I am putting together a list of suggested games/activities/openers/closers for our training team to use interchangeably. In the facilitator's guide, they will see a "insert activity - X minutes" icon. Then they will choose activities from this list/booklet. We sometimes train the same groups more than once and want to change it up a little.

What are your favorite games/activities? What resources do you utilize?

Any book by Sharon Bowman.

...on a related note though... all learning activities should have a purpose. Games that are interchangeable just for the sake of having a game...that's what usually makes stakeholders shy away from interactive design. I urge you to design with purpose and work with your facilitators to make sure that every activity - whether game-like or not - has a desired outcome that is related to enhancing the learning experience and addresses what they're supposed to be learning during their time with you.

I couldn't agree more. I do not want any of our trainers facilitating any kind of game that is just a game. I hate the idea of icebreakers for that same reason. It is wasted time if we are just playing to play.

The games will be some what interchangeable because the subject matter is very similar. All trainings are around point of sale insurance products. The products may be a little different - but some review and presentation (role/practice play) activities could be interchangeable.

I will check out the author you suggested. I am looking at a pile of books on my desk now, maybe I have something of hers already.

Thank you for your help.

Dear Mandy,

If it's helpful, there are quite a few books on Amazon with training games. Just search "training games."

Design Your Own Games and Activities

Scott G. Welch CPLP