Back-to-Back Origami: A Team-Building Icebreaker Activity

What is Back-to-Back Origami?

Back-to-Back Origami is a variation of the popular 'Back to Back Drawing' icebreaker activity. In this activity, participants work in pairs and sit back-to-back.

Each pair is given a sheet of paper and some origami instructions. One person is designated as the 'folder' and the other as the 'instructor'. Without seeing each other's paper, the instructor must give clear directions to the folder on how to fold the paper and create the origami shape.

The goal is for the pair to work together and communicate effectively, relying solely on verbal instructions, to complete the same origami shape.

Materials needed for Back-to-Back Origami

• 2 Pieces of Paper (Per pair)
• 2 Pencil or Pen (Per pair)

How to play Back-to-Back Origami

• Pair Up: Form pairs with each participant facing back-to-back.
• Hand Out Materials: Provide each pair with a sheet of paper and origami instructions.
• Designate Roles: Assign one person as the 'folder' and the other as the 'instructor'.
• Start Folding: Without seeing each other's paper, the instructor must give clear verbal directions to the folder on how to fold the paper.
• Communicate and Collaborate: The pair must work together, relying solely on verbal instructions, to complete the same origami shape.
• Reflect and Share: After completing the origami shape, pairs can reflect on their experience and share their challenges and successes with the rest of the group.

Benefits of Back-to-Back Origami

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 Back-to-Back Origami include:

• Teamwork: Participants learn to work together and rely on each other's strengths.
• Communication: Verbal instructions and active listening are essential for successful completion.
• Problem-Solving: Participants are encouraged to think creatively and collaborate to overcome challenges.

Why we like Back-to-Back Origami

We like this activity because it promotes teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. It also encourages participants to think creatively and try different approaches.

Reflection questions for Back-to-Back Origami

Reflection questions are a great way to help your team process their experience after playing Back-to-Back Origami.

1. What communication strategies worked well for your pair? This question helps identify effective communication techniques for future activities.
2. How did you handle challenges and conflicts? Reflection on conflict resolution promotes teamwork and understanding.
3. What would you do differently next time? Encourages participants to think critically and apply lessons learned.

Which skills does Back-to-Back Origami build?

• Teamwork - Teamwork skills are crucial for icebreakers and team building because they foster effective communication, encourage collaboration, and promote a sense of unity among team members, leading to better problem-solving and increased productivity.
• Communication - Communication skills are essential for icebreakers and team building because they facilitate effective and open dialogue, allowing team members to connect and understand each other better, which leads to improved collaboration and problem-solving.
• Problem-solving - Problem-solving skills are essential for icebreakers and team building as they help break down barriers, foster creativity, and encourage collaboration, resulting in stronger relationships and more effective problem-solving within the team.