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Three people sitting circle passing balls to one another as part of The Passing Game

The Passing Game

Small group initiative that demands critical thinking.

  • Simple to set up
  • Focus on systems
  • Promotes communication
  • Develops problem-solving skills
  • Ideal for small groups

Step-by-Step Instructions

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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. texasteambuilder

    Mark, I love this problem. I can see that the items you select for the categories could be half the fun … stuffed animals, something significant to the group … love the possibilities.
    just thinking through the option of using cards … could you even go for pair based on numeric value? I envision laying out 5 pairs of playing cards face down in the middle of their circle, number off the players 1 (ace) through 5, then ask each to draw 2 cards. So random … and what if they draw one of the cards they are assigned … given the rules of play … could be interesting dynamic. can’t wait to play.
    Any thoughts on how this could be played virtually?

    • Mark Collard

      Hey Jennifer, great ideas to mix up the objects for this initiative. If you test out your playing card idea, let us know how it goes. Re virtual, I think using Jamboard or Padlet to simultaneously move objects on the screen could work. To this end, you’d have to set up 5 separate circles as your background slide, and then create 2 small objects for each person (total of 10) in the centre. Then play as usual, but obviously, all movements will be via manipulating the objects on one’s screen. Could work?

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