open · Icebreaker, Team Building · 10–15 min · 8-20 people · low energy
A What?
A What? is a circle passing game designed to generate laughter and improve group cohesion through a confusing but engaging pattern of questions and responses. It's effective for building concentration and creating a positive atmosphere in groups.
When to use A What?
Use this method as a quick energizer or icebreaker to create a lighthearted and playful atmosphere, especially when you need to break down initial barriers and encourage interaction within a group.
What it solves
Lack of engagement at the start of a session; shyness or hesitation to participate.
How to run A What?, step by step
- Form a circle with 12-20 participants. (2 minutes)
- Explain that all interactions will mimic the demonstration you're about to perform. (1 minute)
- Turn to your left, show the soft toy, and say, "This is a What." Your partner responds, "A What?" (1 minute)
- You reply, "This is a Merry Milky Moo-Moo" (or another silly name). Your partner says, "Ahhh, a Merry Milky Moo-Moo!" (1 minute)
- Your partner turns to their left and repeats, "This is a What." Their partner says, "A What?" The person holding the toy turns to you and asks "A What?". You respond with "A Merry Milky Moo-Moo." This continues around the circle. (5-7 minutes)
- The sequence continues until the person on your right engages with you by announcing, "This is a What." You take the toy and say, "Indeed it is." (2 minutes)
Materials needed
- Soft toy or similar object
Facilitator tips
- Encourage enthusiastic and exaggerated responses to amplify the humor.
- Be patient and guide participants through the sequence, especially at the beginning.
Common pitfalls
- Participants forgetting the sequence; gently remind them of the correct order.
- The game becoming monotonous; introduce variations or end the game at a high point.
Variations
- Change the silly name of the object each round.
- Introduce multiple objects simultaneously to increase the complexity.
Running it online or hybrid
This game relies on physical proximity and passing an object. Adapting it for hybrid requires creative solutions like virtual object passing using screen sharing or a digital whiteboard.
What it produces
Increased group energy and a shared sense of amusement.
Origin
Adapted from Playmeo — source
Build a session around A What?
METODIC places A What? inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.