Think of the Same Word

Materials

• Paper
• Writing materials

How to play

1. Form groups. The facilitator gives an open prompt with several possible answers, such as “What comes to mind when you think of a zoo?” Avoid prompts about private family or living circumstances.
2. Privately write one word that comes to mind, without discussion or signals. A picture is also acceptable.
3. Reveal all papers together on the signal. Count matching responses; different spellings that mean the same thing count as a match.
4. Try 3–5 prompts, aiming for everyone to match. If scoring, record the size of the largest matching set in each round.
5. Afterward, volunteers may explain their different choices. Change who supplies the prompts and explore other associations.

Ways to adapt

Preschool children: choose between 2–3 pictures. Younger primary school children: familiar nouns. Older primary school children: associations with seasons or places.

Sources and references

• 日本技術士会北海道本部『ワークショップ実施報告』共通する連想語の活動 ↗