The document discusses exercises used in group leadership. It defines an exercise as an activity directed by the leader for a specific purpose, such as increasing comfort, generating discussion, or providing experiential learning. Different kinds of exercises are described, including written, movement, dyads/triads, creative props, fantasy, feedback, trust-building, experiential, moral dilemmas, decision-making, puzzles, and some involving touch with an opt-out option. Exercises can be used during introductions, warm-ups, mid-group, or closings to focus and engage group members.

1. Copyright
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2012
Brooks/Cole,
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Learning,
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Exercises

2. Copyright
©
2012
Brooks/Cole,
a
division
of
Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
Definition
oThe term exercise is used among
group leaders to refer to an
activity that the group does for a
specific purpose.
oAn exercise can be as simple as
having members get into dyads to
discuss a topic or as involved as
the “blind trust walk,” which
entails one member leading a
blindfolded member.
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3. Copyright
©
2012
Brooks/Cole,
a
division
of
Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
Definition
When the leader directs the behaviors, discussion, or
attention of the group members by using a specific
activity, it is an exercise.
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4. Copyright
©
2012
Brooks/Cole,
a
division
of
Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
Reason for
Using
Exercises
 To increase comfort level
 To provide the leader with useful
information
 To generate discussion and focus
the group
 To shift the focus
 To deepen the focus
 To provide an opportunity for
experiential learning
 To provide fun and relaxation
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5. Copyright
©
2012
Brooks/Cole,
a
division
of
Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
When toUse
Exercises
 Exercises can be used any time
 Exercises are good during introductions
 Exercises are good during warm-up phase
 Exercises are helpful in getting members focused in
the middle phase
 Exercises are useful during the closing phase
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Learning.
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6. Copyright
©
2012
Brooks/Cole,
a
division
of
Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
Kinds of
Exercises
 Written
 Helps to draw out members
 Use when you can’t think of anything better
because they almost always work
 Kinds of written exercises
 Sentence completion
 List
 Checklist
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7. Copyright
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2012
Brooks/Cole,
a
division
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Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
Kinds of
Exercises
continued
 Movement—valuable because members
“speak” with their feet and body; movement
exercises energize the members
 Wall-to-Wall Continuums
 Sculpt the group—entire group does this at
the same time
 Each member sculpts how they see the
group
 Move to different parts of the room
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Learning.
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©
2012
Brooks/Cole,
a
division
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Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
Kinds of
Exercises
continued
 Dyads orTriads
 Excellent for varying the format and getting
members to talk
 Rounds
 Designated word, phrase, or number
 Word or Phrase
 Comment
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Learning.
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9. Copyright
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2012
Brooks/Cole,
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division
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Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
Kinds of
Exercises
continued
 Creative props -the brain likes novelty
Small Chair
Styrofoam Cups
Rubber Bands
Large Beer Bottle
Make up your own creative exercises
 Arts and Crafts
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Learning.
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10. Copyright
©
2012
Brooks/Cole,
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division
of
Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
Kinds of
Exercises
continued
 Fantasy
 Common object
 Pick an object in the room
 Hot air balloon
 Common reading
 Inspiring and/or thought provoking
 Needs to be rather brief—not pages
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Learning.
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11. Copyright
©
2012
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division
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Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
Kinds of
Exercises
continued
 Feedback
 First impressions
 Adjective checklist
 Strength bombardment
 Wishes
 Metaphorical Feedback
 Written Feedback
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12. Copyright
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2012
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division
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Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
Kinds of
Exercises
continued
 Trust
 Rounds related to trust
 Trust lift
 Trust fall
 Blind trust walk
 Experiential
 Ropes course
 Other outdoor activities
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13. Copyright
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2012
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division
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Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
Kinds of
Exercises
continued
 Moral dilemma
 On a life raft—who would you eliminate
 Group decision-making
 Winter Survival
 Solving various puzzles
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Learning.
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14. Copyright
©
2012
Brooks/Cole,
a
division
of
Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
Kinds of
Exercises
continued
 Touching
 Okay when appropriately used
 Can be very beneficial
 Be very careful with these -- it is often good to tell
members the exercise will involve touching and let
members opt out
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Cengage
Learning.
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rights
reserved.