It's time to confuse and utterly bamboozle your group with fun yet troublesome directions. In the beginning things seem easy. Participants simply point in the direction you point and call out that direction. As you move in to second and third rounds, expressions quickly become that of confusion, and the laughter begins. Mixed-Up Directions has you playfully get the better of your group while producing infectious laughter.

In the following course you will learn how to properly set-up and facilitate the activity and then if you wish, move students through an academic and/or social skills development reflection experience.


*This activity has been adapted from the the Ice Breakers & Openers CD-ROM of The Inspire! Youth Series from LearningChange, LLC.

Ages
Mixed Up Directions is appropriate for any age.

Group Size
This activity can be facilitated with any number of students.

Setting
Mixed up Directions is perfect in any after school setting, indoors or outdoors.

Duration
This activity should take about 10 minutes to complete with your group. Budget more time if you wish to go into depth by using any of the extension activities or questions.

In this activity, some of the things you will inevitably notice include:

• Students will benefit from being in motion stretching their arms up and to the sides both slowly and quickly.
  
• Students generally feel secure participating this activity because it is very low risk, and everyone is doing the same things at once. This builds confidence and a connection to this type of play.
  
• Students will have the opportunity to think about how making mistakes and trying something new does not have to be attached to embarrassment.
  
• Mixed-Up Directions levels the playing field, and gets everyone on the same page because at some point, everyone looks a little bit silly and confused. That being said, this is a great way to add humor to your event.
  

Academic Standards & Asset Development

For specific academic and social development lessons for this activity, see the Academic Extensions and Social Extensions sections in this module.

This course will walk you step-by-step through the process of setting up and leading this activity, as well as facilitating the conversations and lessons after the experience.

Begin here and move from section to section, and be sure to download and print the activity's PDF Quick Reference Guide and any handouts as you prepare for your event.

Budget about 5-10 minutes to walk through all sections and view all video and written instruction for this course.