What is A Great Wind Blows?
A Great Wind Blows is a fun and energetic icebreaker game that is perfect for groups of any size. The game is simple yet challenging, and it always gets everyone involved and excited. To play the game, everyone gathers in a circle, and one person starts by saying "A great wind blows for everyone who..." and then filling in the blank with something that applies to them. For example, "A great wind blows for everyone who has a dog."
If someone else in the circle also has a dog, they must get up and move to a different spot in the circle before the person who made the statement can take their spot. The remaining person who doesn't move in time will have to be the next to make a statement.
The goal of the game is to get people moving and interacting with each other while learning new things about each other. It's a great way to break the ice and get people comfortable with each other, especially in large group settings.
This game should be played when you have a group of people who are open to engaging with each other and are ready for some fun. It should not be played if you have a group of people who are very reserved or uncomfortable with physical contact.
To make the game more fun, you can add a time limit to how long people have to move, or you can come up with more creative statements that are sure to get everyone moving. The key is to focus on having fun, laughing, and enjoying the company of the people around you. So next time you're looking for a fun and easy way to bring people together, give A Great Wind Blows a try!
Materials needed for A Great Wind Blows
A Great Wind Blows requires no materials or tools to play. Just bring yourself and a few others and you'll have a great time!
How to play A Great Wind Blows
- Form a circle: Gather everyone in a large open space and have them form a circle. Make sure there's enough room for everyone to move around comfortably.
- Designate a 'caller': Choose someone to be the 'caller.' This person will be in charge of calling out the instructions during the game.
- Introduce the game: Explain to everyone that they will be moving around the circle based on the statements made by the 'caller.' The goal is to stay focused and not get mixed up!
- Start the game: The caller begins by making a statement that applies to a specific group of people. For example, 'A great wind blows for everyone wearing glasses.'
- React and move: When the statement applies to you, react quickly by moving to a different spot in the circle. Find an empty space and try to get there before anyone else does!
- Keep it going: The caller continues to make statements that apply to different groups ('A great wind blows for everyone who has been on a trampoline') and players keep moving accordingly.
- Substitute the caller: After a while, let someone else take a turn and become the new caller. This way, everyone gets a chance to be in control and have fun!
- Keep playing: Continue playing for as long as you like, or until everyone has had a chance to be the caller. Remember, the more energetic and enthusiastic the players are, the more exciting the game becomes!
Benefits of A Great Wind Blows
Team building activities are far more than just fun and games. They pack a punch when it comes to the range of benefits they can deliver.
Some of the benefits of A Great Wind Blows include:
- Breaking the Ice: This game is a fun and interactive way to introduce people to each other. It helps in creating a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, encouraging people to open up and talk to each other.
- Team Building: The game's rules require individuals to work together to achieve a common goal, fostering teamwork and collaboration among participants. It encourages everyone to listen to each other, engage in active communication, and appreciate each other's contributions.
- Improving Communication Skills: The game's emphasis on active listening and quick, clear communication helps participants hone their communication skills. It provides an opportunity to practice conveying information effectively, accurately, and concisely, which can translate into better communication in the workplace and daily life.
- Fun and Engaging: A Great Wind Blows is an exciting and energetic game that keeps participants engaged and entertained, providing opportunities for laughter and lightheartedness. It can be a great way to lighten the mood, reduce stress, and increase positive emotions.
- Boosting Confidence: The game's structure allows individuals to be in the spotlight and showcase their unique qualities or skills. It helps in discovering and highlighting hidden talents, giving people a chance to shine and increase their confidence levels.
Why we like A Great Wind Blows
We like A Great Wind Blows because it's a fun, fast-paced way to get people moving and mingling. It helps participants learn more about each other and discover shared interests or experiences.
Reflection questions for A Great Wind Blows
Reflection questions are a great way to help your team process their experience after playing A Great Wind Blows.
- What did you learn about your fellow players?
Reflect on the different answers given by your fellow players and consider what you learned about them. Did you discover any common interests or shared experiences?
- What was your initial reaction to the game?
Think about how you felt when you first heard the instructions for the game. Did you feel excited, nervous, or confused? Did your feelings change as the game progressed?
- What was your role in the game?
Consider the role you played in the A Great Wind Blows game. Did you feel comfortable with your role? Did you feel like your role was important to the success of the game?
- How did you contribute to your team's success?
Think about the actions you took during the game to help your team win. Did you actively participate in the game, or did you take a more passive role?
- What did you learn about communication and teamwork?
Reflect on how communication and teamwork were important to the success of the game. What communication tactics worked well, and what could have been improved? Did you learn anything new about working with others?
Which skills does A Great Wind Blows build?
- Quick thinking - Quick thinking skills are crucial for icebreakers and team building as they allow individuals to think on their feet and come up with creative solutions in the moment, fostering a sense of spontaneity and collaboration among team members.
- Physical activity - Physical activity skills are great for icebreakers and team building because they help get people moving, break the ice, and create a fun and energetic atmosphere that encourages teamwork and communication.
- Observation - Observation skills are essential in icebreakers and team building as they help individuals notice and appreciate the unique qualities and strengths of their teammates, fostering a sense of connection and understanding. It also allows participants to actively listen and pay attention to non-verbal cues, enabling better communication and collaboration within the group.
- Adaptability - Adaptability skills can be incredibly helpful in icebreakers and team building because they allow individuals to easily adjust to new situations and work well with different types of people, which promotes a positive and inclusive environment.