VIPP_Unicef

13 Games and exercises
Very much a part of VIPP are the icebreakers, introductions and
warm-ups which speed up and enhance the amount and the
quality of interaction in groups.
Icebreakers
The purpose of icebreakers is to animate participants; to motivate them
for the next session; to reach a higher level of concentration for the
next activity or for changing an exercise from a purely intellectual
activity to one where more senses become involved. Mutual
presentations of fellow participants can also have an icebreaking
characteristic.
Icebreakers must be well prepared, instructions given clearly and
quickly executed. A lot of adult games can be adopted as icebreakers.
Their use depends entirely on the kind of group, the setting and the
mood of the group. The experienced facilitator will be able to decide
when to apply each game. For example, to wake up participants in
the morning, to change the subject, to renew concentration after lunch,
etc. Ideally there should be a direct linkage between an icebreaker and
the workshop process. For example, a cooperative game such as
Breakthrough and reflection about cooperation as a desirable workshop
principle. For some exercises the facilitator may split the plenary into
smaller groups if the number of participants is large.
The following are short descriptions of some important icebreakers.
Many more possibilities can be explored in different manuals which
are mentioned in the appendices.
VIPP TECHNIQUES
Games
and
exercises
89