back to notes

ANIMAL COOPERATION EXERCISE

ANIMAL COOPERATION EXERCISE (a.k.a. PAPER TIGER)

Purpose: To see how our contribution to a group project affects the outcome.

Time: 15 minutes

Materials: One sheet of newsprint per group of 4

Sequence:

1. Explain that this exercise will be done in groups of 4. Each group will have one sheet of newsprint. It will be passed around the group. People may make one or two tears in the paper each time the paper comes to them. The paper will be passed around about 3 or 4 times.

2. The task for each group is to be done WITHOUT TALKING. Say that you'll tell them the exact task after the groups are formed and each group has its paper.

3. Form groups of 4 and give out the newsprint. Then announce the task: The task is, WITHOUT TALKING, MAKE AN ANIMAL SHAPE.

4. Encourage people to not talk. Allow enough time for the animals to develop. Keep an eye on the work rather than timing it. You may wish to allow the process of tearing to go on until everyone seems satisfied.

5. As groups finish, have people come back to the circle staying with their group. When everyone is back, ask each group to show its animal and report on what happened.

Processing:

•How did you decide on the animal you were making?

•Do you think everyone had a say? Can you explain?

•Did any disagreements or conflicts arise?

•How did you feel about the changes that occurred?

•How do you feel about the way the animal turned out?

•How does not talking effect working together?