Tip #900: A Trainer’s Toolkit of Resources

“What we learn with pleasure we never forget.” Alfred Mercier

I was just bemoaning the fact that my wall kites are gathering dust as training has become virtual during the pandemic. That got me thinking about everything I like to have available when I do in-person training. It feels very sterile simply sitting at my computer with circle lights, my PowerPoint slides, possibly music, and nothing more. I miss the color and energy of in-person training (but not the hours of travel, set up, and tear down!)

For the tables:

1. Classic Koosh balls: for introductory and closing activities, fidgets, games, and energizers.
2. Pipe cleaners: for the tactile creatives
3. Large foam dice: for games
4. Spiral 8” glitter wands: as pretty tactile fidgets
5. Star-shaped squeeze fidget toys: colorful and good for carpal tunnel exercising
6. Small post-it notes: for note-taking
7. Tiny tab notes: for marking key pages in the participant workbook
8. Colorful 3”x5” index cards: for note-taking and for games
9. Table tent name cards: for identification
10. Sketch fragrant flip chart markers: for writing on table tents and flip charts
11. Star stickers: for gallery walk to identify preferred learning objectives written on flip charts
12. Long envelopes: for pass the envelope games
13. Colored construction paper: three pieces per table to add color
14. Pads of lined paper: for note-taking
15. Candy bowls: to hold the candy
16. Wrapped sugar and sugar-free candies: as a welcome treat
17. A small toy, like a spring or twirling top: a tangible representation of the metaphor for the class
18. Prizes: plastic puzzles, bendables, rubber ducks, etc.

For the walls:

1. Self-sticking flip chart paper: for ease of posting trainer and participant writing
2. Masking tape: to supplement the flip chart attachment to the wall and to mark off games
3. Artist putty: to put up kites, agenda map, and peripherals
4. Kites: to provide color
5. Quotes on colored paper: to reinforce the content
6. T-pins and pushpins: may be more effective than masking tape or putty on certain wall types
7. Agenda map: a visual representation of workshop content on a large sheet of paper

Other tools:

1. Music: to be played at the beginning, during breaks, during work activities, and at the end of the session
2. 3-tone chime: to gain the group’s attention and save voice
3. Workshop-specific materials: e.g. board games, Tinker toys, cardboard, popsicle sticks, modeling clay, spools, balsa wood rectangles, and seed packets, etc.

May your learning be sweet- and safe.

Deborah

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