This ice-breaker game is part of the resources made available by Earthchild Project, used by our facilitators in under-resourced schools in South Africa. Additional lesson plans, games, songs and a Seed Pack guide to teaching holistic education can be found at: Earthchildproject.org/teaching-resources
HUMAN KNOT
Type: Team building
Resources: None
Age: 10yrs and up
Time: Depends size of group
Group Size: 6 and 10 people are ideal
This is a great way for a group to experience working together as a team to solve a problem. It facilitates touch, communication and cooperation.
Divide into groups of six to ten people, and stand in a circle. Now everyone stretches their arms out in front of them at shoulder height until everyone’s arms are overlapping. On the count of three, everyone must gently take the hands of two different people in the circle (not people directly next to them). Now, their hands are all stuck like glue and they cannot let go until the end of the exercise!
“You have formed a ‘Human Knot’! The aim now is to untangle yourselves without letting go of the hands you are holding.” If they succeed quickly, try it again.
As the facilitator it may be tempting to intervene and direct the group. Resist this temptation and allow them to find their own way out, even if it takes a but longer. Once all the groups have untangled themselves invite them to talk about their experience and the different group dynamics that took place.
These teaching resources are freely offered by Earthchild, to support others in their journey connecting children to themselves, others and the environment. Support our work with Earth Children from under-resourced communities by donating.