What is The Blanket Game?
The Blanket Game is a super fun icebreaker activity that can be played with a group of people of all ages and backgrounds. The goal of the game is to get to know each other better, break the ice, and have a great time while doing so.
To play the game, you'll need a big blanket and a group of people. Everyone gets on the blanket and holds onto it, making sure there is enough space for everyone to stand comfortably. Then, someone calls out a question or a prompt that everyone has to answer. Examples could be things like, "What's your favorite food?" or "What's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you?"
Once the question is asked, everyone lifts the blanket up in the air and quickly moves to a new spot on the blanket before it comes back down. This means that everyone will be standing in a new spot on the blanket before they answer the question. It's a fun way to mix things up and keep everyone on their toes.
The goal of the game is to get to know each other better, but also to have a lot of fun in the process. It's a great activity for a wide variety of settings, including parties, team-building events, and family gatherings.
However, it's important to note that the Blanket Game may not be the best choice for a group of people who don't know each other well or for a group that includes individuals with physical limitations. It can get pretty physical, so make sure everyone is comfortable with the idea before starting the game.
One tip for making the Blanket Game more fun is to come up with creative questions or prompts beforehand. This will help keep things interesting and ensure that everyone gets to know each other in different ways. Another fun way to play the game is to add in different challenges or tasks, like singing a song or doing a silly dance before answering the question.
Overall, the Blanket Game is a fun and engaging icebreaker activity that anyone can enjoy. Give it a try and see your group bond over all sorts of fun prompts and questions!
Materials needed for The Blanket Game
How to play The Blanket Game
- Gather participants: Get everyone in a circle and make sure they are all sitting comfortably.
- Explain the game: Tell the participants that they will be passing a blanket around the circle while following specific instructions. Emphasize that the blanket must always be moving and cannot be dropped.
- Start the first instruction: Begin by saying, 'Pass the blanket to someone wearing blue.' Encourage the participants to quickly pass the blanket to someone who is wearing blue clothing.
- Continue with more instructions: Think of different instructions to give, such as 'Pass the blanket to someone with glasses,' 'Pass the blanket to someone who likes pizza,' or 'Pass the blanket to someone who can whistle.' Keep the instructions fun and varied.
- Keep the blanket moving: Remind the participants to always keep the blanket in motion, even when waiting for the next instruction. Encourage them to pass it quickly and efficiently.
- Continue until everyone has had a turn: Keep going with different instructions until every participant has had the chance to receive or pass the blanket. This allows everyone to participate and keeps the game inclusive.
- Wrap up the game: Congratulate the participants on completing the game and thank them for their participation. You can also discuss any funny moments or observations that occurred during the game.
Benefits of The Blanket Game
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 The Blanket Game include:
- Breaks the ice: The Blanket Game is a great icebreaker activity that helps to start conversations among the players. It creates a relaxed and welcoming environment perfect for getting to know new people.
- Improves communication: This game allows players to communicate and work together, improving their listening and communication skills. It encourages players to collaborate and strategize to accomplish their goal.
- Builds teamwork: Players need to work together and trust each other to achieve their goal. This game is a great way to build teamwork and create a sense of community among players.
- Boosts morale: The Blanket Game is a fun and engaging activity that boosts morale among players. It helps to create a positive and enjoyable atmosphere and can enhance the overall mood of a group.
- Creative problem solving: This game challenges players to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to problems. It can help players develop their problem-solving skills and find innovative ways to tackle challenges.
Why we like The Blanket Game
We like The Blanket Game because it is a great way to exercise your creativity and imagination while having fun with friends or family.
Reflection questions for The Blanket Game
Reflection questions are a great way to help your team process their experience after playing The Blanket Game.
- What did you learn about your teammates through this activity? - This question prompts participants to reflect on the information they gained about others during the Blanket Game. It encourages them to think about how they can use that information to build stronger connections with their colleagues.
- How did you feel during the game? - This question asks participants to reflect on their emotions during the Blanket Game. It gives them the opportunity to share their experiences and discuss how it made them feel.
- What challenges did you or your team face during the game? - This question encourages participants to reflect on any difficulties that may have arisen during the activity. It allows them to evaluate how they and their team worked through the challenges to achieve success.
- Did anything surprising occur during the game? - This question prompts participants to reflect on unexpected events that may have happened during the Blanket Game. It allows them to share their thoughts on any surprises and how it impacted the outcome of the activity.
- What strategies did your team use to achieve success? - This question asks participants to reflect on the tactics they employed to win the game. It encourages them to discuss the approaches they used and identify which ones worked well and which ones didn't.
- How can you apply what you learned during the Blanket Game to your work? - This question encourages participants to think about how they can transfer the skills and knowledge they gained during the activity to their daily work routine. It prompts self-reflection and encourages participants to identify areas for improvement.
Which skills does The Blanket Game build?
- Memory - Memory skills are incredibly helpful for icebreakers and team building because they enable you to remember names, details, and information about your teammates, which fosters a sense of connection and camaraderie. Additionally, strong memory skills make it easier to recall instructions, tasks, and important points during team activities, leading to better communication and collaboration.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.