Login
Two people drawing and tracing the number 2 in the air, as part of fun partner game called Space Counting

Space Counting

Fun partner-mimicking exercise with powerful metaphors.

  • Generates energy
  • Promotes collaboration
  • Inspires teachable moments
  • Multiple variations
  • No props

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

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 (4)

  1. Floyd Hinman

    I love this activity and appreciate it for building a common language, and preparing people for collaboration. I start with a race to 21 competing against your partner, and let folks switch partners a few times. I then move into a few rounds of competing WITH your partner (finger tracing above), and the first pair to 21 “wins.” in a final round I add, “you and your partner are going to continue working together, facing each other, and counting out loud and writing those numbers 1-21. At the same time, your team will be working with every other team in the room who are participating in the same way. It is your teams responsibility to ensure your team starts together, works together, and ends together all at the same time. Is there anything you need to discuss before we get started?” In process I like to discuss considerations when you are working by or for yourself. then, what changes when you start working with another person, or a small group? then, what has to be considered when we start working as a large group or a whole community, etc…

    • Mark Collard

      Awesome stuff Floyd, I really like the way you embraced collaboration in this variation.

  2. Steven

    I use this activity at the start of most of my corporate team events. Everyone participates. There is a lot of laughter. And there are so many applications! I typically start with the “mirrored” part and then do the “race” to 30 simply because it works well with my programming. And oftentimes I follow this with an activity the divides my group in half. Winners of the activity are one group and …non winners are the other.

  3. Chad Littlefield

    Love the metaphors that come along with this. Powerful way to shift a perspective from “me” to “we.”

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.