Activity From "Changing The Message: A Handbook for Experiential Prevention"

From My Book "Changing the Message: A Handbook for Experiential Prevention"

BELL RINGERS

I learned this game from the fine folks at TeamSynergo. It's quite similar to Frog Wars but the outcome is often different. As of this writing, I haven't frontloaded it with any particular meaning. I just give the kids the basic rules and let them go. When the activity is over I backload with questions that seem to fit the experience.

PROPS NEEDED:

1)      Each team gets a bell which is tied to a string. I prefer bear bells which you can get at most outdoor stores out here in the Northwest. For quite a while I borrowed bells from the music department. A good friend of mine who operates a thrift store gave me a big bag of Christmas bells and now I'm busy inventing new games with bells. How would this work with cymbals?

PROCEDURE:

2)      One team member from each team ties the bell around her waist.

3)      Each team is armed with soft throwables which they will use to try to ring the other team's bell.

4)      The teams are heading in opposing directions. A basketball court is a good size. Each team tries to get to the center circle first without their bill ringing.

FACILITATOR NOTES:

I have seen quite a few strategies in this game even though I have only been using it for about six months. One long legged boy just spread his legs far apart and ran without the bell ringing. A small quiet girl took advantage of the ensuing chaos and ran to the center before anybody even noticed her. Both were "strength strategies." Teams will often try to wrap the bell in their hands or shorten the cord. Anytime a group tries to step outside of the rules too far I will often pause the group and tell them that while I really appreciate the "out of the box" strategy they have devised, I want them to stick with the rules. Due to the nature of these activities and the message I send, alternative thinking strategies are highly encouraged. The "Rules" we value are the constant values of a supportive learning environment; respect, commitment, healthy communication and the other elements of our learning agreement. Any deviations of the rules of an activity must be mutually agreed upon by all participants. This can happen quite spontaneously. It's important as facilitators that we adapt quickly to rules that make sense and fit the situation. It's not uncommon for teams to launch a full out barrage of throwables at the other team while giving scant protection to their person with the bell. It's the "the best defense is a good offense" strategy. The questions following this activity might be similar to Frog Wars.

1)      What kind of strategy was used to protect the bell holder?

2)      How was the bell holder chosen?

3)      What are doing to protect each other from negative things?