Summary: Players have to find their path in a game that combines mazes with teamwork.
Materials:
- Paper plates OR masking tape OR sheets of paper
Instructions:
- Facilitators begin by laying out a 5×5 grid – either with paper plates, or some other material. If you choose to make a larger grid, the game will be longer and more difficult.
- Facilitators will make a “map” on a separate piece of paper. The map should specify which tiles are “safe.” The safe tiles should make a path from one side of the grid to the other. The safe tiles should also be connected vertically or horizontally.
- To make the path more difficult, consider having it go backwards or connecting tiles diagonally.
- Have players line up on one side of the grid. Explain how the safe tiles work and that the objective of the game is to find the path to the other side through trial and error.
- Whoever is first in line should guess which tile they think is safe. If they choose the wrong tile, then they must go to the end of the line and the next person gets to try. Players should learn from the mistakes before them.
- To make the game more difficult, tell players that they cannot talk to each other.
- Continue until the team has found the correct path to the other side. Once one player has found it, the team must work together to get everyone across.
Debrief Questions:
- Did your team come up with a strategy to make the game easier? (for example, folding the plates or paper tiles that were safe)
- What was difficult about this game? What happened when your teammates weren’t paying attention?
- How did it feel to watch others make mistakes? How did it feel to make mistakes in front of others?
- Why is it important to learn from our mistakes?
- When you are struggling, what is and is not helpful for others to do?
Activity Length: Long (>30 minutes)
Energy Level: Medium
Grade Level: 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th & Up
Group Size: Large (10+), Medium (5-9), Small (2-4)