Step-by-Step Instructions
- In advance, select one suit of cards (13 cards) from a deck of playing cards.
- Lay these cards face-down randomly on the ground within a specified (roped) perimeter.
- Invite your group to stand on the outside perimeter.
- Challenge your group to pick up all of the cards in sequence from 2 through to Ace, flipping one card at a time, as quickly as possible.
- The group is permitted to have one person inside the perimeter at any point in time.
- When a card is picked up, if it is not the next card in the sequence, it must be placed back down.
- Otherwise, the person inside the perimeter will collect and keep the card.
- Team members are entitled to assist their colleague inside the perimeter, eg point, talk, etc.
- The task continues until all cards have been picked-up in order.
- Repeat the task several times aiming to record the fastest possible time.
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Loving this game! I laid ropes criss-cross setting up 4 quadrants, then randomly scattered a suit in each quad. Here’s my story:
I had two groups play at the same time. Asked them to reset their play area, then had them switch and play in quad set up by other group. That was fun. We talked about effective processes, utilizing resources, learning forward, etc. Goals were set and they played again. For third round I moved them to the unused quad, and asked them to maintain their high standards. After were processed a bit, I gave them a final challenge to collectively complete the work in all four quadrants. I also asked them to set a goal. The goal-setting turned into a good discussion in it’s self. They got their best time! They reflected on the degree of trust between the work groups, having a shared vision and empowering each small group to solve their part of the problem in their own way. Interesting conversations around “re-setting” the cards. I was curious about how you handle the reset. Thanks
Wow Jen, this sounds terrific, love the variation and thanks for sharing. In regards to resetting, do you mean mixing up the cards randomly? If so, this is not something I have done myself, but I like the idea.
Great game activity, can play multiple times depending on the age of students. Would modify this to ensure that there’s more physical movement (students outside on the perimeter doing jumping jacks, cheering, specific exercises, etc).
Your suggestion to keep your students moving is a good one and can be applied to many other activities where there is the potential for idleness.