Overhead projector
Eye dropper
Clear pie plate
Water to cover the bottom of the pie plate
Green, red, blue, and yellow food coloring
Oil
Small piece of yarn
Bromo-seltzer
Stir stick
Alphabet Ping Pong Ice Breaker
An Idea for Using Leftover Halloween Candy
Challenging Home Visits/Child Care Visits
Familiarity Breeds MindlessnessSecret Admirers: A Great Way to Start Your Day
Challenging
Home Visits / Child Care Visits
Purpose: To provide early interventionists with a number of ideas that can assist them with challenging home visits/child care visits.
Materials: paper, music
Steps:
When a number of ideas are recorded, end the activity by having the participants move the papers in an clockwise/anticlockwise fashion until they reach the people who wrote the challenging situation.
An Idea For Using Left Over Halloween
Candy
Do you have bite-size candy left over from Halloween and you'd rather not eat it? Here is an idea on how you can use it in your training:
Candy can be used as a group-forming tool and for team names. Mix equal numbers of different types of bite-size candy together, making sure there is a piece of candy for each participant. (The types of candy that you have should match the number of groups that you want.) Have the participants choose a piece of candy and use it to locate others with the same kind. The groups that are formed take the name of the candy: the Snickers, the Peanut Butter Cups, the Kit Kats, etc. You may want to use nuts or an unsweetened treat as one of the choices for people who have special health concerns or for those who are watching their diets.
Idea adapted from Creative Training Techniques Newsletter, April 2000, Vol. 13, No. 4, p. 3. Reprinted with permission from Online Learning News, Bill Communications, 50 South Ninth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402.
During training, do you ever wonder
how long you should take for breaks? Here's an idea that might work well! Give
two participants one die each. Each participant rolls the dice. The total that
comes up on the two dice is
the length of the break in minutes. It might be a longer break (if they get
12) or there might be just enough time to stand up and stretch. If you are short
on time, you might want to cut back to one die. The activity adds some anticipation
and fun to your training!
Adapted from Creative Training Techniques Newsletter, December 2000, Vol. 13, No. 12. Reprinted with permission from Online Learning News, Bill Communications, 50 South Ninth St., Minneapolis, MN 55402.
When reviewing a specific training subject (e.g., Motor Skills), draw a race track on chart paper with marked segments. To represent teams, use images of race cars, horses, or greyhounds. Ask a review question. Advance the team's token on the track who responded correctly. The first team across the finish line wins. (Idea: Laminate the chart and put a piece of tape on the back of each token so they can be moved easily.
Adapted from: Carla Schmidt, AFNI, Bloomington, IL, Creative Training Techniques Newsletter, July 2000, Vol. 13, No. 7.
Wallpaper Wisdom
Print out quotes in a large font on brightly colored paper (each quote is on one piece of paper). As participants arrive at the training session, have them sort through the quotes, find a favorite, and put it on the wall. Wherever participants are seated during the training, they see inspirational messages that may energize them, give them encouragement and a positive outlook, or make them chuckle.
"A child's life is like a piece of paper on which every passer-by leaves a mark."
"You can teach an old dog new tricks. The problem is, the old dog doesn't want to learn new tricks."
Idea from Creative Training Techniques, March 1999, Vol. 12, No. 3. Permission from Online Learning News, Bill Communications, 50 South Ninth St., Minneapolis, MN 55402.
Interior Designer
If you conduct a number of sessions of AHEAD training for your early intervention program over a span of time, you might want to try this idea:
Divide your colleagues into small groups prior to the training. Provide each group with the training topics that will be addressed at a specific training session. Each group creates a thematic decor for a training session which matches the training topic(s). For example, a group might decorate the room with various items from different cultures or use pictures or posters of different countries (obtained from travel agencies) for the training session on cultural diversity. For fun, a group may want to post scenery of their state for the training session on natural environments.
Idea from Creative Training Techniques, December 2000, Vol. 13, No. 12. Permission from Online Learning News, Bill Communications, 50 South Ninth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402.
Secret Admirers: A Great Way to Start Your Day
When training participants know each other well, use this activity:
Prior to the training session, print each participant's name on a separate piece of paper. Use attractive fonts, borders, and colored paper. Set out markers on the tables. When the participants arrive, hand out the name sheets at random, one to a person. Make sure that participants do not receive their own name sheets. Have the participants write two positive words on the sheet that describe the person whose name appears on the page. One word should describe a work characteristic, the other a personal trait. If the trainer wishes, participants can pass the sheets to a second person, then a third, each person adding words to the sheet. The sheets come back to the trainer who gives them to the person named on the paper. The result is that the participants each receive a page of compliments to start the day.
Activity adapted from Creative Training Techniques, March 2001, Vol.14, No.3. Permission from Online Learning News, Bill Communications, 50 South Ninth St., Minneapolis, MN 55402.
Survival Kit
Put these items into small plastic bags and distribute these to the participants at the end of training:
-A rubber band
to stretch yourself beyond your limits.
-A stick of gum to remind you to stick with it.
-A string to tie things together when they're falling
apart.
-A match to light your fire when you feel burned
out.
-A bandaid to give to the person that you've hurt
without meaning to.
-A toosie roll to remind you not to bite off more
than you can chew.
-An eraser to make all of your mistakes disappear.
-A snickers to remind you to take time to laugh.
Activity contributed by Susan Perry of Claremont, New Hampshire. Adapted from training @ New Hampshire Technical Institute Student Services/Senate, 10/27/00
Sweets for the Sweet
Use candy to recognize and reward participants for their contributions during training:
Snickers when someone gives the class a laugh.
Lifesavers when someone helps a trainee or the instructor out of a tough spot.
Hershey's Hugs when someone is really struggling with something.
Red Hots when someone
is on a real roll, say, during a review game.
Bazooka bubble gum when
someone really blows you away.
Laffy Taffy for someone
who maintains a jovial attitude over the long haul.
From Creative Training Techniques, June 2001. Idea from Michael Fanland, Spokane Teachers Credit Union, Spokane, WA. Reprinted with permission from Online Learning News, Bill Communications, 50 South Ninth St., Minneapolis, MN 55402
You Can't Beat Eggs
Plastic eggs have many uses in training. They may be used to divide into pairs or groups based on color. Consider using plastic eggs to hold things rather than balloons. (Some people can't stand balloons popping.) Plastic eggs can hold tips or key points, scenarios for problem solving activities, energizer ideas, etc. They're not too expensive and are reusable!
Adapted from Creative Training Techniques, July 2001, Volume 14, Number 7. Idea from Annette Galaro, Automatic Data Processing, Inc., Dayton, NJ. Reprinted with permission from Online Learning News, Bill Communications, 50 South Ninth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402.
Witches' Brew
You may want to use this activity as an energizer when you're training during the Halloween season!!!
Materials Needed:
Instructions:
Trainer:
Witch #1:
Witch #2:
Witch #3:
Witch #4:
Witch #5:
Witch #6:
Witch #7:
Witch #8:
Witch #9:
Trainer:
Trainer:
Energizer Exercises
Offer some movement during your training sessions! Type the names of different exercises or activities on individual slips of paper and put them into a bag. When it appears that the audience needs a "stretch" or break, take one from the bag and have everyone join in. Exercises could include: jumping jacks, toe touches, arm circles, jogging in place, the wave, knee lifts, lead a cheer, Hokey Pokey, sing a round of Row, Row, Row Your Boat, or shoulder rubs.
The Line Up
Energize your training participants by having them line up in different ways without talking:
Idea shared by: Sherry Joy, National AHEAD Trainer, Up to Three Early Intervention Program, Center for Persons with Disabilities, Utah State University, Logan, Utah.
Hands
Down
You may want to use the children's game, Hands Down, to review material in your training sessions or use it to conduct a fun quiz to "get into" the AHEAD Resource Manual. Divide the audience into four groups using orange, blue, yellow, and green crayons which match the colored hands on the game. Place the game in the center of the table with the groups facing their colored hand, at an equal distance. When a review question/quiz question is asked, one person from each group runs towards the game, "whacks" the colored hand, and gives the answer. (Groups can designate a person from their group beforehand.)
A VIISA Trainer tried this in one of her trainings and had great success with it!!
Idea adapted from Creative Training Techniques Newsletter, October 2001, Volume 14, Number 10, page 1. Reprinted with permission from Online Learning News, Bill Communications, 50 South Ninth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402.
Wiggly Giggly Ball
The toy called the Wiggly Giggly ball has a place in your AHEAD training. Available at www.handson.toys.com, the $10 ball makes funny noises as you turn it. When you need an opener or an energizer, the ball encourages participants to open up. Tell your training participants that it's a magic ball and when they hold it, it makes them tell things about themselves. Begin by holding the ball and sharing information on one of the following (and then gently toss the ball to a participant, continuing until everyone has had a turn):
Idea adapted from Creative Training Techniques Newsletter, December 2001, Volume 14, Number 12, page 8. Reprinted with permission from Online Learning News, Bill Communications, 50 South Ninth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402.
"Alphabet Ping Pong" Icebreaker
Try a new twist in your training by using this icebreaker:
Divide the participants into pairs. Ask them to have a conversation back-and-forth with each other by beginning each new sentence with the next letter of the alphabet. For example, one partner might begin by saying, "Are you feeling happy today?" The other partner might say, "Believe it or not, I am!" The conversation continues with lots of laughs. The conversations can continue to the letter Z or the Trainer might want to spend a certain amount of time and ask the pairs what letter of the alphabet they ended on, using the time allowed. This activity could also be used around the room for all participants.
Idea presented by Carol Spaman at AHEAD Trainers' Training, Wayne County RESA, Detroit, MI.
Movie Segments
Try a new twist in your training by using a segment from a movie to make a point. For example, use the movie, Babe to make a point on the importance of communication. There is a wonderful segment on how poorly the sheepdogs and sheep communicate, and how they overcome this. Apollo 13 provides a wonderful example of partnership/teamwork when making a special device to lower carbon dioxide levels. The possibilities are endless - - as you're watching a movie, think about how it may be used in training to emphasize a point or provide an inspirational message to your participants.
TURN
ME ON!
"Click"
lights, the ones with a big, easy-to-find switch for use in closets and
night stands can be used in a number of ways during training:
Use lights instead
of noise makers for a review group game. When a review question is read, groups
"ring in" by pushing down on the light to turn it on.
Use lights for
a True and False game. (There is a True and False game on the ADA in the training
section, Bridging the Gap: Delivering Services to Child Care Providers Who Care
for Children with Special Needs). Read statements to the groups. Groups respond
by turning their light on if the statement is true and leaving it off if the
statement is false.
Take a number
of lights to each training session that you conduct. You never know when the
power will go off. Place these on the presenter table and participants' tables.
You will be able to follow your notes, and participants can take notes!
Lights are available through home-supply and hardware stores and are very affordable.
Idea adapted from Creative Training
Techniques Newsletter, March 2002, Volume 15, No. 3, p. 1. Reprinted with permission
from Online Learning News, Bill Communications, 50 South Ninth Street, Minneapolis,
MN 55402.
Because
it is time-consuming to gather all of the materials that you need for each training
that you conduct (like Post-it notes, tape, name tags, scissors, stapler, markers),
use a toolbox or fishing tackle box to store your materials. With several layers
of expandable trays that stretch out like stairsteps, you have plenty of space
for all kinds of materials. After the training, simply refill the empty compartments,
and you're all set for your next training!!
Idea from Creative Training Techniques Newsletter, February 2002,
Volume 15, Number 2, page 3. Reprinted with permission from Online Learning
News, Bill Communications, 50 South Ninth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402.
To review AHEAD training, try a game of Pictionary. Prepare a set of index cards with key words or brief phrases (e.g., partnership, at home and at daycare, motherese, turntaking, family-centered) beforehand. Divide your audience into two teams. One team begins. One member from the team looks at one of the index cards and conveys the word or phrase by drawing it on a flipchart. The team has 30 seconds to guess the word or phrase. As the team calls out individual words, the "artist" writes these words on the flipchart. A complete answer earns one point. If the team doesn't guess the word or phrase after 30 seconds, the opposing team has a chance to guess. If they guess correctly, they earn one point. Teams take turns until all the cards are used, or time is up, or when everyone has had a chance to draw.
Idea from Creative Training Techniques Newsletter, June 2002, Volume 15, Number 6 , page 5. Reprinted with permission from Online Learning News, Bill Communications, 50 South Ninth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402.
In your AHEAD Trainer's Manual, Volume II, Families as Partners section, there is an activity called Partnership Soup in which training participants identify the ingredients (traits) that are needed for an effective partnership. Here is an activity that you might like to try when you talk about teamwork:
Give participants a Ziploc bag with measured baking ingredients in it (1 cup of flour in one, 1/2 cup of sugar in another, 1/2 cup of chocolate chips in another bag, etc.). Some ingredients can go to more than one person so that each participant gets something. For example, three people may receive flour. Have the participants come forward and put their ingredients into a mixing bowl. Then, provide the message on teamwork: Giving up what you have by sharing; parts of a group can combine to create a desirable whole; valuing the different contributions made by everyone involved; the absence of skills/knowledge/talent may have poor results (absence of a certain ingredient). Explain that the ingredients are a metaphor for skills, talents, and knowledge. At first, the mixture is lumpy and hard to stir, much like a new team working together. They may be unsure of what the mixture will turn out to be, and how they will function as a team. The recipe may not always turn out perfectly every time - -sometimes the cookies burn. Then, we scrape off the bottoms and eat the "good part." The activity ends by handing out fresh cookies!
Idea from Creative Training Techniques Newsletter, August 2002, Volume 15, Number 8, page 3. Reprinted with permission from On-line Learning News, Bill Communications, 50 South Ninth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402.
If you have the tools available, you may like using a continuous PowerPoint loop that's playing as participants enter your training room. It contains information that advances automatically and repeats indefinitely, such as:
This might be a nice alternative rather than spending so much time on housekeeping matters at the beginning of training.
Information from Creative Training Newsletter, August 2002, Volume 15, Number 8, page 7. Reprinted with permission from On-line Learning News, Bill Communications, 50 South Ninth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402.
Prior to training, ask your participants to bring an idea for sharing. It could be a favorite recipe, a craft/gift idea, a useful resource, tip in working effectively with families and child care providers, etc. These can be shared during training when transitioning from one training topic to another or used as energizers to revitalize people. You might also want to photocopy the ideas and provide copies for all the participants as a farewell gift to remind them of what they can learn from others if they are willing to share and listen.
Idea from Creative Training Newsletter, June 2001, page 3. Reprinted with permission from On-line Learning News, Bill Communications, 50 South Ninth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402
You might like to weave a theme into your training. Examples:
Other themes could be circus, western/rodeo, space, the seasons: fall, winter wonderland, spring, summer, etc. The ideas are endless!
Idea from Creative Training Techniques, November 2002, Volume 15, Number 11, page 3. Reprinted with permission from On-line Learning News, Bill Communications, 50 South Ninth St., Minneapolis, MN 55402.
Here is a new twist that you might want to try for the BINGO game found in the training section, "Introducion to AHEAD," Volume II of the AHEAD Trainer's Manual:
Prepare the BINGO cards in advance so that everyone will get bingo simultaneously. Some of the cards have the "answers" running in a diagonal, others in a line left to right, etc. At the end of the game, all participants are involved in a unified shout of BINGO. It's good for lots of laughs! Everyone wins so everyone gets a prize.
Idea from Creative Training Newsletter, November 2002, Volume 15, Number 11, page 7. Reprinted with permission from On-line Learning News, Bill Communications, 50 South Ninth St., Minneapolis, MN 55402.
Use a human board game to review the training material! First, create a "board" - - either a "horse race" board or a "Candyland" board. For the horse race board, put colorful tape on the floor to mark the steps on the track in front of each participant. For the Candyland-type board, lay out a wide, single line of squares which meanders about the room in any way you'd like. All you will need is a set of review questions and the biggest six-sided die you can find! Participants take turns answering the questions, rolling the die, and advancing the number of spaces the die shows.
Adaptation: If you have too many people in your training, adapt the game by forming teams and designating one person from each team to be the "game piece" on the board. Members of each team collaborate together to come up with the right response and yell out the answer! This way, everyone has a chance to participate.
Adaptation: To make the game even more interesting, you may want to put post-its on certain spaces which give instructions like: "Advance 2 spaces." "Go back 1 space." "Miss one turn."
Idea from Creative Training Newsletter, January 2003, Volume 16, Number 1. Reprinted with permission from On-line Learning News, Bill Communications, 50 South Ninth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402.
As an AHEAD Trainer, you might want your participants to present information to the rest of the group – just to add some variety to the training. This can be done by using certain topics selected from the AHEAD Resource Manual (e.g., Language topics, Play/Social topics, Feeding topics, etc.). First, divide the participants into groups, and "assign" one language topic (but a different one) to each group. Ask the participants to share key concepts from that topic with the rest of the group. Give each group an index card which says: newscast, talk show, game show, or radio interview. (You could also assign specific shows if you like: Letterman, CNN Headline News, Family Feud.) Participants prepare their "shows," present them to the entire group, and everyone learns while they're enjoying themselves!
Idea from Creative Training Newsletter, January 2003, Volume 16, Number 1, p. 2. Reprinted with permission from On-line Communications, 50 South Ninth St., Minneapolis, MN 55402.
Try this activity as an ice breaker or as an activity to go along with the problem solving information in the training section, Meeting Families' Immediate Needs. The dilemma described below is from an actual job application form. The person who got the job was selected because she gave a very insightful response to the dilemma.
Divide the participants into groups and give them the following dilemma:
You're driving along on a wild, stormy night. Rain is pounding on the windshield of your car. You pass a bus stop and see three people waiting for the bus: (1) An old lady who is ill, possibly about to die. She's obviously in great distress. (2) An old friend who once saved your life. You would enjoy spending time talking with him. (3) Your soul mate, a person you have been dreaming about all your life, truly an answer to a lifelong prayer.
To which of these would you offer a ride on this awful night -- knowing that you have room for only one passenger in your car?
The successful job applicant's response: "I would give the car keys to my old friend and have him take the old lady to the hospital. I would stay behind and wait for the bus with the person of my dreams."
Tell your training participants that we shouldn't limit ourselves. There are many ways to solve a problem. We can use creative problem solving in our work and in our personal lives too.
Idea from Creative Training Newsletter, March 2003, Volume 16, Number 3. Reprinted with permission from On-line Communications, 50 South Ninth St., Minneapolis, MN 55402.
When using a problem solving or brainstorming
activity in training, try this easy technique to encourage participants to look
at any problem/challenge in a casual, conversational way. Use the following
three questions:
Write down the first things that pop into your mind regarding the challenge,
no matter how outrageous.
Expand on each idea, either with a brand new idea or variation.
Figure out why each idea would not work. You will be surprised at how many doable
ideas you come up with.
Idea from Creative Training Newsletter, May 2003, Volume 16, Number 5, page 3. Reprinted with permission from On-line Communications, 50 South Ninth St., Minneapolis, MN 55402.
Life Stories
If you're looking for an ice breaker or energizer, use the cards in the board game, Life Stories. Ask participants to choose a card from the deck. The questions are easy and encourage participants to share, laugh, and learn about each other. Categories include Valuables, Alternatives, Etchings, and Memories.
Some card examples follow:
|
Category |
Question |
| Valuables | Tell me about something you really like about where you live. |
| Alternatives | Describe one of your favorite desserts. |
| Etchings | Tell a story about a pet or animal. |
| Memories | Recall a time when you got into trouble at school. |
Life Stories
is available from Femail Creations for $30.00. Check their Web site:
www.femailcreations.com
If you'd like an energizer for your training, try this activity just for fun. Ask participants to match the slogan with the company/brand name. The activity could be done using a multiple choice activity sheet or in teams where the slogan is read aloud by the trainer and the teams respond by giving the name of the company/brand name. (The correct answers are in red.)
1. "You deserve a break today."
a. Mars
b. McDonalds
c. Twizzlers
2. "Flick your _____"
a. BIC
b. Coors
c. Marlboro
3. "Tastes so good cats ask for it by name."
a. Pedigree
b. Nine Lives
c. Meow Mix
4. "I can't believe I ate the whole thing."
a. Pepto Bismol
b. Alka Seltzer
c. Tums
5. If all the world were ____, and whipped cream filled the sea, then the only spoon from here to the moon would have to belong to me.
a. Haagen Daaz
b. Jell-O
c. Campbell's
6. "I love what you do for me."
a. Toyota
b. Honda
c. Ford
7. "Finger-lickin' good."
a. Dairy Queen
b. Kentucky Fried Chicken
c. Taco Time
8. "Betcha can't eat one."
a. Tositos
b. Pringles
c. Lay's Potato Chips
9. Our repairman are the loneliest in town."
a. Maytag
b. Kenmore
c. GE
10. It keeps going, and going, and going."
a. Nissan
b. Energizer
c. Tic Tac
11. "If it feels good, then just do it."
a. Tostitos
b. Nike
c. Apple
12. "I'd walk a mile for ____."
a. Snickers
b. Camel
c. Taco Bell
As a trainer, you may want to use playdough, especially for kinesthetic participants! This way, participants have the opportunity to use their creativity and use their hands while staying engaged with the training material.
Cut assorted colors of Playdough into slices like refrigerated cookie dough and put the pieces into snack-size plastic bags. Place a bag at each participant's spot. You might want to have a display table available for anyone interested in displaying their creations.
(Idea from Creative Training Newsletter, July 2003, Volume 16, Number 7, page 8. Reprinted with permission from On-line Communications, 50 South Ninth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402.)
Have you ever asked a question during a training session only to be confronted with silence? Here is a way to change the atmosphere of your training from dead silence to total participation:
If there is no response to your question, simply say,"Turn to the person next to you and discuss this." You can magically transform the training environment from absolute quiet to liveliness! Participants might think that you planned the group discussion. They don't know that it was a spontaneous decision.
Idea from Creative Training Newsletter, September, 2003, Volume 16, Number 9, page 5. Reprinted with permission from On-line Communications, 50 South Ninth St., Minneapolis, MN 55402.
Try this activity as an icebreaker or energizer. Participants have the opportunity to do some math and discuss how closely their personality matches a certain type #.
A birth date describes who we are, what we are good at and what our inborn abilities are. It also points to what we have to learn and the challenges we are facing. To figure out your birth number, add all the numbers in the birth date together like in the example below until there is only one digit.
A birth number does not prevent you from being anything you want to be, it will just color your choice differently and give you a little insight.Have fun!
Example: March 20, 1950
3 + 20 + 1950 = 1973 = 1 + 9 + 7 + 3 = 20 = 2 + 0 = 2
2 is the Birth Number to read for the birth date in the example.
Your number is _______.
#1 THE ORIGINATOR
#2 THE PEACEMAKER
#3 THE LIFE OF THE PARTY
#4 THE CONSERVATIVE
#5 THE NONCONFORMIST
#6 THE ROMANTIC
#7 THE INTELLECTUAL
#8 THE BIG SHOT
#9 THE PERFORMER
#1 - THE ORIGINATOR:
1's are originals. Coming up with new ideas and executing them is natural. Having things their own way is another trait that gets them as being stubborn and arrogant. 1's are extremely honest and do well to learn some diplomacy skills. They like to take the initiative and are often leaders or bosses, as they like to be the best. Being self-employed is definitely helpful for them.
Lesson to learn: Others' ideas might be just as good or better and to stay open minded. Famous 1's: Tom Hanks, Robert Redford, Hulk Hogan, Carol Burnett, Wynona Judd, Nancy Reagan, and Raquel Welch.
#2 - THE PEACEMAKER:
2's are the born diplomats. They are aware of others' needs and moods and often think of others before themselves. Naturally analytical and very intuitive they don't like to be alone. Friendship and companionship is very important and can lead them to be successful in life, but on the other hand they'd rather be alone than in an uncomfortable relationship.
Being naturally shy they should learn to boost their self-esteem and express themselves freely and seize the moment and not put things off. Famous 2's: President Bill Clinton, Madonna, Whoopee Goldberg, Thomas Edison, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
#3 - THE LIFE OF THE PARTY:
3's are idealists. They are very creative, social, charming, romantic, and easygoing. They start many things, but don't always see them through. They like others to be happy and go to great lengths to achieve it. They are very popular and idealistic.
They should learn to see the world from a more realistic point of view. Famous 3's: Alan Alda, Ann Landers, Bill Cosby, Melanie Griffith, Salvador Dali, and Jodi Foster.
#4 - THE CONSERVATIVE:
4's are sensible and traditional. They like order and routine. They only act when they fully understand what they are expected to do. They like getting their hands dirty and working hard. They are attracted to the outdoors and feel an affinity with nature. They are prepared to wait and can be stubborn and persistent.
They should learn to be more flexible and to be nice to themselves. Famous 4's: Neil Diamond, Margaret Thatcher, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tina Turner, Paul Hogan, Oprah Winfrey.
#5 - THE NONCONFORMIST:
5's are the explorers. Their natural curiosity, risk taking, and enthusiasm often land them in hot water. They need diversity, and don't like to be stuck in a rut. The whole world is their school and they see a learning possibility in every situation. The questions never stop.
They are well advised to look before they take action and make sure they have all the facts before jumping to conclusions. Famous 5's: Abraham Lincoln, Charlotte Bronte, Jessica Walter,
Vincent Van Gogh, Bette Midler, Helen Keller and Mark Hamil.
#6 - THE ROMANTIC:
6's are idealistic and need to feel useful to be happy. A strong family connection is important to them. Their emotions influence their decisions. They have a strong urge to take care of others and to help. They are very loyal and make great teachers. They like art or music. They make loyal friends who take the friendship seriously.
6's should learn to differentiate between what they can change and what they cannot. Famous 6's: Albert Einstein, Jane Seymour, John Denver, Meryl Streep, Christopher Columbus, and Goldie Hawn.
#7 - THE INTELLECTUAL:
7's are the searchers. Always probing for hidden information, they find it difficult to accept things at face value. Emotions don't sway their decisions. Questioning everything in life, they don't like to be questioned themselves. They're never off to a fast start, and their motto is slow and steady wins the race. They come across as philosophers and being very knowledgeable, and sometimes as loners. They are technically inclined and make great researchers uncovering information. They like secrets.
They live in their own world and should learn what is acceptable and what not in the world at large. Famous 7's: William Shakespeare, Lucille Ball, Michael Jackson, Joan Baez, and Princess Diana.
#8 - THE BIG SHOT:
8's are the problem solvers. They are professional, blunt and to the point, have good judgment and are decisive. They have grand plans and like to live the good life. They take charge of people. They view people objectively. They let you know in no uncertain terms that they are the boss.
They should learn to base their decisions on their own needs rather than on what others want. Famous 8's: Edgar Cayce, Barbara Streisand, George Harrison, Jane Fonda, Pablo Picasso, Aretha Franklin, Nostrodamus.
#9 - THE PERFORMER:
9's are natural entertainers. They are very caring and generous, giving away their last dollar to help. With their charm, they have no problem making friends and nobody is a stranger to them. They have so many different personalities that people around them have a hard time understanding them. They are like chameleons, ever changing and blending in. They have tremendous luck, but also can suffer from extremes in fortune and mood.
To be successful, they need to build a loving foundation. Famous 9's: Albert Schweitzer, Shirley MacLaine, Harrison Ford, Jimmy Carter, Elvis Presley
If you are conducting a training around Thanksgiving, you could provide this snack for your training participants. After preparing the mix, put it in little paper cups with a turkey's body (made of paper) pasted on the front of the cup, and colored feathers (made of paper) on the back of the cup.
In a large bowl mix all the ingredients together (each ingredient in the snack mix symbolizes something associated with Thanksgiving):
- 2 c. Bugles brand corn snacks (shaped like a cornucopia, a horn of plenty)
- 2 c. pretzels (represent arms folded in thanks and prayer)
- 1 c. candy corn (during the first winter, the pilgrims were each allotted only 5 kernels of corn per day because food was so scarce)
- 1 c. dried or candy fruits (Thanksgiving is the celebration of the harvest)
- 1 c. peanuts or sunflower seeds (seeds represent the potential of a bounteous harvest for the next season if they are planted and well tended)
Other ingredients such as dry cereals, candies, or marshmallows can also be added. Share this recipe with your training participants and discuss how each ingredient relates to Thanksgiving.
Favorites
Try this icebreaker with your training group:
As participants arrive for training, give them each a sheet of paper with the heading, "Favorite Things." Categories can follow: favorite movie, food, and so forth, or the heading can stand on its own. Tell the participants not to put their names on their sheets. Collect the sheets and read them aloud. Let the audience try to match the "favorites" to their author. You needn't read all the sheets at once. Use one every now and then when the audience needs an energizer. You can use the list in various ways: Diversity of favorites leads to discussing how people with many skills and interests make a stronger team. And matching items shows that we have something in common with people, if we take the time to understand them.
Idea from Creative Training Newsletter, August, 2002, Volume15, Number 8, page 8. Reprinted with permission from On-line Communications, 50 South Ninth St., Minneapolis, MN 55402.
The End!
At the closing of your AHEAD training, distribute index cards to the participants. Ask them to write their name on the card and make an action plan by completing the sentence, "I plan to........" Their action plan becomes a commitment to use the information they have gained from AHEAD training. Collect the cards and wait a week or two. Then send the cards to the participants as a reminder of their action plan.
Adapted from Creative Training Newsletter, December, 2003, Volume 16, Number 12, page 5. Reprinted with permission from On-line Communications, 50 South Ninth St., Minneapolis, MN 55402.
Familiarity Breeds Mindlessness
Use this activity as an energizer! Pair up your training participants and ask them to produce any paper bill ($1, $5, $10, or $20). Ask the partners to hold the single bill by its corners so
that each participant can see only one side of the bill. Have the partners take turns asking questions about the side of the bill they see. For example, how many times is the number 5 printed on my side? Whose portrait is on my side? Which memorial is printed on my side? As soon as a question is asked, the other partner must provide an answer. If he/she cannot, the questioner provides the correct answer.
Discuss how familiarity breeds mindlessness. When we provide services to families, what do we take for granted? What assumptions might we make? What do we sometimes ignore? How could we improve our services? What are some areas where we should focus our attention?
Idea adapted from: Creative Training Newsletter, April 2004, Volume17, Number 4, page 4. Reprinted with permission from On-line Communications, 50 South Ninth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402.
At the end of your training, personalize candy bars and hand one out to each participant. While doing so, describe the participant and his or her positive trait(s) and how they relate to the candy bar. For example, if a person has a wonderful sense of humor, give the person a Snicker's candy bar. If the participant performed especially well in a role play activity, give him/her a Hollywood candy bar. If a participant is especially supportive to others in the group, give him/her a package of Lifesavers.
Idea from Creative Training Newsletter, November, 2004, Volume17, Number 11, page 6. Reprinted with permission from On-line Communications, 50 South Ninth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402
The participant who talks too much and the participant who talks too little present training challenges to a trainer. Here are some suggestions for dealing with participants who don't "participate."
- Reduce the anxiety level by using an alternative format. For example, divide a large group into dyads for sharing of ideas. Then ask each pair to present a summary report of their discussion to the group.
- Ask the participants to write their concerns, comments, and suggestions on index cards.
- Direct questions to the silent participant that are related to his/her area of expertise and interest.
- Reinforce comments from the participant (without appearing patronizing).
- During break times, talk to the silent participant.
- Assign a task to the participant that the trainer would usually do (e.g., reading a poem to the group).
Idea from Creative Training Techniques Newsletter, July, 2004, Volume 17, Number 7, page 7. Reprinted with persmission from On-line Communications, 50 South Ninth St., Minneapolis, MN 55402.
Here's a quick and easy way to divide a large group into small groups:
Tell the group:
"We're going to divide into small groups. I'll read a list of paired items. You will divide into groups by the item you choose. Based on your own criteria, you will choose one or the other of the pair. If you want the first choice (e.g., ocean) you move to the right. If you want the second choice (e.g., river), you move to the left."Directions to the Trainer:
On the first move, using a pair of words, divide the group in two by moving participants to the right and left walls. On the second move, using a pair of words, each of the two groups splits in two, dividing right and left. You now have four groups. If you need smaller groups, read another pair of words.Pair of Words:
Cat or dog. Cats to the right. Dogs to the left.
Spring or fall. Spring to the right. Fall to the left.
Bath or shower. Bath to the right. Shower to the left.
Fruit or vegetable. Fruit to the right. Vegetable to the left.
Cake or pie. Cake to the right. Pie to the left.
Football or baseball. Football to the right. Baseball to the left.Idea from Creative Training Techniques Newsletter, December, 2004, Volume 17, Number 12, page 4. Reprinted with persmission from On-line Communications, 50 South Ninth St., Minneapolis, MN 55402.
This training activity illustrates the value of working cooperatively.
Divide your training group into two teams. Write the following on a flip chart or overhead transparency: “There is a hidden treasure in this room. Use the clues to help you find it. There are no other clues to help you find it. The winner is the team that discovers the treasure first.”
Make a set of cards with a letter on each: C, A, R, T, O, P, O, E, O, I, and N. Give cards, C, A, R, T, and O to one team. Give cards, P, O, E, O, I, and N to the other team.
Tell the teams to begin their search for the treasure.
The game should end after 15 minutes of fruitless searching by both teams, or when the teams realize that, if they work together, their cards will spell out the hidden treasure, COOPERATION.
(Note: Other words could be used to emphasize a theme or concept.)
Ideas from Creative Training Newsletter, May, Volume 18, Number 5, page 5. Reprinted with permission from On-line Communication, 50 South Ninth St., Minneapolis, MN 55402.
Silence
Buster
