Group Size: Any
Time Needed: 5 to 10 minutes
Goal: To get to know each other
Audience: Couples, Singles, Parents, Teens, Children
Special Considerations: May need to alter instructions based on group. Can get loud! With two facilitators, start this exercise by completing the activity together in front of group.
Resources Needed:
- Blank white paper
- Writing utensils
- Something for each participant to put paper on (clipboard, book, etc.)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Distribute paper and writing utensil to each participant.
- Ask participants to pair up with someone they don’t know or they don’t know well.
- Instruct them to briefly introduce themselves to their new friend.
- Ask the group, "Who in here is a good artist?" Tell them they will draw a portrait of their new friend, but not to start until you say so because there is a catch.
- Explain to the group that a portrait is a picture from the waist up.
- Now explain the catch. Inform participants that when you say, "Go!" they can begin drawing without looking at their paper. Tell them they can look anywhere else except for the paper: the ceiling, out the window, just not at their paper!
- Say, "Go!" right away. Give participants just about 2 or 3 minutes. It will get very loud at this point.
- Ask participants to sign their masterpieces and then give to their partner.
- Inform them that they now have a new friend and a souvenir.
Tips for Discussion and Processing
This activity can get very loud. Before you start, discuss with your group how you will regain their attention when it is time to move on to the next step. After the portraits are drawn, it can be fun to have people walk around the room and share their portrait with other participants. This way they meet more people. This activity is wonderful for setting an upbeat tone in your class.
Note: These activities can be modified to reflect a variety of skills.