Learning is directly proportional to the amount of fun you have. ~Bob Pike
Examples of Classroom Toys
When I deliver training, there are a number of items I always have for class. Things like books, pens, highlighters to name a few. Besides the basic necessities, I need to make sure I have a leader’s guide, agenda, roster, etc. There are also three items I never go without including the following:
- Thumball – This novel creation is always a crowd favorite. No matter what I’m delivering, it’s guaranteed to inject some fun! For this activity to be successful, here are a few ground rules:
- Ask everyone to stand and stretch.
- Always toss the ball underhand with the participants facing each other (this eliminates any surprises).
- When the ball is caught, the participant answers the question under their right thumb.
- After the question is answered, ask the participant to toss the ball to someone else and be seated.
- Sound F/X Sound Effects Box – This novel creation from the Trainers Warehouse can be used at any point during class. There are six different sounds that can be used to bring the group together to answering a question with the correct or incorrect response. I love my Sound F/X machine and use it whenever I need to inject some fun in the group!
- Staples Easy Button – Staples created this device as part of an overall marketing campaign. However, it’s another sound device that’s great for the classroom. I use it whenever someone or a group answers a difficult question, or the class completes an activity. It’s always great to hear “That was easy!”
These are just a few of my favorite “fun” makers that I like to have at my fingertips. One word of advice, if you plan to use the Sound F/X or Easy Button, you may want to close your door. These items tend to create a lot of noise (unless there’s no one near your room).
The next time you need to deliver training, consider having some fun. Your participants will thank you; mine do all the time!
What are your thoughts?
What do you do to add fun to your learning environment? In what ways do you keep your participants engaged and energized?
