Getting to Know You: Dot to Dot
You will need adhesive dots in different colors. Stick a dot on each person's forehead, but do not let them see what color it is. Have them put their head down on the table/desk on their hands so that no one else sees it right away, either. Once the dots go on, no one can speak. When everyone has dots, explain that the object of the game is for those with the same dot color to form a group. See how long it takes them to point to others and let them know that their colors match, or ask another if they match someone they are next to. Comment on whatever creative way they choose to organize without speaking.
This color‑dot grouping activity strengthens the classroom community by requiring students to solve a shared problem without speaking. By removing verbal language, which we most depend on, participants must slow down, pay attention to one another, and find creative ways to work together. Success depends on collaboration, not competition. They must trust classmates to guide them accurately, relying on others’ perspectives to see what they cannot.
When all of the color groups are assembled, process the activity with these or similar questions:
Did you think it would be difficult to do when it was explained? How accurate was your assumption?
How hard was it not to speak? What did you do instead?
Did you feel like the group was competing or collaborating?
When you were focused on the dot color of those in your group, did you notice any differences between them? When you focus on similarities, do you think other differences fade?
The next time you have a shared problem to solve, will you remember this exercise and rely on one another’s perspectives to solve it?