Play // Energizers

Energizers

It is games that give us something to do when there is nothing to do. We thus call games “pastimes” and regard them as trifling fillers of the interstices of our lives. But they are much more important than that. They are clues to the future. And their serious cultivation now is perhaps our only salvation.

—bernard suits, philosopher

There are two main reasons why we play games during gatherings: 1. To increase energy levels 2. To learn One of the Host's main challenge is to manage energy level, both up and down. Hosts can use an energizer or icebreaker as a brief activity to increase the energy level of participants by engaging them in physical activity. Having fun and laughter will also boost the participant's attention level, stimulate creativity, and break down any barriers between people and/or the topic of the training. In this section are a few examples underneath that can be used in bigger and smaller groups. Learn a few by heart so you always have them at hand should the moment need some more energy.

Learning through play is a term used in education and psychology to describe how people can learn to make sense of the world around them. Through play we as humans develop social and cognitive skills, mature emotionally, and gain the self-confidence required to engage in new experiences and environments which is a crucial aspect of navigating the unknown as leaders.

Five important elements of play are listed:

• Play must be pleasurable and enjoyable.

• Play must have no extrinsic goals; there is no prescribed learning that must occur.

• Play is spontaneous and voluntary.

• Play involves active engagement on the part of the player.

• Play involves an element of make-believe.