#86: Managing Large Groups (30 to 100) by Yourself

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Resources Mentioned in the Episode

The More The Merrier: Lead Playful Activities with Large Groups (book) at Training Wheels 

Simple (Versatile) Props – Lots of uses and easy to distribute:

• Playing Cards
• Index Cards (Name Cards, Number Cards, Letter Cards)
• Webbing (e.g., 15 foot sections)
• Soft Tossables
• Spot It Cards (multiple decks with groups of over 48 players)​

All Group Activities 

• Handshakes (at FUNdoing with Chris & Machelle)
• Pair and Share Questions (Icebreaker Wheelies at Training Wheels)
• Finger Fencing, Opera Man, Partner Shoe Tie (with enough shoes with laces) – a blog write-up at Training Wheels
• Switch, Change, Rotate (here's a short video to get the idea)
• Group Blackjack – Everyone gets a playing card and places it, face out, on their forehead – without each person seeing their own card. Then, the group works together to create smaller groups whose cards equal 19, 20 or 21. (Aces are 1 or 11, face cards are 10)
• Six Count (and some other large group challenges at FUNdoing)
• Spot It Card Activities

Dividing Up a Large Group

• Playing Cards – distribute cards in a way so you can quickly call out different group sizes. For example: Like rank and like color (pairs); Like rank (groups of up to four); Like suits (groups of up to 13). With groups of more than 52 players, use additional decks of cards – each deck needs to have a different back so when you're grouping, the groups will also be looking for the same back.

• Climer Cards – The first deck of Climer Cards have a sorting system on the backs – shapes, colors, and numbers.

Smaller Group Simultaneous-Play Activity Ideas

• Key Punch (and Number Flips variation)
• Word Circle Puzzles – Find the group handout and lots of puzzles to make at this link.
• Gutter Ball (a.k.a., Pipeline)

Attention Seeker Ideas

• Noisemakers (e.g., Cow Bell, Bike Horn)
• Call & Response

• Hand Up

Ask a Question or leave us a Comment HERE​

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