Activities

Virtual Team Building Events

Activity Description

Hold the Paper Group Game

This is an easy and fun way to get people to think more creatively, all you need is some A4 sheets of paper.

Benefits

Required Props

  • A4 Paper

Begin by having the group form smaller teams of 3 maybe 4 people, but not more than this, as everybody needs to actively participate.

One team member must stay ready nearby, while the other two members face each other. These two members must hold out their hands and position a piece of paper between their hands or palms. Inform the group of their objective, they must work together and place as many sheets of paper between these two team members as they can. Everyone is given a time limit of about 10 minutes.

There are, most probably, quite a few ideas floating around in everybody’s head at this stage. In order to create some guidelines and make sure everybody plays fair, there are a few rules to follow.

  • There must only be one piece of paper between both of the team members. In other words, between the hands or palms, there should only be one piece of paper. No more is allowed.
  • Nobody is allowed to use any type of adhesive, the two body parts should be the only thing holding the paper up.
  • The paper should not be folded
  • Both team members must be in contact with the paper at all times
  • Each piece of paper cannot be in contact or touch another piece of paper.

Once you have explained what to do, allow a bit of time for some questions. This will help players understand better what is expected of them. When everybody is ready, shout ‘GO’ and let the games begin.

The pieces of paper can either be handed out to each team or keep one pile for everyone. Team members can then take what paper they need from a common pile or stack of paper. This activity appears easy in theory, but when it becomes to performing the task, it becomes a lot more challenging.

Contextual Framing Ideas for Hold the Paper Group Team Building Activity Game 

Do you think you are creative? We are about to perform a fun task, at first it may seem easy but will require a bit of creative thinking in order to be successful.

How difficult do you think it would be to hold 20 or more pieces of paper in the air? This seems simple and you might be thinking this is a trick question. There is one small rule you need to follow; you have to hold the pieces of paper between two team members…

Step-by-Step Instructions to facilitate the Hold the Paper Group Team Building Activity  

  • Have a group form into teams of 3 or 4 people
  • Demonstrate with some volunteers. Have them hold a piece of paper, which should be placed between their hands or palms. The paper can be held between any body part, for instance between team members foreheads etc.
  • Two of the team members will be holding the paper, while the other team member(s) assist.
  • Some rules to remember:
  • Members are only allowed one piece of paper between each area of the body.
  • Nothing else, like adhesives, are allowed to be used to hold the paper.
  • The paper cannot be folded
  • Both team members must always be in contact with the piece of paper
  • Each piece of paper is not allowed to touch another
  • Hand out paper or provide a pile of paper and shout ‘Go’
  • Give teams about 10 minutes to complete the task and then observe the results. Let’s see if teams can get more than 27 pieces of paper.

Facilitators and Leaders Tips

When presenting this activity, know your group. Members will be in close contact with each other and this could make some people a bit uncomfortable. Be aware and recognize if the group will be willing to participate.

One of the rules is there for a reason, do not fold the paper. Team members can add quite a few pieces of paper by folding it. Since there are usually a couple of teams involved, you are more than likely to run out of paper. You also don’t want to waste so much paper just for one activity. This is where recycled paper comes in handy for the activity.

Staying on the topic of being environmentally conscious. Consider what you are going to do with the paper once you have finished the exercise. Think of preparing another activity that uses paper, after playing ‘Paper Holding.’ Always remember to Reduce-Reuse-Recycle.

Debriefing and Reflection Tips for Hold the Paper Group Game 

Here are some questions to ask the group, which will help them to process their experience of playing the game ‘Paper Holding’

  • Did the pace of the game pick-up or slow down at the beginning or near the end?
  • Was there something that challenged you during the task? Explain.
  • Was there anything that surprised you while playing the game?

Variations of the Hold the Paper Group Team Building Activity Game 

  • Partners: For this variation, you only have two team members playing. These two players must hold the paper between each other and try and to pick up and distribute more. This increases the difficulty level, but with a lot more fun.
  • Three’s a crowd: This involves the same procedure as explained for ‘Paper Holding’ but now you have three people trying to hold paper between each other.
  • Tie challenge: Allow only 2 minutes for team members to accomplish the task.
  • Something different: Use other items besides paper, such as pieces of felt, other fabric, or anything really. The task just becomes more difficult if the item is not flat and light.

Hold the Paper Group Team Building Activity Game

Basic Details
Property Type : Team Building
Listing Type : Placeholder
Activity Type : Team Building
Focus On : Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, Having Fun, Problem Solving
Outcome Based : Yes
Facilities : Indoor
Props Required : Minor
Duration : 6 - 15 minutes
Exertion Level : Medium
Group Size : 1 - 8, 9 - 16, 17 - 30
Age : Children, Youth, Adults