Icebreakers - Circles

  • Group Size: 4 to 50+ (a minimum of four people is needed)
  • Time Needed: 20 minutes
  • Goal: To learn about the group's shared beliefs and values
  • Audience: Couples, Parents, Teens, Children, Singles
  • Special Considerations: Close this activity out with a positive note regarding your class’ similarities.
  • Resources Needed:

    Paper
    Pen/pencil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Break group into smaller groups of four.

2

Have groups spread around room.

3

Hand each group a sheet of paper and have someone draw two large circles that overlap in the center.

4

Ask the group to find four ways that they (as a group) are similar in their beliefs and values. Then, they are to list them inside the overlapping portion of the circles. For example, all members may agree that marriage is important to their happiness.

5

Next, the group should find one way that they are different from each other in their beliefs or values. This information is recorded in the portion of the circle that is not overlapping, nearest the person it is referencing. For example, one person may have or want children while another does not.

Tips for Discussion and Processing

This exercise allows participants to learn more about each other in terms of their beliefs and values. Encourage participants to draw upon differences that are not antagonistic toward their partner. It can be used as a discussion guide about topics regarding the differences we may encounter with others. It is very interesting for participants to learn that not everyone holds the same beliefs as they do and this can lead to very lively discussions. You may want to consider asking your class not to focus on discussions revolving around antagonistic beliefs.

Resources

Note: These activities can be modified to reflect a variety of skills.

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