Game Summary: To introduce and show the group how to use the fidget beads. Then get the group to synchronize the fidget beads to move around the circle at the same time.
Intended Outcomes: For introducing to the group how to work together when developing a new skill. How to communicate and ask for needs and resources to accomplish tasks. To discover the process of learning a new skill.
Suggested Group Size: Best for small group sizes. But can be done as long as you have fidget beads for each person.
Supplies: Fidget beads for every person in the group.
Time: 10-25 minutes for practice and actual gameplay.
Activity Prep: Clear a space large enough to either sit or stand in a complete circle. If sitting, move the chairs close enough to sit knee to knee. Once in a circle, be sure to introduce the fidget beads and how to safely manage them before moving on. See the section, “Things to consider,” for those safety options. Then hand everyone a fidget bead. Or, wait until you give the instructions on how to rebound.
Rules Of Play:
Part One: If you have not done so already, you will need to introduce the group to what is a Begleri. It is here that you want to show and instruct on how to “Rebound” fidget beads.
Be aware, beads are made of metal. So, please caution the group not to be wild with them and to hold the bead firmly when rebounding. To do this, hold the fidget beads in a top grip with one bead pinched between the thumb and index finger.
See the picture below.
Rebounding is simply flipping the fidget beads back and forth in a continuing rhythmic motion in one hand.
With the other bead hanging freely on the back side of the hand, rotate your wrist in a quick motion to get the hanging bead to flip over the top and land on the palm side of the hand. Then, just as quickly reverse your wrist movement to get the hanging bead to flip back over to the back of the hand.
A good way to know when to twist your wrist back is when you feel the hanging bead hit the knife side of your hand.
Repeat this process until everyone is comfortable flipping it back and forth continually in a rhythmic motion for about ten seconds.
Rules of Play: Rebound Partner to Partner
Part Two: Have everyone choose a partner. If you have an odd number, you can be a partner to someone or have a group of three. First, have the pairs of partners introduce themselves.
Then have the partners stand side by side with the person on the left holding a fidget bead in their right hand in “Top Grip” form with the bead hanging on the palm side of the hand. Their partner on the right will place their left hand up against the right hand of their partner. See the pic below.
Together, have the partners practice Rebounding together in sync. The partner on the left will never release Bead “B.” Only, the partner on the right will practice keeping the hand connected to their partner’s hand and mimic the Rebound method allowing Bead “A” to flip their palm side. Then to return Bead
“A” back to the partner on the left.
Once they practice for a minute or two, allow them to switch sides and see if they can accomplish using their other hand.
Part Three: Have everyone gather in a circle. When in the circle, ask everyone to hold the fidget beads in their right hand with a top grip. Then have them place the back of their left hand on the back of the hand to the person on their left. See pic below.
The challenge for the group is to see if they can rebound the fidget beads back and forth six times to their left and right partners’ hands. When the end of the fidget bead, in this case, labeled Bead “A”, lands in the palm of the next person’s hand, this will be considered one rebound. When it lands back on the palm side of the person holding it with a top grip, this will be rebound number two. Repeat until everyone gets to six. But it does not have to be at the same time. Just see if they can keep their hands back-to-back with their left and right partners.
For this part as a facilitator, you have options:
- Give a certain about of time to accomplish the above keeping their hands together back-to-back for the process for one or two minutes.
- Stop the activity here and move on to process or another activity.
- Go to Part 3 below.
Part Four: Rebound Around the World In Sync
When done, and if you feel the group is ready for a big challenge, ask the group to see if they can “Rebound” together six times. All six times, the whole group has to accomplish this skilled movement together as a team at the same time. Think of a windshield wiper going back and forth beating together in rhythm in a large circle.
Note: Give them an integrity clause here. Meaning let them decide if they completed the task. If they vote no then let them try again.
Things To Consider:
For safety, you will need to explain that the beads are made of metal and they will be hitting your hand. Ask for them to practice and go slow. If they don’t feel comfortable, then please value their choice if they ask to step out. Be aware of skin conditions or previous injuries that might cause further damage. Also, you will have a few that might want to practice the art of slinging and thus want to throw and catch them. Set appropriate boundaries best for your group and environment. Then please ask them not to throw them at breakable objects or people.
Facilitator’s Perspective:
Be gracious here. This will be a new skill for most people. It is best to break this down a little at a time in parts. This will help in retaining what they learned and be able to process the instructions. The more information you give at once, the more confusion you will receive from the group.
At the end of each part ask if they need clarification.
The activity of the rebound itself is a skill that can be used in other activities like “Flip Flop Relay.” So, introducing Rebound as a tool to the group can be a great transitional activity to other activities.
Discovering Participant’s Perspective: The below questions are just samples of what one might look for during the activity and or ask open-ended questions to see what they discovered about themselves.
Examples:
- How many of you learned a new skill today? Meaning you never played with fidget beads before? What was it like for you to learn a new skill?
- What was it like learning this new skill when working with others to do the same thing?
- What was the communication like for you? How did you receive or understand communication with others?
- If they worked as partners, which hand did they feel most confident in using?
- As partners, did you feel more confident in holding the fidget beads or mimicking your partner helping to send back Bead “A?” Why?
- Did anyone have needs to help them complete the skill? What were they and how did you communicate that to others?
- What were the challenges of this exercise?
- What assisted the group in reaching the goal?
- What hindered the group in achieving the goal?
- You all were given an integrity clause for Part 3, did anyone feel that it was violated? If so how? If not then what does that tell you about your group, your values?
- How did you react when people were sent back over?
- Talk about your planning process.
- Did you change your approach? If so, how?
- Talk about the leadership exhibited in the group.