- Very, very important: Don’t be a softy by letting them succeed without sticking closely to the rules. In order to extract the best value from the games, the young people must know that they have earned success. This earned success is very empowering and they know when they haven’t really earned it.
- While a rather detailed debrief is needed for some games (such as Gawdaloz to Earth and The Human Ladder), with many other games, the debrief can be a casual chat after the activity. Learn how to debrief briefly but effectively.
- Equally as important as debriefing, is letting the group know, after the game, all the things that you, the leader, noticed that they did well or did right. For example: ’I was impressed by the way some of you were keeping up the encouragement all the way through even though I could see it was frustrating’ or ‘On the third try, I just loved the way people were sharing their ideas for success’ or ‘I thought it was brilliant when you tried ……. It turned everything around and led to your final success’ or even ‘You didn’t succeed today but such amazing teamwork was happening on that last attempt that I feel you are right on the edge of success’. Your job, as game leader goes far beyond setting up the game and telling them the rules or guidelines. It is to observe and note these things as the game progresses and it takes 100% focus.
- If the group is not succeeding, seems off track or not learning from their mistakes, don’t be afraid to stop play to ask the group to discuss why they think they are not progressing and what can they do to solve the problem (no suggestions or instructions from you!).
- If you can’t remember the scenario, put it on an index card and read it out.
- Participants’ evaluation:
~ how helpful were you in working with others during this course?
~ what were the best things about working with your team mates?
