1/ Starting a thread of simple warmup exercises in workshops that help people get started using an online whiteboard. It’s important to me to strive for exercises that are simple, playful, inviting and not intimidating.
Always help people feel safe.
#teachingonline
2/ A floor plan to allow participants to move an icon - representing themselves - between rooms. People can show they are in a meeting, in the break (then back from the break), have stepped out, left the meeting or are feeling done with an exercise. I help when people forget.
3/ Each participant has to write their name on a sticky note and place it in the room - of this pictured cartoonish cross-section of a house - that best represents where they are currently sitting. Also builds sense of togetherness.
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4/ Use weather symbols to encourage people to mark what the weather is like where they are and/or mark what symbol matches how they are feeling right now. Don’t mandate explaining or disclosing who’s who, but allow feedback for anyone who wants to share.
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5/ Offer an illustrated canvas with different film genres and have people pinpoint their favourites. Maybe ask them to name a favourite movie if they’re up for it.
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6/ Caption this. As people join the meeting/workshop, have an image on screen and ask participants to come up with a caption. Can turn out hilarious if you're lucky, and is never boring.
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7/ The Chihuahua checkin. x.com/HelenBevan/sta…