Tips and Icebreakers
Icebreakers are an important part of adult learning. A typical farmer field school session last for approx. 2 hrs.
When is an icebreaker need:
At the opening of an FFS session
Between activities
When participants seem weary
After a disruption
Just for fun
Icebreakers are useful conversation starters to increase the comfort level amongst participants and between the facilitator and participants. It also allows participants to enjoy their interaction within the sessions and build participants. While icebreakers are universal, it is within our cultural to "Jamacanize" our activities. See below some local icebreakers.........ENJOY!
Icebreaker: Coconut
Jamaicans have a saying that coconut water is the only water that goes to the heart'.
Of course, coconut water does not actually go to the heart. However its refreshing taste is a thirst quencher, while its thick jelly provides a succulent treat. The coconut has always been a staple in the Jamaican home. Whether it's for rice and peas Sunday dinner, desserts, hair-care or even a makeshift floor brush. Everybody loves coconut!
Check out the clip below of farmers enjoying spelling coconut...................
Icebreaker: The Bucket Challenge
This icebreaker is an effective team building exercise which improves the dynamics among members of the group.
Let two groups of farmers form a line side by side facing each other.
Place a with water at the bottom of the line and a cup at the top of the line.
The farmer at the bottom of the line will lift the water from the bucket and pass it along the line until it reaches the farmer at the top of the line.
The farmer at the top of the line will pour the water in the cup.
This process is repeated until the cup is full
Rules & Guidelines
The first group to fill the cup at the top of the line wins the challenge
The farmer lifting the water from the bucket must wait until the farmer at the top of the line has poured the water from his/her hand into the cup before he/she can take anymore water from the bucket to begin the transfer again.
Encourage farmers to develop the best strategy that will allow their team to complete the challenge in an effective and timely manner.
You may allow the groups to repeat the challenge 2 or 3 times. Observe to see how farmers work together and identify their strength and weakness to in order to win the challenge each time.
