SUPPLIES: Index cards (at least one per player)
NOTE: This game works especially well in a large group (more than 20), as it presents appropriate challenge when players try to find their partner.
SET UP: The group can be enlisted to create word pairs for the game, if you want to avoid preparation beforehand. Create sets of paired or compound word cards (at least card per player), writing one part of the word on one card (for example, “peanut”) and the other part on another card (“butter”). A sample list might include ice cream, rock star, rug rat, bookworm, hip hop and so on. Players can get silly and make up fun pairs or compounds. Saying them aloud beforehand helps players make sense of their word pairs as they play.
THE GAME: Shuffle the cards and give everyone one card. When you give the cue, ask participants to hunt for their compound word partners. When players believe they’ve found their partner, ask them to stand next to their partner and form a large circle. The group may need to problem solve and shuffle partners around, because some words will present multiple compound possibilities for their partners.
GOING DEEPER:
• What decision-making strategies did you use to succeed in this game?
• If your word made more than one compound word, how did you sort through the possibilities to find your word partner?
• How might this game apply to real life?
ASSET CATEGORIES: Constructive Use of Time, Social Competencies, Positive Identity
Source: Great Group Games: 175 Boredom-Busting, Zero-Prep Team Builders for All Ages
© 2007 Search Institute
