Free eBook:
Download our free 28-page ebook jam-packed with outrageously fun activity ideas.
Getting Into Pairs
Fun partner-matching strategies to form pairs quickly & easily.
- Simple, rapid pairing
- Very playful & fun
- Promotes random mixing
- Non-traditional
- Breaks down cliques
Save to Playlist
Fun Partner-Matching Strategies
These simple strategies help groups form pairs quickly based on shared traits or features. Simple to set up and mostly without props, these fun partner-matching strategies are ideal for when you need to split a large group into pairs. Happily, Getting Into Pairs works well to spark interaction and conversation because the shared matching traits create instant talking points to help break the ice between new partners.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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
Program Templates Premium
Source Premium
Original post October 2015, last updated September 2025.
Comments (6)
Leave a Reply to Playformance Cancel 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 CartNew – TRY BEFORE YOU BUY
NEW – Latest Posts
Choose a plan that’s right for you
We offer a range of membership plans with no surprises.
Click an option below & discover our simple pricing.
Individual
Click here if you’re a:
- Teacher
- Corporate trainer
- Outdoor educator
- Camp leader
- Youth leader
- Conference organiser
- Therapist/counsellor
Membership Plans
Enterprise
Click here if you represent a:
- School
- Corporation
- Community-based Organisation
Explore plans for
10, 50, 200 or more
potential users
Membership Plans
Login
Just one more question:
I am interested in…
Wow, you’ve been busy!
You can open 1 more
activity for free.
Limit resets every 24 hours
or Sign-Up to get UNLIMITED access.
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.