with the following discussion questions.
Debrief Questions:
- Leaders, how did your role help the team? How did the team help you? Repeat with Supports, Speakers and Cheerleaders.
- Why was each role significant to the success of the entire team?
- Was one role more important than others? If so, which and tell us why? If not, why not?
- What role does communication play in team success?
- How can we use teamwork when making an impact?