You have 8 ACTIVITIES left to open for FREE today. To get unlimited access Sign-Up Now
Login

Number Shuffle

8 PDF
Back
Line of people holding numbers for Number Shuffle initiative

Number Shuffle

Very simple energising team-building exercise.

  • Easy set-up
  • Playful & fun
  • Promotes cooperation
  • Focus on perspective
  • Simple props

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. In advance, visit the Resources tab to download a Print+Play set of large printed numbers 0 to 9 on individual sheets of paper, or create your own.
  2. Also, write a long list of small and large numbers that utilise only one instance of each digit.
  3. When ready, distribute one printed number so that each person is holding one of each of the ten numbers.
  4. Challenge your group to shuffle the numbers they are holding as fast and as accurately as they can to match each number you announce over several rounds.
  5. Announce your first number or write it on a whiteboard / flip-chart paper, eg 96,471.
  6. In this case, the five people holding these particular numbers will shuffle their positions to represent the number 9 – 6 – 4 – 7 – 1 while the rest of the group steps back and looks on.
  7. Continue to announce more numbers, bouncing between small and large numbers regularly.
  8. Play for up to 5 minutes and/or try something new from the Variations tab.

Resources Premium

How To Play Narrative Premium

Practical Leadership Tips Premium

Social-Emotional Learning Premium

Health & Wellness Programming Premium

Popular Variations 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. jeWElle de Mesa

    Here’s a quick idea to help your group to work together so that everyone contributes:

  2. The back of the cards could be blank – they can place it before or after the numbers, or other placements – can be discussed later – any particular reason for the placement? how did the placement help with the strategy? speed? presentation? Then maybe encourage other meanings from the rest of the group?
  3. The back of the cards could have had different symbols, shapes, colors, words, expressions – they can use these as details added to the ‘story’ of how they got to arrange/shuffle the numbers – the message being ‘this is more than just a number’ – what are the other meanings for the group? How about for the plenary? Other ways to process this?
  4. For next time – exploring ‘shuffle’ as an acronym, related to the framing for this activity….. (“,)
    5. Reply
    • Mark Collard

      jOeL, once again, thank you for sharing. I really like the idea of involving everyone by handing out one or more blanks to be used in the number-making operation. Can’t wait to try this out.

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.