Sequence

The Sequence icebreaker is a team-building game that focuses on communication and picture description. The purpose of this activity is to warm up the participants’ thinking and talking muscles, making it an excellent choice for starting a day of team-building exercises or introducing new colleagues. In this game, I, as the organizer, will prepare copies of pages from a children’s book or comic, each identified with a unique number or letter but not in their original order. The players will not be allowed to read the text or show their page to others. They must describe the picture and vague contents of any speech bubbles in their own words.

The goal is for the group to collaboratively decide on an order for all pages, placing them facedown on the table without reading the text. Once they agree on an order, they turn all pages face-up to check if the story is in the right sequence. This engaging icebreaker encourages teamwork, communication, and critical thinking while providing a fun and interactive experience.

1. Players are not allowed to read the text on the pages. They must describe what is happening in their own words. The same rule applies to speech/speech bubbles on the page. They cannot read this speech directly, but can only vaguely describe what is being said.
2. Players cannot show their page to any other player until the very end of the game, when the order has been decided.
3. When deciding on an order, pages should be placed facedown on the table.
4. The goal of the game is to have all the pages placed facedown in the correct order.
5. Players turn all pages face-up and check that the story is in the right order after an order has been agreed upon by all players. If there is any doubt, they can check with the organizer.

• Children’s book or comic book: This will be the source of the images for the game. Choose a book that fits the group, such as a Batman or Spider Man story for teenagers and young adults, or children’s books like “The Tiger Who Came to Tea” or “Where The Wild Things Are” for nostalgic adults with children.
• Copies of each page: Make copies of the pages from the book you have chosen. This will ensure that everyone has their own page to describe and put in order.
• Unique identifier for each page: Identify each of the pages with a unique number or letter, but not in their original order. Shuffle the pages and then go through them numbering them 1 to 10 (or however many pages there are). This will add an extra challenge to the game and make it more engaging for the players.

To set up for the Sequence icebreaker activity, follow these steps:

1. Choose a children’s book or comic book with a number of pages equal to or greater than the number of players.
2. Make copies of each page and identify them with unique numbers or letters, shuffling the order.
3. Prepare enough pages for every player to have at least one.

Remember, no mention of materials was made in your life-or-death scenario, so only consider the actions needed to prepare the game based on the provided instructions.

1. Find a Suitable Book: I decide to be the game organizer and find a children’s book or comic book with at least as many pages as the number of players. I make sure to choose a source that fits the group, such as Batman or Spider Man for teenagers and young adults, or The Tiger Who Came to Tea or Where The Wild Things Are for nostalgic adults with children of their own.
2. Prepare the Pages: I make copies of each page and identify them with a unique number or letter, but not in their original order. This adds an element of challenge and encourages communication among players.
3. Establish Rules: Before distributing the pages, I explain the rules to the group. Players cannot read the text on the pages, show their page to others, or use speech/speech bubbles directly. They must describe what is happening in their own words and place the pages facedown when deciding on an order. The goal is to have all the pages placed facedown in the correct order.
4. Distribute Pages: I randomly hand out the pages to all the players, ensuring everyone has at least one page. This encourages participation from every individual, fostering a sense of unity and teamwork.
5. Discuss and Decide on Order: As a group, players discuss the order of the images and decide on an arrangement that seems most logical. When an order has been agreed upon by all players, they turn their pages face-up to check if the story is in the right order. I am available for consultation in case there is any doubt about the sequence.
6. Repeat with More Pages or Teams: If there are a lot of players, I can create two copies of the story pages and split the group into teams, making it a competitive game by timing them. This adds a fun element of competition, motivating players to work together more efficiently.
7. Optional Nightmare Variant: For an added challenge, I introduce the “Nightmare variant,” where players cannot describe their images in words but must re-enact the scene on their page in mime. While this may seem humorous and absurd, it can help break down communication barriers and create a memorable bonding experience for the group.

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• Develops communication skills: By describing pictures without using the actual text or images, players are forced to articulate their thoughts clearly and effectively. This helps improve overall communication skills.
• Encourages active listening: Since players can’t read the text on their pages, they must rely on others’ descriptions. This encourages active listening and better understanding of different perspectives.
• Promotes teamwork: As a group, players need to collaborate and agree on the correct order of the pictures. This fosters collaboration and strengthens team dynamics.
• Enhances critical thinking: By analyzing and interpreting images, players engage their critical thinking skills. They must decipher the storyline, characters, and sequence of events based on visual cues alone.
• Builds problem-solving abilities: When faced with conflicting descriptions or unclear images, players need to find creative solutions to agree on an order. This develops their problem-solving skills.
• Eases anxiety and tension: As an icebreaker, this game helps create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. It encourages interaction among participants, making them feel more comfortable with each other.
• Fosters creativity: With the “Nightmare variant,” players must use their creativity to mime the scenes on their pages. This can lead to hilarious results and strengthens group bonding.

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• Communication skills: Playing the Sequence icebreaker encourages participants to describe images and events in their own words, improving their ability to communicate effectively.
• Active listening skills: In order to place the pages in the correct order, players must actively listen to each other’s descriptions and consider different perspectives.
• Critical thinking skills: Players are required to think critically about the sequence of events in a story, helping them develop their problem-solving abilities.
• Teamwork skills: The game fosters collaboration and teamwork as players work together to agree on an order for the pages.
• Creativity skills: Players must use their creativity to describe images without using direct text from the page, encouraging imaginative thinking.
• Patience and focus: Sequence requires patience and focus as players listen to each other’s descriptions and consider the best order for the pages.
• Confidence building: By participating in a group activity that requires communication and collaboration, players can build their confidence and improve their ability to work in a team.

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I appreciate the Sequence icebreaker game for its ability to stimulate communication, creativity, and teamwork in a fun and engaging way. The game requires participants to describe pictures from a children’s book or comic without directly reading the text, which encourages them to think critically and articulate their thoughts clearly. This aspect of the game helps warm up both thinking and talking muscles, making it an excellent icebreaker for new work colleagues or the start of a team-building day.

One of the reasons I enjoy this game is its versatility in catering to different age groups and interests. The game organizer can choose a source that fits the group, whether it’s nostalgic children’s books, like “The Tiger Who Came to Tea” or “Where The Wild Things Are,” or action-packed superhero stories featuring Batman or Spider-Man. This customization ensures that the game is both enjoyable and relevant for all participants.

Additionally, Sequence promotes active listening and collaboration among team members. As players describe their images without showing them, others must listen carefully to understand and visualize the scene accurately. This process fosters an environment where individuals work together to make decisions and reach a consensus on the correct order of the pages. The game’s structure encourages healthy debate and discussion, allowing participants to practice negotiation and compromise skills that are valuable in both personal and professional settings.

Lastly, Sequence can be easily adapted for larger groups or more competitive environments. By creating two sets of story pages and dividing the group into teams, the game becomes a race against time, adding an extra layer of excitement and challenge. Alternatively, the “Nightmare variant” introduces an element of humor and physicality, as players must act out their scenes in mime instead of describing them with words.

In summary, I like the Sequence icebreaker for its ability to encourage communication, collaboration, and creativity in a fun and adaptable format. The game’s versatility and potential for customization make it an excellent choice for various age groups and settings, making it a valuable addition to any team-building or icebreaker activity.

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• Tip: Choose a source that is inclusive and representative of all team members. For example, select a children’s book or comic from a diverse range of authors and illustrators, featuring characters with different backgrounds, cultures, and abilities.
• Tip: Consider accessibility needs when selecting the game materials. Ensure the images are clear and high contrast for those who may have visual impairments. You can also provide a large print version or an audio description of each page to accommodate various needs.
• Tip: Encourage open communication by reminding participants that everyone’s interpretation of the pictures is valuable. Foster an environment where team members feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas, regardless of language proficiency or cultural background.
• Tip: Adapt the game rules to accommodate diverse learning styles. Allow players to use visual aids like drawings or symbols if they find it helpful to communicate their descriptions more effectively.
• Tip: Break the group into smaller teams for the competitive variant of the game. This can help ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate and be heard, as larger groups may unintentionally overshadow quieter voices.
• Tip: Be mindful of cultural references or inside jokes in the chosen source material. Provide context or explanations when necessary to ensure all team members understand and feel included in the game.
• Tip: Consider offering translation services or providing bilingual materials for non-native speakers. This helps create a more inclusive atmosphere where everyone can actively engage in the activity.
• Tip: Allow players to self-identify their preferred pronouns before the start of the game, and encourage team members to use those pronouns throughout the activity. This small gesture promotes respect and inclusivity for all participants.

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1. What communication strategies did you use to describe your picture? Understanding how team members communicated and described their pictures can provide insight into what worked well and areas for improvement in future team-building activities.
2. How did you handle disagreements or uncertainty during the game? Examining conflict resolution skills used during the icebreaker can help participants learn about each other’s communication styles, as well as how to work together effectively to make decisions.
3. What strategies did you use to sequence the pictures in the correct order? Discussing problem-solving techniques and critical thinking can reveal strengths within the team and identify areas for improvement when working on more complex tasks.
4. How did your initial assumptions about the story’s sequence change throughout the game? Reflecting on how individual perspectives evolved during the activity highlights adaptability and willingness to work together as a group.
5. What challenges did you face while playing this icebreaker, and how did you overcome them? Identifying obstacles faced during the game and sharing solutions can help participants learn new strategies for overcoming similar challenges in professional settings.
6. How might this icebreaker relate to situations you encounter at work or school? Connecting the Sequence icebreaker to real-life scenarios can provide insight into how team members handle communication, problem-solving, and decision-making processes in their everyday lives.
7. Did you learn anything new about your teammates through this activity? If so, what? Understanding how individuals contributed to the game can help foster a stronger sense of camaraderie among team members and create a more cohesive working environment.

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