Unleash the Fun with Human Scissors: The Ultimate Team-Building Game!

What is Human Scissors?

Human Scissors is a fun and interactive icebreaker activity that's perfect for getting people to know each other better in a group setting. The concept of the game is simple - players pair up and use their bodies to make the shape of a pair of scissors.

To play the game, everyone stands in a circle and pairs up with someone facing them. One person becomes the "top blade" and the other becomes the "bottom blade." They link arms with each other to form the shape of a pair of scissors. Once everyone has found a partner, the facilitator gives each pair a command, such as "cut the paper" or "open the envelope," and they must try to make the appropriate movement with their arms to complete the task.

The goal of Human Scissors is to help break the ice between people who may not know each other well and to encourage team building and communication skills. It's a great activity for corporate team building events, church groups, school classes, and other social groups.

When planning to include Human Scissors as an icebreaker activity, it's important to consider the size and age of the group and ensure that everyone feels comfortable participating. It's not recommended for groups with physical limitations or those who may find the activity too strenuous.

To make the game more fun, consider adding music or a timer to create a sense of urgency. Encourage players to use their creativity and come up with their own "scissors" formations. By including this simple yet engaging activity in your group gatherings, you're sure to promote lasting connections and strong friendships.

Materials needed for Human Scissors

Human Scissors requires no materials or tools to play. Just bring yourself and a few others and you'll have a great time!

How to play Human Scissors

• Assign roles: Choose one person to be the 'chooser' and two people to be the 'scissors'. The rest will be the 'papers'.
• Choose the scissors: The chooser secretly selects two people to become the scissors by tapping them on the shoulder.
• Form a circle: Gather everyone in a circle. Make sure there is enough space for everyone to move around.
• Start the game: The chooser calls out 'Human Scissors' and the chosen scissors start chasing the papers.
• Avoid being caught: The scissors try to tag or lightly touch the papers while they move around the circle. The papers must avoid being caught.
• Switch roles: Once a paper is caught by the scissors, they become a new scissor. The previous scissor becomes a paper.
• Continue playing: Keep playing until everyone has had a chance to be a scissor or until the group decides to stop.

Benefits of Human Scissors

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 Human Scissors include:

• Fun: Playing Human Scissors is a fun way to start a meeting or get-together. It breaks the ice and gets people comfortable with each other.
• Collaboration: This activity requires participants to work together, which promotes collaboration and teamwork.
• Creativity: You'll need to use your creativity skills to come up with unique poses or gestures, making the game more exciting and interesting.
• Physical activity: Human Scissors involves physical movement, which can help break the monotony of sitting for an extended period.
• Communication skills: To play Human Scissors, you'll need to communicate non-verbally with your partner, which can help improve your communication skills.
• Icebreaker: This activity can help break the ice, especially in a group where not everyone knows each other well.
• Stress relief: Playing a game is an excellent stress reliever, which can help reduce anxiety and promote positivity.
• Memorable: Human Scissors is a memorable activity that can leave a lasting impression, making it an excellent addition to events or parties.

Why we like Human Scissors

We like this game because it's a physical activity that gets people moving and laughing. It's also a great way to improve reflexes and hand-eye coordination.

Reflection questions for Human Scissors

Reflection questions are a great way to help your team process their experience after playing Human Scissors.

1. How did you feel during the activity?
   This question focuses on the emotions the participant experienced during the activity..
2. Did you find it easy or difficult to work alongside another person?
   This question is designed to help participants elaborate on their experiences working together.
3. Can you think of a time in your life where you had to rely on someone else to achieve a goal?
   This question allows participants to reflect on their past experiences and how it relates to the activity.
4. Did you learn anything about your partner during the activity?
   This question encourages participants to engage with each other and recognize their new understanding of others through the icebreaker activity.
5. What challenges did you face as a team?
   This question allows participants to share the obstacles they experienced during the activity and work on how to overcome them.

Which skills does Human Scissors build?

• Physical coordination - Physical coordination skills are a great asset for icebreakers and team building because they help foster a sense of unity and cooperation among participants. When people are able to work together seamlessly and synchronize their movements, it creates a fun and energizing atmosphere, breaking down barriers and promoting a stronger bond within the group.
• 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.
• Quick decision-making - Quick decision-making skills benefit icebreakers and team building activities by creating a fast-paced and engaging environment that encourages active participation and enhances problem-solving abilities.
• Focus - Focus skills are incredibly valuable for icebreakers and team building activities because they help participants stay engaged and present in the moment, allowing them to better connect with others and contribute to the group dynamics.