Group dynamics refers to a set of processes based on the interaction between children and adults. set of processes based on the interaction between people, through fictitious situations, with concrete objectives.. Its ultimate goal is joint learning based on two facts: “that the individual feels what he/she does and lives it”. This type of activities allow to deepen the relationships between people and enable the development of the defining characteristics of the individual.
There are many types of group dynamics, depending on the sociocultural context and their objective: presentation dynamics, group cohesion and trust, communication and conflict resolution, among others. For example, in the work environment, these practices have very clear and measurable benefits for employees: they motivate workers, improve communication skills, reduce stress, serve as learning tools and encourage participation, among other things.
One of the most practical and applicable group dynamics in various fields are the integration dynamics, whose purpose is to convey a lesson, whether moral, educational or with messages that promote fellowship. transmit a lesson, be it moral, educational or with messages that promote fellowship.. If you want to know the best effective integration dynamics in different social environments, read on.
- You may be interested in: “16 interesting and fun presentation dynamics”.
What are the best integration dynamics?
In this type of joint activities, the aim is to improve relations between children, students, workers and other entities, leaving behind the interpersonal barriersThe aim is to leave behind interpersonal barriers that may have hindered or may hinder the process of companionship. All this is achieved by building communication, empathy and trust based on practice.
In addition to the cohesion between individuals, these types of activities are also perfect for reinforcing knowledge. As it is often said, observing has nothing to do with doing and, therefore, integration dynamics are tremendously useful for individuals to integrate what they have previously learned.
In any case, it is necessary to emphasize that, before any integration dynamics can take place, there must be a facilitator.. The facilitator will be the one who programs and directs the individuals during the activity, but also the one who chooses it based on the group’s needs or the goal to be achieved. Having clarified this, let’s review 8 good integration dynamics valid for any type of environment.
1. Muddy river
For this exercise, a series of bottle caps or small pebbles are required. All members will stand in a circle, each with their designated pebble/lid. Once situated, they will begin to sing a chant that goes like this: “Through the river runs a murky, murky water”.
Following the rhythm of the tune, every so often the pebble of each member will be passed to the partner on the right.. The rhythm of the chant will increase in speed, so that the individuals will have to focus their attention on the activity to be performed and will acquire a greater capacity to act quickly. Members who do not pass their pebble on time can be “eliminated”, which encourages healthy competition.
2. World
This dynamic is much simpler than the previous one. All members will stand in a circle, and the facilitator will be in the center to begin with. The facilitator will have a ball, and will throw it randomly to any of the individuals in the circle, naming an element (land, sea, or air). The one who has received the ball must name an animal related to that element (earth: earthworm), which encourages and exercises people to make a quick association of ideas..
When a participant says “world” when receiving or throwing the ball, everyone must change places, with the person holding the ball in the center. This activity promotes integration, group participation and is a good training for quick and efficient thinking.
3. Guess the character
A typical integration dynamic that many of us carry out in social situations without realizing it. The premise is simple: each member of the group writes a character on a post-it note, mix them all up and randomize them.The premise is simple: each member of the group writes a character on a post-it, they all mix and randomly each one receives one of the characters that another has written and places it on his or her forehead.
In rounds, each contestant will ask questions about their unknown character taped to their forehead that can only be answered with “yes” and “no”. If the answer is no, they move on to the next contestant, but if they guess correctly, that person can continue asking questions. The first person to guess his or her character is victorious.
This activity promotes the participation of everyone in any environment, especially those people who are often overshadowed by their lack of communication skills in new circles. It is a truly effective way to break the ice and create a relaxed atmosphere, while learning to take turns.
4. Generate creative ideas
It’s not all about games in the work environment, group integration dynamics may also be required for business or production purposes.. Therefore, the process we explain in these lines is a little more sober.
In this dynamic, the facilitator will gather 6 people and will give each of them a blank sheet of paper with a specific title on a subject. Each employee will have 5 minutes to write down all the ideas they can think of on that sheet of paper regarding that topic and then pass it to the colleague on the right.
Thus, each employee will have 5 minutes to write down ideas on 6 different topics, generally associated with the work environment. Once the dynamic is over, there will be hundreds of condensed ideas on the table and, in addition, all those workers who are afraid to share their thoughts or speak in public will be able to express themselves freely.
5. Team trust
“If you trust me, close your eyes and let yourself fall.Does this premise sound familiar? Well, this integration dynamic is exactly that. One person stands up in front of his teammates with his eyes closed and must let himself fall backwards, waiting for the others to hold him and prevent the blow. Everyone on the team must do this.
As primal and basic as it sounds, sometimes bonding can start with such seemingly irrational acts as preventing someone from getting hurt. This dynamic is excellent for avoiding tensions and encouraging team members to learn to trust each other.
6. Crocodile!
A perfect integration dynamic for environments involving children. The premise is simple: two lines are drawn on the floor (physical or imaginary) and participants are divided into two groups, each one standing behind the lines.
One volunteer child will be the crocodile and, at the facilitator’s signal, each group must jump to the ground delimited by the opposite line. At this point, the “crocodile” will take the opportunity to intercept its prey (always without hurting anyone, of course). This game encourages fellowship, integration and is also a lot of fun.
7. A special person
Again, another of the perfect integration dynamics for infants. Each child will be asked to think of someone they admire (a public figure or family member or friend) and to cite, either in their head or on a piece of paper, the qualities that make them special. Then, in subgroups of 4-5 children, everyone will share the person they have chosen and the reasons why.
Finally, a representative of each group each group will present the character he or she admires to the whole group.. The objective of this dynamic is clear: group integration and that individuals learn to get to know each other based on positive feelings.
8. Backs glued together
A clear and simple approach: two people sit facing opposite sides, back to back. After that, they interlock their arms and and have to stand up together, leaning on each other’s back on the back of their respective partner. This is another of those dynamics that promotes trust, companionship and relaxation in the environment, regardless of the age of those who practice it.
Summary
We have given you 8 examples of very effective integration dynamics in group environments, some ideal for children, others for adults and others suitable for all ages. In any case, the general idea is always the same: foster fellowship and trust based on practice..
These types of activities encourage workers/children/students to release stress, exercise their personal skills and work their way through the group without having to rely solely on their social skills. In a healthy, established group, no one can be left out.