#57: Team Building with Paper

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Activities Mentioned in the Episode

Air Zones - Work together as a group, sharing combined knowledge, to make paper airplanes using 8.5 by 11-inch paper - one plane for each participant. Practice launching/flying the planes. For a tougher challenge, don't use the 'zone' area to practice. 

Set up a 'launch line' and three launch zones - the first zone is the largest and closest to the launch line (about 12 feet), the furthest zone is about 20 feet and is the smallest. The mid-zone is in-between the closest and furthest zones, about 16 feet away from the launch line - a bit smaller than the first zone and bigger than the furthest zone. The closest zone to the launch line is worth 15 points, the mid-zone is 25 points, the furthest zone is 50 points. 

Before the official launch, show the group the launch area and share the point value for each zone, then ask everyone in the group how many points they plan to contribute to the team - based on what zone they plan to go for. Add up all the individual goals to establish an overall 'group' goal. Then, each person receives one plane launch, from behind the launch line. Keep track of points as you go. Some participants may decide to adjust their goal in order to reach the overall group goal. 

With application knowledge, play a couple more rounds to see how goals are adjusted and attained. 

NOTE: Chris talked about an easier version of Air Zones. Crumple up the paper into a tossable object. Then, play the same as above. In this version, Chris does not provide time to practice tossing. Players make their best guess, set a goal and go for it.  

Stepping Stones - One piece of paper for each player. Use the paper 'stones' to step on to get from point 'A' to point 'B.' Stepping off the paper results in the loss of a stone (i.e., piece of paper).

Tallest Tower - Small groups of three work together to build the tallest, free standing, tower. Using only paper. 

Paper Tear - Check out This Video for the details. 

Off the Ground - Each player starts with one piece of paper. For each Round, the group goal is the same: Everyone in the group must be off the ground/floor at the same time (i.e., not touching the ground at the same time). Start with everyone standing on his/her piece of paper - no part of a person may be touching the ground, or anything else. Done. 

Then, take away three pieces of paper. Go for the goal. Yes, papers can be relocated. Done. Take away two pieces of paper. Go for the goal. Then, take away one piece of paper before the next few Rounds. Ultimately, the group will not have enough paper to stand on. But, does the group really need the paper to accomplish the goal? What if they all simply jumped up into the air at the same time? 

​Do you have a favorite Paper Team Builder? Leave us a Comment. 

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Music from Josh (our Ask Michelle & Chris podcast editor)
OTB Graphics - RikiResources Mentioned in the Episode​