Step-by-Step Instructions
These fun partner-matching strategies help groups form pairs quickly based on shared traits or features. Getting Into Pairs works well before team tasks that need people to work together. Simple to set up with no special tools needed, this method gets everyone moving and talking right away. Perfect for workshops, classes, or training days when you need to split a large group into pairs. The shared matching traits create instant talking points and help break the ice between new partners.
Getting Into Pairs – Fun Partner-Matching Strategies
- Assemble your group.
- Ask everyone to find one other person who also identifies with a particular criteria you announce.
- For example, ask each person to find someone with the same or similar colour top, or length of hair, month of birth, number of letters in their first name, etc.
- When ready, invite these pairs to engage in your next activity.
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The way children and staff get into pairs is critical. It is a LIFE SKILL that should get as much attention as teaching manners to children, but it is sadly not even placed in the same category as importance…yet. This resource has been so helpful. Thank you, Mark!
Couldn’t agree more Emily. To my way of thinking, building connections before the delivery of (any) content is the key to success. Have FUNN…
I love these ideas! I just did a teacher training workshop and find myself saying get into pairs when playing the debrief games back to back and pair share. Next time I will make it more fun! Thanks Marc. Such a brilliant site and well organized.
Thanks for your comment, ps: I love the name of your business 🙂
Thanks Marc, these are amazing ideas to form pairs. I work as experiental trainer in Italy and I find the whole data base, not only this activity, incredibly useful for my work
“Getting into pairs” is such a big responsibility of the Health and Physical Education teacher and these simple tips allow pairs to be formed in an inclusive and safe fashion. I would suggest that the more ridiculous the better and ask a student to pick how you will find your next partner.