Form a stand-up circle, including yourself, with people standing within arm’s reach of their neighbours.
Announce that you would like to pass an imaginary impulse around the group, but there are only a limited number of ways in which it can be passed.
Start by introducing a ‘Wizz,’ which is demonstrated by flicking one’s open hand as if shooing something away in front of yourself, and saying the word “WIZZ.”
Explain that there are only two directions a ‘Wizz’ can travel – to the left or right of the person ‘Wizzing.’ To move the impulse to the right, one must wizz with their left hand, and vice versa.
When a person receives the wizzed impulse, they can choose to ‘Wizz’ it in the same direction, or introduce ‘Bang’ which effectively prevents the impulse from travelling any further in that direction, and causes it to travel in reverse. To ‘Bang,’ a person will thrust their forearm vertically in front of themselves as if impeding the traffic of the impulse, and say “BANG.”
Note, the correct arm to ‘Bang’ is the arm furthest (or opposite) the place from which the ‘Wizz’ travelled, or that which will have its palm facing the oncoming ‘Wizz.’
Allow this action to settle in for a moment. Sounds of “WIZZ, WIZZ, WIZZ, WIZZ, BANG, WIZZ, WIZZ, BANG, WIZZ, BANG” etc are what you can expect.
The options for sound and movement are endless, but here are two more sets of paired gestures for you to try. Introduce one set at a time, and play until your group’s interest is piqued.
- VROOM – a person who receives the impulse may alter its path completely and send it anywhere in the circle, simply by looking at a random person across the other side of the circle and then extending one’s arms in their direction and saying “VROOOOOOMMMMM.” Explain that a ‘Vroom’ must receive an ‘Ahhhh’ in response.
- AHHHH – to receive a ‘Vroom’ a person holds their hands and arms up graciously as if catching an object, and then quickly nurses the imaginary impulse gently into their chest. All of which compels the receiver to sigh heavily with an “AHHHHH,” and then choose how they would like to send the impulse on its way again.
- SHOOT – upon receiving the impulse, this person will hold it up as if it was a basketball, flick their fingers forward and ‘Shoot’ for a goal, all the while looking in the direction of a random person (the ‘Kerplunker’) across the other side of the circle. Explain that a ”Shoot” must receive an ”Kerplunk” in response.
- KERPLUNK – the receiving end of the ‘Shoot,’ this person forms a ring with their arms, and upon watching the imaginary impulse swish through, calls out “KERPLUNK.” The impulse is now ready to travel again.
Note that upon completion of an ‘Ahhhh’ or a ‘Kerplunk’ an individual may ‘Wizz,’ ‘Vroom’ or ‘Shoot.’
Integrating all of these motions together, your game may sound like this – “WIZZ, WIZZ, WIZZ, BANG, WIZZ, BANG, WIZZZ, VROOM, AHHHH, WIZZ, WIZZ, BANG, SHOOT, KERPLUNK, VROOM, AHHHH, WIZZ…”
It is entirely possible to enjoy this activity sitting down or in chairs, but it just seems more fun standing up.
This is a classic example of FUNN at work. There is little if any obvious intrinsic value to be found in the exercise of this game. But… when presented with enthusiasm, and energy, most groups will be more than willing to play. And this is where the value lies.
Naturally, your circle needs to be a circle-circle, not a square-circle, or another shape that makes it difficult for each person to see others clearly.
You could integrate Wizz Bang as part of a well-designed SEL program to promote and maintain healthy and supportive relationships and to effectively navigate settings with diverse people.
Specifically, this activity offers opportunities to explore and practice the following social & interpersonal skills:
Self-Awareness
- Demonstrating Self-Confidence, Honesty & Integrity
- Experiencing Self-Efficacy
Self-Management
- Demonstrating Self-Discipline & Self-Motivation
- Taking Initiative
- Use Planning & Organisational Skills
Relationship Skills
- Communicate & Listen Effectively
- Seeking and/or Offering Support
- Build Positive Relationships
- Work Collaboratively
- Showing Leadership
Responsible Decision-Making
- Demonstrating Curiosity & Open-Mindedness
- Making Reasoned Judgements
- Anticipating & Evaluating the Consequences of One’s Actions
- Promoting Personal & Collective Well-Being
You can learn more about SEL and how it can support character education here.
A person with a vivid imagination can see anything before their eyes. If you watch an actor or even a mime artist, their gestures and belief in the object is so strong, it is possible for the audience to begin to ‘see’ the object as well. Well, in this game, I’d like to introduce an imaginary object around the circle…
We all know that a fast game is a good game, and this next game relies heavily on that principle. All you have to do is pass an imaginary object around and within the circle…
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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?