Get to know each other through the symbols

The Symbols is a creative and interactive activity to start short conversations in a new group in formation.

Distribute a blank index card to each person in your group, with suitable pinning device or adhesive. Using coloured pens or markers, ask everyone to write their first name on the top-half of the card.

Next, ask everyone to draw four objects directly under their name (in bottom-half of card,) which typically represent something about who they are. For example, where they live, zodiac sign, favourite things, occupation, etc.

There’s no wrong answers here, so encourage people to think creatively. After a few minutes, and having pried the pens from the hands of the terminally creative, ask everyone to pin their name-tag onto their chest, and you’re good to go.

Ask everyone to greet as many other people in the group for 10 (or more) minutes, engaging in short conversations to get to know one another better. Challenge people to unscramble your partner’s drawings.

Finally, invite people to share their feelings about the experience. Do you think you are creative? Why or why not? Some symbol caught your attention, why? With this activity, were you able to get to know each other a little better?

The topics of this publication: integration, interactions, disinhibition, distension