Deserted Island

Objective(s) & Context

Work together to problem solve.
Help each other to reach their goals.

Duration

Depends on the size of the group

Group Size

8 +

Age Group

10 +

Skills

Problem solving, critical thinking, observation

Format(s) & Technique(s)

Pair work, large group, game, co-operative learning

Materials

Assorted individually wrapped candies (make sure there are enough for the number of participants. For example: 10 participants = 100 candies or approximately 1 bag)

A flat-surfaced object (such as a piece of cardboard, wood or carpet) that is big enough for two people to stand on at the same time. This will be called the “Island.”

Facilitation Tips

For a shorter or taller pair you may need to adjust the distance of the board from the candy and group.
Keep a small stock of candy for the end of the game, in case one pair gets more candy than the others. Then either you, or the pair, can then give the rest of the candy out, so that everyone feels like winners.

Popular Education Prompts

Having a chance to play and have fun together cannot be underestimated in building a strong group dynamic.
Relying on each another person and having to work together is a great way to build relationships for working together more in the future.

Leading the Activity: Steps to Take

Preparation:

Set up the game before the activity by placing the flat-surfaced object on the floor.
Make sure to secure it to the floor, so it does not move (maybe tape it down using an industrial tape).
Spread the candy on the floor so that it surrounds the “Island.” Put the pieces of candy far enough away that they are hard to reach when standing on the “Island.”
It is a good idea to put some of the best pieces of candy really far away, to add to the challenge.

Workshop:

There are 2 parts to this activity.

Part 1: Pairs

Divide the participants into pairs.
Ask each pair to select a name for their team.
Explain to participants that the teams should form a line. Each team will get a chance to be on the “Island.” Once they are on the “Island,” each pair has 10 seconds to collect candies without stepping or falling off the “Island.”
If the team does not get any candy on their first try, they can go to the end of the line and try again. Once a team picks up candy, they stand on the sidelines and cheer the other teams on.
This process will be repeated until each team picks up candy.

To emphasize teamwork, allow time for groups to come up with a plan and to practise it before trying it out on the candy.

Hint: One person can hold another, who reaches out to get the candy.

The following are the rules:

You and your partner must stay on the “Island” while fishing for candies.
No part of your body or clothing may touch the floor at any time.
If you touch the floor, you must go to the end of the line before trying again.
You may not slide the cardboard.
You must pick up the candy, not drag it.
You may not use anything (i.e. belt, piece of clothing) to pick up the candy.
Whatever candy you pick up, you and your partner may keep.

Part 2: Large group discussions

1. Lead a large group discussion using the following suggested questions:

What did you and your partner have to do to be successful at this activity?
Could you have done this alone? Why or why not?
Are you ever in a situation where you have to rely on the support of others to be successful? Are you able to accept help from others? Why or why not?
When would it be good for you to accept help from others? Can you?