Leadership Icebreakers
The Newspaper Hop

Title & Description

Leadership Icebreakers - The Newspaper Hop is a simple and fun game for a group of participants to see their own teamwork and planning skills in action. It is suitable for most groups to play. However, do be sensitive to people who might be uncomfortable about being blindfolded.

Purpose

• To illustrate the importance of planning and collaboration in the team
• To practice effective communication

Team Size

About 6 players or more

Materials Required

Newspapers
A bell
Two blindfolds
Masking tapes to hold down newspapers

Time Required

About 20 minutes

Instructions

1. Divide the group into two teams.

2. Set up 10 pieces newspapers in a straight line, as shown below.

3. Each team blindfolds one of their members and gets them to stand at each end of the newspaper line.

4. The objective of the game is for the two teams to use ONLY the bell to guide the blindfolded member to the other side of the newspaper line.

5. The game is over when the representative from both teams has successfully reached the other side.

6. The winning team is the one that their representative to the other side first; they get one point.

7. If the representative touches the floor, he is ‘dead’ and must return to the starting point.

8. Inform the teams that they have 15 minutes to get the other player to the other side and they are not allowed to communicate during the time they are blindfolded.

9. The game continues until all players have gone through the newspaper line.

Debriefing Notes

1. How did you feel when you were blindfolded?

2. Is there anyway you feel blindfolded at work?

3. If so, based on what you learnt from this game, what do you think everyone can do such that work is done well even though someone may be 'blindfolded'?

Return from Newspaper Hop to Leadership Icebreakers

Return to Home Page

Make a Shape
This game Make a Shape is a game about communication between individuals using different kinds of communication modes all the way from speech to gestures.

Hosts and Guests
Hosts and Guests is a game about taking the initiative. It tests individuals in their ability to take lead in any relationship in a casual or business setting.

Alphabetic Introductions
Alphabetic Introductions is a simple game you can play for strangers in a room to get acquainted with one another.

Balloon Fight
Balloon Fight is a physical leadership icebreaker game that can be used to break the ice for a group of strangers or used for observing group dynamics of a team in a competitive setting.

Blow Wind, Blow!
“Blow Wind, Blow!” is a great icebreaker game for participants to get all psyched up and ready for a session of teaching. It helps build the atmosphere of a session and fosters bonding through fun.

Master Architects
Master Architects demonstrate the importance of planning, teamwork, problem solving and it is a great exercise to observe any team’s group dynamics.

Truth or Lie
Truth or lie is another simple icebreaker that you can play for the participants to get to know each other better with ‘wow’ facts about themselves.

Who am I?
Who Am I is a simple icebreaker that you can play to get the participants to do quick self-introductions with each other. It’s used in groups where participants are generally strangers.

Word Scramble
Word scramble’s purpose is to demonstrate the importance of cooperation in the team, and is useful for you to observe you team’s group dynamics as they work together in to solve a problem.

Whacko!
Whacko! is a classic team building game that helps new strangers to get to know each other’s names and also to have a lot of fun at the same time.

Charades
Charades is a classic game for participants of all ages, whether you’re 5 or 50, it’s a fun filled game that can engage the players fully and bring them closer together through lots of acting and drama fun!

Money Machine
Money Machine is a interactive group game that requires a lot of moving around with lots of shouts and laughter that will help your team bond or help your participants ice break!

Cat and Mouse
Cat and Mouse is a fast-paced, exciting team bonding game that will bring your participants closer together through lots of laughter, screams and protests as the 'Cat' chases the 'Mouse'!

River Crossing
River Crossing is a competitive fast-paced game of cooperation that requires teamwork, coordination and speed. It is a great leadership icebreaker that will help to cultivate the team dynamics within a group.

Pull the Tail!
Pull the Tail is a free for all frenzy that brings down a lot of chaos, fun and laughter in the crowd! It’s a great physical team bonding exercise that will bring your participants closer together.

Indian Poker
Indian Poker is a team building game for new friends to know each other or just for old friends to have a good time together. It is a simple, easy-to-understand game for everyone to have a good time together.

Return to Home Page