Great Solutions to Team Challenges

Travel Games for your Summer Road Trip

2009-06-24T14:03:00.000-07:00

Hitting the road (or air) with your kids this summer? Tired of the backseat bickering? If your sanity is worth a buck ($1) and you own a Kindle from Amazon, download Travel Talk: Sanity Saving Games for Long Distance Fun.

Don't have a Kindle? No worries. You can still maintain your sanity on your next long drive. Download Travel Talk: Sanity Saving Games for Long Distance Fun as an ebook.

Either way, it will make the trip to Grandma's all the more enjoyable.

UPDATE: Minniemom left a comment that I thought I'd pull up to the main post because it's important! Did you know that you can read Kindle books on an ipod touch or an iphone?? You don't need a Kindle--you only need to download the free Kindle app. How cool is that? Now, I don't know that I'd want to read Pride and Prejudice on a tiny screen like that, but these travel tips? It would totally work for that.

Brilliant Peanut Butter Jar

2009-06-09T11:12:00.000-07:00

We go through jars and jars of peanut butter each month at my house. It's always a challenge to get that last bit of butter out of the jar (what's with all those rumply bottoms?). This peanut butter jar immediately caught my eye. So incredibly simple and yet until now, unthought of. Creative problem solving at its best: find a need and fill it. No need to reinvent the wheel, or come up with some elaborate plan. Simply make a good idea better. The ability to remove the bottom to access the peanut butter from both ends is a great solution, as are the smooth sides.

Of course THIS jar is meant for folks who grind their own peanut butter; you won't find any manufacturers using this type of jar yet. But just imagine if they did? The customer loyalty that would create!

I've lifted this image straight from the good folks at Apartment Therapy. You should stop by that site and say hello. Lots of clever stuff there!

100 Most Creative

2009-05-28T11:59:00.000-07:00

Fast Company names its top 100 Most Creative People in Business.

There are no rules about creativity. Which made constructing our list of the 100 Most Creative People in Business a tricky task. We looked for dazzling new thinkers, rising stars, and boldface names who couldn't be ignored. We avoided people we've profiled in the recent past. We emphasized those whose creativity addresses a larger issue -- from the future of our energy infrastructure to the evolution of philanthropy to next-generation media.

Take a look and see what you think. Who's missing? Who do you think is worthy of a spot on the list?

Get Creative with Legos!

2009-05-27T08:27:00.000-07:00

Are you an educator? In the LEGO Smart Creativity Contest, educators are challenged to use LEGOs to develop a hands-on activity for their students. Your challenge is to create an activity using only the bricks included in a special LEGO Smart Kit. The kind folks at LEGO will send you this kit - for free!

Once you have it, develop your activity. This can range from a simple build to a more advanced mathematical problem. You’re the creator, so let your imagination lead you!

Better yet? There are prizes! One Grand Prize Winner and eight (8) monthly winners will be selected. Prizes will consist of LEGO Education products and gift certificates valued up to $100 for monthly winners and $250 for the Grand Prize winner!

To be eligible for the LEGO Smart Creativity Contest you must be a teacher or working in the education field. This includes administrators, coaches, home school educators, and classroom aides!

Student Leadership Conference w/Team Challenges

2009-05-17T19:11:00.000-07:00

Awhile back, I had a great message from Cathy Ivins, Emerson Elementary School Student Council Advisor:

I just wanted to thank you for your incredible book Team Challenges. As Student Council Advisor, I am hosting a student leadership conference at my elementary school. We have invited several 4th-6th graders in each of the 8 other elementary schools throughout the district. Building their cooperation, communication and creativity through your activities will certainly sharpen their leadership skills!

The fact that she felt Team Challenges would add value to her conference was wonderful enough. But tonight, I got this follow up message:

I wanted to let you know what a success my student leadership conference was using your Team Challenges! Thanks for your great ideas!

AND she included a link to this great video/slide show of the kids in action at the Student Leadership Conference that doesn't quite fit perfectly, but I'm embedding nonetheless:

Note that I can't take credit for every challenge shown, but just as a for instance, the Skittles challenge at the very beginning? You'll find that on page 159 of Team Challenges.

Cathy, thanks so much. Messages like this make my day!

The Mysterious Disapperance of Time

2009-05-06T14:12:00.000-07:00

Between my regular work and heading to the Destination Imagination finals last month, and then the resulting flu crud we managed to bring home from DI, time has been scarce. Hence, the quietness around here.

My team of four middle school kids competed at the Destination Imagination Region ONE tournament, and advance to State Tournament in San Jose. We managed to leave a trail of gorilla fur (black yarn) all the way across the state, I think.

This age, for this group, was hard. They were just concerned enough about their level of "cool" to hold back on some of their ideas, worrying, I think, about what people would think. They ended up with a lot of half-baked ideas and a lot of really funny ones. If you're not familiar with Destination Imagination, the one aspect that I love is the "no interference" rule. Which means that half-baked or not, MY job was to keep my mouth shut and let them be in charge of their solution. And they were. They were happy with what they did, and I also believe that after the fact, they wished they'd done more. Lessons learned, all around. Which leads me to call this year another success, in spite of the rough road the team traveled to get there!

Announcing Cities On The Cheap!

2009-03-15T07:53:00.000-07:00

Now, this is *slightly* off-topic for this blog. Only slightly because this is a (brief) story about a group of writers coming together from all across America (and a few from Canada and New Zealand) to create a new project. Long distance teamwork, if you will.

The brainchild of Jennifer Maciejewski who started Atlanta On The Cheap last year and grew the concept into a national network of Cities On The Cheap, the sites bring residents and visitors up-to-the-minute information on free, discount and cheap things to do, and other local deals.

To celebrate the launch of this network, many of the sites are giving away some great prizes! I invite you to check out just a few of these contests - they're EASY to enter. And then do your pocketbook a favor and see if your city is included in the network.

Here are just a few On The Cheap contests that are open to anyone in the US:

Light up the night with a gorgeous lantern from High Fire Hawai‘i at Big Island On The Cheap.
Start Exploring Historic Hilo with a book from Leslie Lang at Big Island On The Cheap
Herb Ohta Jr makes beautiful music on ‘Ukulele Journey. Win a copy of his CD at Honolulu On The Cheap!
Interested in Hawaiian art? Enter to win Margaret Barnaby’s *gorgeous* wood block print ($250/value) at Big Island On The Cheap.
Make your ipod sing with Jennifer Perri’s latest CD. Enter to win at Honolulu On The Cheap!
Win books about money by Florida authors Dave Barry, Carl Hiaasen, Suze Orman, CDs by Jimmy Buffett or Spam Allstars and Webkinz at Florida on the Cheap, Miami FL on the Cheap, Fort Lauderdale on the Cheap, Palm Beach on the Cheap or Florida Keys on the Cheap.
Win 4 movie passes, a Bottle Shock DVD, or a copy of the book Hidden Sonoma at Sonoma on the Cheap.
Win a Black and Decker portable 100 watt Power Inverter. Just share your favorite road trip tip on DisneyOnTheCheap.
Your favorite day trip in the Delaware Valley could win you a new Black and Decker portable 100 watt Power Inverter. Check out the details on PhillyOnTheCheap.
Bone up on Hawaiian history with A Concise History of the Hawaiian Islands from Honolulu On The Cheap.
Win olive oil from Winterhill Farms from Gold Country On The Cheap.

Ann Douglas on Creative Problem Solving

2009-03-04T13:14:00.000-08:00

Author Ann Douglas and I recently connected via, of all things, Twitter (I'm @GoldCountry). One of her "tweets" about creativity inspired me to point her to the Destination Imagination program. Never having heard of it, Ann started exploring and was inspired to write about the program for ParentCentral.ca, and included a couple of quotes from yours truly.

I always love it when someone who hasn't ever heard of the program reads about it and "gets it". Thanks, Ann!

Review of Team Challenges

2009-02-15T09:32:00.000-08:00

This is surely a little self-serving, but let me point you to a review of Team Challenges I just found (courtesy of Google Alerts). Those of you who wonder if Team Challenges will be useful with your church youth group might want to check it out.

Thanks, Stephen!

Tower of Two

2009-02-06T09:54:00.000-08:00

I'm expecting my Destination Imagination team to arrive within a couple of hours and need to pull together a last minute challenge for them to practice their creativity and teamwork skills. And straight out of Team Challenges, here's what we'll do:

Tower of Two

Materials:

1 old magazine
1-12" length of masking tape

Challenge:

You have three minutes to build a freestanding structures as tall as possible with only two materials: a magazine and masking tape. you will be notified when you have one minute remaining. You will receive up to ten points each for creativity, cooperation, and communication, PLUS two bonus points for every 6" of height.

Have fun! Oh, and if you try it? Send pics! teamchallenges -at- yahoo -dot- com.

Adult Team Building

2009-02-03T18:55:00.000-08:00

Hey! Yoo hoo! Sacramento Googler who was looking for adult team building ideas. I'm less than an hour away from Sac! May I help you?? Because Team Challenges are great for adults, too.

And the Winner is...

2009-02-03T18:53:00.000-08:00

Zaxmom! Contact me at teamchallenges @ yahoo.com, and I'll send your copy of Team Challenges out.

I Almost Missed it!

2009-01-26T19:03:00.000-08:00

But just in the nick of time...It's Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day!

Head on over to Fast Pack to play online bubble wrap games, and while you're there, check out that color selection! And who knew there was a Bubble Wrap book?? (Alas, it's out of print).

Who are you??

2009-01-20T17:00:00.000-08:00

I missed blog de-lurking day, which apparently happened last week. A lot of folks roll through this site but only a few of you stop to comment. Just for fun, let's see who's out there. In comments, tell me who you are (are you a teacher? team leader?) and give me a creative answer to this:

Name things that are shallow

Comment before the end of the month with both, and I'll put your name in a hat to win a copy of Team Challenges. I'll post the winner here, on (or close to) Feb. 1. If you don't think you'll remember to come back, add me to your feed reader or follow me via Blogger (link in sidebar) or on Facebook.

Clever Key Hider

2009-01-08T15:18:00.001-08:00

Here's one of those so simple and yet so clever ideas that make you wonder why it hasn't been thought of sooner. Take one prescription medication bottle, add a rock, and Voila! A secret key hider! Simply bury the bottle in the ground.

Blog Nod: Craft

Chain Link

2008-12-18T07:59:00.000-08:00

Holiday classrooms are often adorned with paper chains, handcrafted by students. Just in time for the holiday, I offer you a twist on the traditional paper chain, in the form of a challenge. Whether you're leading a team of kids toward cooperative interaction, or looking for a fun party activity for adults, this ought to do the trick!

Chain Link

Materials:

strips of paper, roughly 1/2" wide and 12" long
(how many depends upon how large your group is...plan for about a dozen strips per person)

a roll of tape
(more if you are trying this with a large group)

Instructions:

You have strips of paper and a roll of tape to work with. Your task is to work together to create a festive paper chain. The catch? You'll do this back to back, keeping your hands behind your back and your face forward. Communication and cooperation is key! You have five minutes to create a paper chain as long as possible. When time expires, your chain will be measured; for every 12 consecutive links, you will receive ten bonus points. Unattached links receive no credit.

Have Fun!

Photo by lizjones112

Junk Funk

2008-12-09T13:07:00.000-08:00

I think we can all agree on the wastefulness of our society. So much of our trash is...trashed, filling already overflowing landfills. Today I ran across two different examples of repurposing items that would normally go to waste. I like to share these kinds of images as inspiration. If somebody can come up with projects like these, imagine the props and scenery that a drama class or creative problem solving team can come up with by simply sorting through the recycle bin!

The first is a chandelier using cast-off necklaces, bracelets and brooches. Spotted on Apartment Therapy, this piece was crafted by Floto + Warner.

This amazing "bead" curtain is a giant sized version, crafted from plastic bottles and other recycled plastic junk, hanging at the Jamsil Olympic Stadium in Seoul, Korea.

Here's a close up. Amazing, isnt' it??

So, what recycled materials are YOU working with these days??

Don't Go To Business School

2008-12-05T07:36:00.000-08:00

The ever creative Seth Godin is offering up a unique opportunity. A guided quest, says he. Instead of an MBA, spend six months in New York working with Seth and a few other amazing people, learning by doing. A few notes from the site:

You get no credit for a clever application. The goal isn't to be creative in applying, it's to have a life that's shown creativity and insight already [emphasis mine].

To submit a digital application, build a Squidoo lens that answers the questions ... and email me the URL. [Clever marketing on his part - Squidoo IS Seth Godin - my creative problem solving lens is here.]

To submit a non-returnable physical application, mail it to me at Box 305, Irvington, NY 10533. If you're going to mail it in, please enclose a check or money order for $20 payable to the Acumen Fund, a charity I support. This is to encourage you to be digital. [emphasis mine - love the eco-angle!]

Got six months to spare and a place to stay in New York? This might be a great opportunity for one of you creative folks to expand your knowledge base.

Rock On!

2008-12-04T08:07:00.000-08:00

Bill Dan is a San Francisco based artist who works with rocks. Not rocks that are chiseled to form a sculpture like you might imagine, but simply rocks. Bill practices the art of rock stacking.

[Photo edited out. You'll have to click over to Bill's site to see it.]

While Bill has clearly spent some time honing his skills, what I like about rock stacking is that anyone can give it a try. You can do it just about anywhere - even kids walking along a city sidewalk can pick up tiny bits of gravel for a stacking challenge. Another plus? There's no waste. When kids are done stacking, they can simply disassemble their tower and leave it for Mother Nature.

The Rocker is Bill's blog featuring the work of other rock stackers. I think I'm going to send him this picture I shot in Hawaii. I didn't stack the rocks, but I loved the way these smooth black lava rocks looked against the crashing ocean.

Blog Nod: Think!, where the Radical Rock Challenge is going strong.

Woot!

2008-11-20T14:08:00.000-08:00

I just got word from my publisher that Team Challenges has gone into its THIRD printing. For the moment, there's a lag time for anyone trying to order the book from Amazon, Powell's, or Barnes and Noble. Meanwhile, if you're looking for some challenges to try with your students or team, check in the sidebar where you'll find a collection of free challenges or a link to my Ten Minute Tasks ebook.

Please.

2008-11-03T13:16:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow's election in the USA is historic. Historic. Regardless of how you plan to vote, I implore you to get out and do so. It’s our duty to participate in this democracy. I mean really? Can you imagine NOT voting in this election and having to explain that to your grandchildren someday? Let your voice be heard.

FREE Team Building Challenges for kids and adults

2008-11-02T11:27:00.000-08:00

LOOK! --------->>>

Over there in the sidebar!
FREE Team Building Challenges for kids and adults
Where it says "Try these Challenges". Really!

Tribes

2008-10-31T07:34:00.000-07:00

Seth Godin, leadership guru, has a new book out, titled Tribes. I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but it sounds compelling. And it sounds quite like his 'tribe' could also be considered a 'team'. Full details are on his Squidoo page. I like this quote:

When in doubt...Remind your tribe that they count. Connect them, count on them, get out of the way.

Blog Nod: Kevin Eikenberry

Got Eggs?

2008-10-21T09:18:00.000-07:00

I am continually fascinated by the clever reuse of basic household items. I've always used egg cartons as project materials for my kids, and admittedly I have a yen to make a giant-sized model of a waffle iron with my stack of cartons, but have yet to tackle that project. But to turn them into a lovely light? What functional creativity!

There's a complete tutorial, here, via Craft.

Stop! There's a Cardboard Box!

2008-10-10T09:31:00.001-07:00

My kids have become cardboard box experts. They know a good box when they see one and have on more than one occasion implored me to turn around to pick up a good box or (in truly lucky situations) large sheet of cardboard. They've made some amazing things with cardboard. Just imagine how inspired they will be upon seeing the artwork of Chris Gilmour, who turns unassuming cardboard into sculptures like this: