Defining the Categories The exercises in this book fall into one or more of these six categories. Just below the title of each exercise, you’ll find a listing of these six categories. The small checkmarks beside each of the categories serve as guides for where best to use the exercise. Please remember, however, that these are only suggestions. With the right amount of imagination, the exercises here can be adapted to suit almost any training need.
Openers These exercises, commonly known as “ice breakers,” serve as vehicles for getting participants to introduce them- selves or for putting trainees into the right “frame of mind” for the coming session. These exercises might vary according to the type of training being conducted, how big the group is, and
how well the group members know each other. Also keep in mind the Law of Primacy: People remember best what we do first, so choose your openers carefully. (To be honest, nearly all of the exercises here could be adapted as some form of opener.)
Energizers
Designed to involve a group actively, these mid-course exercises are best used during the infamous mid-afternoon slump or anytime you feel a group’s attention might be waning. Often, these games take the
form of energetic review sessions or stimulating brainteasers, or even a physical activity that gets people up and moving. The secret here is that these exercises aren’t always planned. The best strategy in developing a course is to have a handful of relevant energizers ready to go at a moment’s notice and implement one when you see attention begin to slip.
x
101 More Games for Trainers
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter maker