Year of the Coin
Year of the Coin is a simple icebreaker that uses coins to spark personal storytelling and create connections among participants. By linking random years to memories, it encourages authentic sharing and unexpected discoveries.
Use this method at the beginning of a workshop or meeting to help participants get to know each other on a more personal level and build rapport.
Solves: Overcoming initial awkwardness and encouraging participants to share personal experiences in a comfortable and engaging way.
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Step 1: Distribute one coin to each participant. (2 minutes)
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Step 2: Ask each person to identify the year on their coin. (1 minute)
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Step 3: Taking turns, invite each person to share a story about something they experienced or remember about that year. If the year is before their birth, they can share a historical event. (5-10 minutes)
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Step 4: Continue until everyone has shared. (2 minutes)
- Encourage participants to be mindful of time to ensure everyone has a chance to share.
- Be prepared to share your own story to model vulnerability and encourage participation.
- Use a different object with a date, such as a newspaper clipping or a photograph.
- Allow participants to choose a year that is significant to them instead of using a coin.