Fun with Character: Driving Blind
This activity needs an open space in which to play. The students should be paired up. One person in each pair is blindfolded. (Toilet paper wound around the head makes a good disposable blindfold.) This person is “the car”. The person who can see is “the driver”. The area should have some obstacles. Anything will do – even other students who stand still. Drivers should stand behind their car and grip the tops of their shoulders so that they can steer them. Cars should put their hands straight out in front of them as the bumper. The object of the game is to move around the area (define limits) and not run into anyone or anything. Declare a slow speed limit so that driving is not reckless or too fast. Allow them to drive for 1 – 3 minutes, depending on the size of the area and the rowdy factor. Call an All Stop and have the car and driver reverse roles. (Note: Regardless of the type of blindfold you use, you cannot reuse the blindfold as this can transmit eye infections.) Start the group again and allow them the same amount of time as before.
To process the activity, ask these or similar questions:
Did you enjoy the game?
Which role did you like better, car or driver?
How did it feel to be dependent on someone else?
How did it feel to have others dependent on you?
Will you remember this game the next time you need to be dependable?