Telestrations

Summary: A fun, low-energy mash-up of telephone and drawing that focuses on communication and self-awareness.

Materials:

  • Several pieces of paper, separated or folded into an odd number of sections
  • Pens or pencils

Instructions:

  1. Give one piece of paper to each player, and tell them to write down a word or phrase in the first section. If you think your kids will pick inappropriate words, pre-choose words to write in the first section of the paper and skip this step.
  2. Once everyone has a word written down, tell them to pass the paper to their left. The next person will draw what they think the word or phrase looks like in the second section, then fold the first section over so that only the picture they drew can be seen facing up.
  3. They will then pass the paper to their left, and the next person will write down in words in the third section what they think the drawing is supposed to be, then fold over the drawing so that only the words they wrote can be seen facing up.
  4. Continue like this until all the sections are filled, and then unfold the papers to see how well the original message made it through the rounds.

Debrief Questions:

  • What happened to the word or phrase you wrote? Why do you think that happened?
  • What could we do to make sure the original message gets through?
  • Does this kind of thing ever happen with you and your friends?

Activity Length: Long (>30 minutes)

Energy Level: Low

Grade Level: 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th & Up

Group Size: Large (10+), Medium (5-9)