You have 9 ACTIVITIES left to open for FREE today. To get unlimited access Sign-Up Now
Login

One Word

11 PDF
Back
Bunch of seven letters which form part of the One Word puzzle

One Word

Intriguing word puzzle that challenges assumptions.

  • Focus on assumptions
  • Promotes critical thinking
  • Inspires creativity
  • Simple prop
  • Virtual option

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. In advance, visit the Resources tab to download a set of Print+Play One Word letters.
  2. Or, create your own by writing the seven letters – E   D   N   R   O   W   O – onto index cards (one letter per card.)
  3. To begin, show only these three letters – E D N – in this order.
  4. Ask your group to use all of the letters to spell one word (answers END and DEN if you exclude proper nouns.)
  5. Then, add the letter R (answers REND and NERD.)
  6. Next, add the letter O (answers DRONE and REDON.)
  7. Then, add the letter W (answers DOWNER and WONDER.)
  8. Finally, add the seventh letter O.
  9. Observe that most groups will struggle to construct one word using all seven letters, because it is not possible.
  10. The solution is ONE WORD.
  11. Debrief the exercise by helping your group to explore the risks of making assumptions.
  12. If time permits, discuss the types of assumptions your group makes every day, and the impact of these decisions.

Resources Premium

Video Tutorial Premium

How To Play Narrative Premium

Practical Leadership Tips Premium

Social-Emotional Learning Premium

Health & Wellness Programming Premium

Popular Variations Premium

Virtual Adaptation Premium

You Might Also Like... Premium

Useful Framing Ideas Premium

Reflection Tips & Strategies Premium

Source Premium

Contributor

Add your Comments...

Have you played this activity? What worked, what didn't work? What type of group? Do you have useful advice for other users? Do you know a fun variation?

Comments (2)

  1. texasteambuilder

    Hi Mark, played this today following your suggested flow. PERFECT! I had a corporate accounting group who wanted to explore change and creativity. Their tpical patterns showed up through out the program, and this activity was a pretty object lesson.
    Will be using this again.. Thank you

    Reply
  2. Emily

    I played this virtually with 10 staff. The frustration was enormous. I then said I will give them a clue, and I wrote in the chat box, please write one word with these letters.
    THEN they got it, and LAUGHED so hard. The frustration evaporated and the discussion about assumptions was beautiful. It also highlighted different learning styles. Brilliant!

    Reply

No Props No Problem

Brand NEW book featuring 150+ outrageously fun group games & activities. Scan QR codes to connect to tons of digital content including video tutorials.

Add to Cart
Free eBook:
Top Ten Icebreakers & Group Games

Download our free 28-page ebook jam-packed with outrageously fun activity ideas.