1. GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER
Introduction
Any work that asks people to look at topics of a controversial kind or to use imagination and explore
feelings can only succeed if people feel comfortable with each other. So, time spent on getting to know
each other, even if it seems 'wasted' (not on the topic), is actually vitally important. A variety of
activities can be used. Only a few of them are mentioned here.
Activities
1. First Names
Ask each person in turn to come and write their name on the board or paper and tell something about it
- the origin; why they are named it; whether they like it; if they prefer. shorter or longer versions etc.
2. Talking in Pairs
People are asked to speak with one other person that they don't know, or don't know well, to introduce
themselves to each other. They are encouraged to spend five minutes each. It is possible to give more
specific questions to talk about.
Afterwards each person in the pair could introduce the other to another couple or to the whole group.
3. Ball of wool
People stand in a circle. The first person throws a ball of wool to another (anywhere in the circle)
saying their first name and where they are from (or any other single thing that you decide on). The next
person does the same. The wool should crasscross the circle. A point could be made at the end about
the fact that everybody in the group is connected in some way by the wool and their being together
right now.
4. What I would rather do
Sitting in a circle each person says their name and what they would do with their life Oob perhaps) if
they could change. For example: 'llaria - Actress'. The next person then introduces their neighbour,
saying their own name and what they would rather do. This continues until the last person introduces
everybody and then themselves. This is not only a way for people to learn the names of others but to
discover something more about them at the same time.
5. I AM...
Each person is given the 'I AM...' sheet (copy attached) and asked to write largely and clearly three
things about themselves that are not obvious. So not, I am female or wear spectacles or have red hair.
They can be as revealing or ordinary as each person wants them to be. Then they attach the sheet to
their front. Stand. Walk around and introduce themselves to all the other participants by shaking hands;
exchanging names; looking at the sheet of the other person and briefly commenting or asking a
question. This allows a real personal connection between each person at the start.
Conclusion
The Personal Shield and Human Bingo, also in the pack, can be used as getting to know each other
exercises or later as re-connection ones. The value of all of them is that they stress that each individual
matters and is being valued for themselves, before anything is done in groups or on the content. This is
essential for this work that looks at respecting others and accepting difference. It sends a very clear
signal right from the start.

2. PERSONAL SHELD
Introduction
A short exercise for people in a group who do not know each other very well or who have not seen
each other for a while. To encourage easier communication between -group members.
A B
C D
MOTTO
Each person draws - or makes - their own shield including the following:
A - 3 Favourite things to do in leisure time (drawn);
B - 3 Ambitions (drawn);
C - 3 People you admire (drawn);
D - 3 Places you like or would like to visit (drawn);
Alternatively: A Three depictions of your family, personal life.
B Three depictions of your work or study life.
C Three spare time activities.
D Three places you like or would like to visit.
Other variations are possible.
They also adopt a phrase that's applicable to them which will be their motto.
Once complete, with a partner each person talks about their shield and motto for ten minutes and then
listens as their partner explains their's for ten minutes.
They can then be put on the wall of the meeting room for people to look at and guess which belongs to
each person or with names on the top.