The Classify Objects Game

The Classify Objects activity leads to a discussion on how to work outside the box for solutions to problems that seem wholly unrelated.

Collect a variety of objects and put them in the center of a table. The broader the variety, the better.

For example office supplies, dinnerware, jewelry, toys, game pieces, etc. Aim for at least 20 different objects. The goal is to collect items that, at first glance, have no apparent connection.

Break the team into groups, giving each group a sheet of paper and pen. Make sure they have a clear view of all the objects.

Instruct them to classify the objects into four groups, writing down the groupings on their sheet of paper. They should not let the team groups hear what they are doing.

When the time is up, have a spokesperson for each group reveal how they classified the objects, and why. Reasons might vary, from the function of the object to how it looks, or the material it is made of.

This exercise promotes teamwork and creative thinking, but it also encourages your team to rethink how they view everyday objects. They are forced to look for commonalities in otherwise unconnected objects.

The topics of this publication: creativity, imagination, teamwork