To book private workshop call (972) 954-3050 or visit www.whenpeopleplay.com

1..2..3..Partner Counting, A Pattern Activity

Activity Objective: A fun icebreaker for any size group. Two people partner together to see who is the first person to falter in counting 1..2..3. With each new round, numbers are replaced with actions. Facilitated Objective: Used as a fun icebreaker to bring laughter and connection. A great introduction to making mistakes will building skills. This activity can also be used to set the stage for identifying physical behavior patterns when working together. For example, when people make mistakes do they laugh, stomp, grimace or all three. Great when working with people doing personality assessments. Needs: No props are needed for the original variation. (See below for propped variations.) Numbers: Great for any size group. Time: 10 minutes

To book private workshop call (972) 954-3050 or visit www.whenpeopleplay.com

Procedure:

1. For round one, have each person choose a partner. Have each partner count by alternating turns between each other, count to three as many times as possible, each taking turns saying the next number in sequence.

2. The first one to make a mistake by repeating a number or saying the wrong number loses. Have the group keep going until you stop them for round two. I usually keep it short, about 30-45 seconds long.

3. For round two have them find a new partner. This time replace the number 2 with a clap. So the count would be, 1..Clap..3, 1..Clap..3 and so on.

4. After 45 seconds or so, introduce round three. 5. Find a new partner. Replace 1 with a jump. So the count would be, Jump..Clap..3, Jump..Clap..3

and so on. Allow more time for round 3, approximately one minute. Encourage the group to keep trying until you say stop.

6. After 1 minute or so, introduce round four. Find a new partner. Replace the number 3 with an animal noise. So the count would be, Jump..Clap..Squawk, Jump..Clap..Squawk and so on. For additional fun tell the group that they have to create a different animal sound from the animal sound their partner chooses.

Examples of physical actions: Feel free to introduce a new form of physical action to replace any

number. Some of examples include the following: a. Turn 360 degrees b. Sticking your tongue out c. Make a popping sound with your mouth d. Say the word “Stop” e. Flap your arms one time like a bird f. Bark once for 1, Bark twice for 2, Bark three times for 3 (very confusing but fun)

Variations: Adding objects with actions.

1. Cup Variations – Best for small groups to reduce the number of cups used in the activity. Can be uses for larger groups, just remember to add more time if necessary.

a. Introduce objects for a sequence. For example, give each partnership one cup. When it is their turn in sequence they will have to flip over the cup and say the appropriate number. If the cup is flipped with the open side down, then that person will have to flip it over to be open side up. Next person will have to do the same and so on. The idea is to teach that the brain can not truly multitask but only do what is called “Switch Tasking.” But yes, some are better at “Switch Tasking” than others. J

b. Another way to introduce objects is to have one cup for each number. For example, for small groups have three cups on a table between each set of partners. Each cup will be labeled with either a 1,2 or 3 on the side of the cup. Each partner will have to flip over the cup as mentioned in the above variation but only for the cup associated with the

To book private workshop call (972) 954-3050 or visit www.whenpeopleplay.com

number they call. If you grab the wrong cup or say the wrong number, a point goes to the other partner.

2. Dice Variations – Best for small groups to reduce the number of dice used in the activity. a. Each set of partners gets 3 die. For round one teach the 1..2..3 game with verbal

numbers only. For the second round have someone roll the dice. Whatever is rolled, that is the number sequence that has to called out. For example, if a 2, 1, 6 are rolled the sequence would have to be 1..2..6 to be called out between each partner. Again, say the numbers as fast as possible. The first one to miss up gets to roll the dice and let the other partner start the count. Play for about 1 minute or two. If you get doubles then you still play. For example, a 4 and two 1’s are rolled then you would call out 1..1..4. But if for some weird reason you get triples, like triple 3’s, then you can either roll again or can say “three” once, then “three” twice for the next person and “three” thrice. Repeat the pattern until someone misses up. Very confusing but fun!

Facilitation: Remember to be aware of the audience and who you are working with. Some of the physical actions maybe to embarrassing or to physically active for some groups. Always start easy. Assess the room and make decisions to what actions that are best for them. Facilitator tip: have a pre-written list of actions for different groups. A youth group will be jump, spin and squawk like a chicken more than adults will. Making a list keeps you from thinking on the fly and doing something embarrassing. Also, this is a great activity for elementary teachers teaching AB patterns. Video Link – Check out our YouTube Channel https://youtu.be/LRZu5N0OrlQ