D - Games for Trust-building in Groups

D1: ROBOTS

The players form pairs. One of them is the robot, the other the robot’s controller. The robot can only move when the controller helps him/her by tapping on his back.

But this only allows the robot to walk straight. If there are obstacles in the way or walls, the robot has to be moved to the side - by tapping on the right shoulder to go right, on the left shoulder for left -.

To stop the robot, touch it gently on the head.

Now try to move your robots through the room without touching the others.

After some time robots and controllers change roles.

Variations:

1. Try to move the robot to a special place in the room and back to the start.
2. One controller has to move two robots.
3. The robot is blind (closes the eyes) and therefore has to be moved very carefully.

Figure

D2: SWINGING

Small groups of up to eight form a close circle. One of the players (only if (s)he wants to!) goes into the center, and stiffens her/his pelvis, with the rest of the body loose, hands at sides.

The others hold their hands in front of their bodies. When all are ready, the one in the center lets him/herself fall in one direction (eyes open or closed as preferred). The standing people catch him/her and try to move him/her gently along the circle and across, when they get more experienced.

Figure

When the center one has had enough, they stop, discuss briefly how (s)he liked it and then the next one can try.

D3: HOLDING A CIRCLE

An even number of players form a circle, holding each other by the hands. Now they count “1-2-1-...” to divide the group into two sub-groups.

Figure

At a special command the 1’s lean into the circle while the 2’s lean to the outside. Feet are placed firmly on the floor, arms help to balance. When the circle is stable, at another command they change directions, the 1’s lean slowly outwards and the 2’s lean towards the center. Don’t let go your neighbours’ hands! When the players are tired, the circle is finished on a mutual command.

D4: THE GORDIAN KNOT

Figure

The players stand in a close circle, stretching their arms to the center. On a certain command they close their eyes and try to find two other hands they can hold. When each hand is linked to another one, the players open their eyes.

Now try to unravel this human knot! It is not allowed to let hands go, the players have to move up and down, just as needed.

The game is finished, when the players are standing in a circle, holding their neighbours by the hand.