“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:
- Classic Koosh balls: for introductory and closing activities, fidgets, games, and energizers.
- Pipe cleaners: for the tactile creatives
- Large foam dice: for games
- Spiral 8” glitter wands: as pretty tactile fidgets
- Star-shaped squeeze fidget toys: colorful and good for carpal tunnel exercising
- Small post-it notes: for note-taking
- Tiny tab notes: for marking key pages in the participant workbook
- Colorful 3”x5” index cards: for note-taking and for games
- Table tent name cards: for identification
- Sketch fragrant flip chart markers: for writing on table tents and flip charts
- Star stickers: for gallery walk to identify preferred learning objectives written on flip charts
- Long envelopes: for pass the envelope games
- Colored construction paper: three pieces per table to add color
- Pads of lined paper: for note-taking
- Candy bowls: to hold the candy
- Wrapped sugar and sugar-free candies: as a welcome treat
- A small toy, like a spring or twirling top: a tangible representation of the metaphor for the class
- Prizes: plastic puzzles, bendables, rubber ducks, etc.
For the walls:
- Self-sticking flip chart paper: for ease of posting trainer and participant writing
- Masking tape: to supplement the flip chart attachment to the wall and to mark off games
- Artist putty: to put up kites, agenda map, and peripherals
- Kites: to provide color
- Quotes on colored paper: to reinforce the content
- T-pins and pushpins: may be more effective than masking tape or putty on certain wall types
- Agenda map: a visual representation of workshop content on a large sheet of paper
Other tools:
- Music: to be played at the beginning, during breaks, during work activities, and at the end of the session
- 3-tone chime: to gain the group’s attention and save voice
- 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
#learningtools #trainertoolbox
