Believe Me Don’t Break the Ice

Interactive partner activity that requires coordination.

 Fun Games
 Communication, Collaboration, Having Fun
6 – 15 minutes
1 – 8, 9 – 16, 17 – 30, 31+
Children, Youth, Adults
Low

Step by Step Instructions:

  • Prepare an open space for the game
  • Hand out two toy blocks to each player
  • Divide the group into pairs and ask each pair to hold the blocks up between them, only using the tips of their index fingers. Only on one hand.
  • The connection between pairs must remain intact, while they walk around
    the space. At the same time, they must use their free index finger to disconnect/break other paired players blocks.
  • If blocks fall onto the ground, allow the pair to pick them up, connect again and continue with the game.
  • Paly several rounds of the game, each two minutes long, or you can swap players around and play again with new partners.

Benefits

  • Making Connections
  • Very interactive
  • Stimulates laughter
  • Play with a Partner
  • Creates Healthy competition

How to Play

This is a fun and entertaining variation of a tag game and is a great tool to open
discussions about group interactions. This interactive game can bring out certain
positive as well as some bad behaviors.

Hand out two wooden or plastic block toys to each individual player. Divide the
group into pairs, for this, you can also use some fun ideas for the group. For
example, ask the group to find somebody with a common connection. Make sure to
perform this activity in an open space.

The challenge begins when you ask each pair to hold up the blocks between each
other, only using the very tips of their index finger on one hand. The four blocks
must be placed in a straight line between each players index finger. Each pair must
now move around the space provided while balancing the blocks between them.
While moving around they must try and unbalance or ‘Break the Ice’ of the other
pairs.

To make sure everyone is playing to the rules, make sure everybody understands
and follows these guidelines.

  • The only pairs allowed to break a connection, are those who are properly
    connected themselves.
  • Players must try and keep contact to a minimum, don’t be a bull in a china
    shop. Pairs should only be using their free index finger, be subtle with poise.
  • Therefore, players should not be shoving and pushing each other, or blocking
    each other’s moves. Pairs are only allowed to use one of their index fingers to secure the blocks in a straight line, no other fingers or anything else should be used to create a more stable connection.
  • Blocks will be falling, if this happens allow pairs to pick them up and start again.
  • The game can be played for several rounds for about 2 minutes each. You can also, think about swapping pairs around or changing the rules for something more challenging.

Props

  • Wooden Toy Blocks

Useful Framing Ideas

What are communities created from? Ultimately, relationships form the substance of
communities. Sometimes, life gets difficult, there are distractions and problems that
arise, making it difficult to sustain a healthy relationship. The next game has a look
at ways to stay connected…

Most of us have been in a position where we have worked hard at something, only to
find disappointment and maybe failure. The following activity will provide you with
an opportunity to pick up the pieces and start over again…

Practical Leadership Tips

This game can become quite boisterous, so be careful to observe and maintain the
safety of all players. Adapt to your group as well as to the space you are playing in.
Between each round, allow some time for players to come up with strategies. When
the game is done, also allow time for the group to discuss their experience.

If you find your group to be competitive, then you can make the game with
elimination rounds. Although, it is much more fun for the group, to let players pick
up the pieces and continue on.

Understand why the game is called, ‘Don’t’ break the Ice?’ You can imagine the toy
blocks as ‘Ice Blocks,’ and you don’t want these to fall onto the ground!

Reflection Tips & Strategies

Here are some questions to ask the group, which will help them to process their
experience of the game ‘Believe me Don’t Break the Ice’

  • What plan worked best in maintaining a stable connection?
  • What did you find the most challenging?
  • Do you think there is a lesson to be taught by playing this game, concerning
    teamwork and collaboration?
  • Does this game teach us how to react to failure?

Popular Variations

  • Back to Back: Make the game more challenging by having pairs facing in
    opposite directions, while maintaining a connection.
  • Using your non-dominant hand: Try getting players to use their non-
    dominant hands for the challenge, or even their thumbs or small pinkie fingers.
  • Different Connections: Have players swap partners when blocks fall onto the
    floor.