Warm Up: Snowballs

A fun and interactive way for groups to get to know each other, spark conversation, and share personal experiences.

Number of participants: 5-40

Time needed: 10-20 minutes

Materials: Paper, pens or pencils

Preparation

Before the session, prepare a handful of questions around a common theme or topic (see examples below).

Step 1 – Prepare the paper

Give each participant a blank sheet of paper and ask them to turn it sideways (landscape). Instruct them not to write their names. Explain that they will write answers in each of the four corners and in the centre of the paper.

Step 2 – Ask the questions

Read each question aloud and tell participants where to write their answer. Continue until all five questions are answered.

Step 3 – Make the snowballs

Once everyone has finished, ask them to leave everything else behind except their paper. Invite them to stand in an open space and scrunch their papers into balls.

Step 4 – Toss the snowballs

Have participants toss their paper balls around like a playful snowball fight. Let it continue for a short while, then ask everyone to pick up a ball that isn’t their own.

Step 5 – Find the author

Participants read the answers on the paper they picked up and try to find the author. Continue and try to find as many as you can in the time allocated.

Example Questions (Teamwork Theme)

• What’s one skill you bring to a team that you’re most proud of?

• What’s the most memorable team activity or project you’ve ever been part of?

• If your ideal team could have one “superpower” together, what would it be and why?