Telephone Pictionary

Telephone Pictionary is a fun and engaging icebreaker that combines the classic telephone game with drawing. The purpose of this activity is to promote communication, creativity, and laughter among participants. Each player starts by writing a phrase on the first page of their booklet, then passes it to the player on their right. The receiving player then draws a picture based on the written phrase, and continues passing the booklet around the circle. Subsequent players write a phrase based on the previous image, then draw a new picture based on that phrase, and so on. The result is a collection of hilarious and unexpected interpretations that evolve throughout the game. This icebreaker requires only paper and pens, making it an accessible and entertaining option for any group gathering.

1. Prepare picture booklets by giving each player a stack of paper, cutting it in half, folding, and stapling into a “flip book.”
2. Have all players sit in a circle with their own blank picture booklet and pen.
3. On the first page, have each person write down a funny or interesting phrase.
4. Pass booklets clockwise to the right, and the next player draws a picture of their interpretation of the written phrase.
5. The drawing is then passed clockwise to the next player, who writes a phrase based on the image they see.
6. This pattern continues until the booklet returns to its original owner.
7. Each player shows all other players their hilarious picture and phrase books.

Here are the materials needed to play the Telephone Pictionary icebreaker:

• Standard 8.5” x 11” paper: You will need a lot of standard-sized paper for this game, as each player will require their own stack of X sheets, where X is equal to the number of players participating in the game.
• Pens: Make sure you have enough pens for all players, as each person will need one to draw and write phrases in their booklet.

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

1. Prepare picture booklets by giving each player a stack of X sheets of paper (X equals the number of players participating in the game). Cut each stack of paper down the middle and then fold them in half to create a “flip book” for each participant. Staple the books if desired, ensuring that each player has their own booklet.
2. Have all players sit in a circle with their blank picture booklets and pens ready.
3. Instruct the first person in the circle to write down a funny or interesting phrase on the first page of their booklet (examples include “Elvis playing basketball,” “A cow in the desert,” etc.).
4. After each player has written a phrase, have them pass their booklets clockwise to the person on their right. This person will read the previous phrase and create a drawing based on their interpretation of it on the next blank page of the booklet they received.
5. Continue passing the booklets clockwise until everyone receives their original booklet back. The game ends when all players have had a chance to write a phrase, create a drawing, and see the progression of both in their booklet.

1. Prepare the picture booklets: As the game organizer, prepare the picture booklets by giving each player a stack of X sheets of paper, where “X” is equal to the number of players who are playing the game. Think of each stack as a “flip book” for each player. Cut each stack of paper down the middle and then fold them in half. Staple the books if you like. Make sure each player has their own book.
2. Distribute materials: Have all players sit in a circle. Give each player their own blank picture booklet and a pen.
3. Write a phrase: On the first page, have each person write down a funny or interesting phrase. This phrase can depict a scene, or perhaps a quote or song lyric, or basically any phrase that might be interesting to draw. Some examples can include (feel free to be creative with these): * Elvis playing basketball * A cow in the desert * Ice, Ice Baby * Chicken dance * Hot dog eating contest * Hitting a home run * Crying over spilled milk * Who let the dogs out * The dog ate my homework * It’s raining cats and dogs * Dance party
4. Pass the booklet: Next, everyone should pass their booklet clockwise to the person on their right. This person reads the phrase that was written, turns to the next blank page, and then draws a picture of their interpretation of what they read.
5. Continue passing the booklets: Instruct everyone to pass their booklets clockwise to the next player, making sure that their drawing is open and visible. The next person will look only at most recently drawn picture, turn to the next page, and write a phrase that tries to interpret the image that they saw. Then, everyone passes their booklets clockwise to the next player.
6. Repeat steps 3-5: This pattern of writing phrases, then drawing pictures, then writing phrases, then drawing pictures continues until the booklets return to their original owner.
7. Share the results: The game ends, and each player shows all the other players their hilarious picture and phrase books and how they evolve over time.

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• Encourages Creativity: I had the opportunity to use my imagination and creativity while drawing and writing phrases for the game. This helped me think outside the box and come up with unique ideas.
• Improves Communication Skills: As I played, I had to interpret and convey messages through drawings and written phrases, which improved my ability to communicate effectively.
• Fosters a Sense of Humor: The game is designed to be funny and entertaining, which encouraged me to laugh and enjoy myself throughout the experience.
• Promotes Active Listening: By carefully reading and interpreting the drawings and phrases of others, I practiced active listening skills and became more attentive to detail.
• Enhances Drawing Skills: Although the game doesn’t require advanced drawing abilities, it provided an opportunity for me to improve my sketching and doodling skills in a fun and relaxed setting.
• Builds Connections: Playing Telephone Pictionary with others allowed me to bond and connect with them over shared laughter and creativity, creating a positive social experience.

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• Communication skills: Playing Telephone Pictionary requires players to interpret and represent ideas through both writing and drawing, which can help improve their ability to communicate effectively.
• Creativity: The game encourages players to think outside the box and come up with unique phrases and drawings, helping to boost their creativity and problem-solving skills.
• Active listening: In order to accurately represent the previous player’s drawing, players must actively listen to and understand the instructions given by their peers.
• Observation skills: Carefully examining the details of a teammate’s drawing is crucial for creating an accurate representation of it in the next phase of the game, helping to develop observation and attention to detail.
• Critical thinking: Players must use critical thinking to interpret and represent their peers’ ideas accurately, as well as to come up with creative phrases and drawings that build upon previous entries.
• Collaboration: Telephone Pictionary is a collaborative game where each player builds on the work of others, fostering teamwork and cooperation among participants.
• Patience and focus: The game requires patience and sustained focus as players must wait for their turn to add their contribution and pay attention to the details of previous entries.

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I enjoy the Telephone Pictionary icebreaker because it combines two classic games into one fun and engaging activity. It’s a great way to bring people together and get them laughing, which is why I think it’s perfect for parties and other social gatherings.

One of the things I like most about this icebreaker is that it requires players to use both their creativity and their communication skills. In order to successfully complete the game, players must be able to interpret and represent the phrases and drawings of their peers in a way that makes sense to the next person in line. This can lead to some hilarious misunderstandings and misinterpretations, which only adds to the fun and excitement of the game.

Another thing I appreciate about Telephone Pictionary is that it doesn’t require any special materials or equipment to play. All you need is some paper, pens, and a group of people who are willing to let their creativity run wild. This makes it a very accessible and inclusive icebreaker that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.

Overall, I think Telephone Pictionary is a fantastic icebreaker that is sure to bring laughter and joy to any social gathering. Its combination of creativity, communication, and humor make it a standout choice for anyone looking to bring their group together in a fun and engaging way.

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• Provide a variety of phrase options: To make sure all players feel comfortable and included, provide a diverse range of phrase options that cater to different interests, cultures, and languages.
• Encourage creative interpretations: Emphasize the importance of individual creativity and personal interpretation during the game. Encourage players to think outside the box and not worry about their drawing or writing skills.
• Offer large print and simple phrases for accessibility: Make sure that everyone can participate by providing large print options and simpler phrases for those who may have visual impairments or reading difficulties.
• Promote a positive environment: Foster a friendly atmosphere where players feel comfortable sharing their creations, making mistakes, and having fun. Encourage laughter and positivity throughout the game.
• Consider language barriers: If playing with a multilingual group, provide translations for phrases or encourage players to write/draw in their native languages to promote cultural exchange and inclusivity.

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1. What was your favorite phrase or drawing that you encountered during the game? This question can help participants reflect on their personal highlights from the activity and encourage them to share these moments with others.
2. How did your phrases and drawings change as they went around the circle? This question encourages participants to think about how communication and interpretation can lead to unexpected results, fostering a greater appreciation for the game’s process.
3. Did any of your phrases or drawings surprise you in their evolution? If so, which ones and why? By asking this question, facilitators can prompt participants to consider the power of imagination and creativity in interpreting information, as well as how individual perspectives shape outcomes.
4. How did it feel to see your original phrase or drawing transformed by others’ interpretations? This question encourages self-reflection on communication, collaboration, and the impact of individual contributions within a group context.
5. Did you find any common themes or ideas emerging from the game as a whole? If so, what were they? This question promotes observation, pattern recognition, and critical thinking skills by inviting participants to analyze their collective work for recurring concepts or motifs.
6. What did you learn about communication and collaboration through playing Telephone Pictionary? By asking this question, facilitators can help participants make connections between the game’s dynamics and real-world communication scenarios, encouraging transferable skills development.
7. How might you apply what you learned from Telephone Pictionary to other collaborative activities or projects in your life? This question encourages participants to consider how they might leverage their insights from this activity in future endeavors, reinforcing the relevance of their learning experiences.

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