open · Icebreaker, Energizer, Team Building · 1–2 min · 3-8 people · medium energy
Chicken Eyes
Chicken Eyes is a quick and playful circle game designed to energize participants and sharpen their focus through a series of hand gestures and directional cues. It's effective for building immediate engagement and mental alertness in small groups.
When to use Chicken Eyes
Use this method at the start of a session or after a break to quickly re-energize the group and improve concentration. It's particularly useful when participants seem sluggish or distracted.
What it solves
Low energy, lack of focus, slow start to a session
How to run Chicken Eyes, step by step
- Form a circle, standing close together. (2 minutes)
- Demonstrate how to make 'chicken eyes' using both hands. (1 minute)
- Start the impulse by covering one eye and indicating the direction. (2 minutes)
- Introduce the three ways to pass the impulse: same direction, reverse direction, and skip a person. (3 minutes)
- Play the game for several minutes, restarting the action with the person to the left of anyone who makes an error. (5-10 minutes)
Materials needed
- None
Facilitator tips
- Emphasize speed and accuracy to increase the challenge.
- Encourage participants to be creative with their 'chicken eyes' gestures.
Common pitfalls
- Participants responding too slowly or incorrectly.
- Clarify the rules and practice the different impulse directions.
Variations
- Add sound effects to the gestures.
- Increase the speed of the impulse.
Running it online or hybrid
Can be adapted for hybrid environments by having participants use the camera to show their 'chicken eyes' and indicate direction. Ensure everyone has a clear view of each other.
What it produces
Increased group energy and focus
Origin
Adapted from playmeo.com — source
Build a session around Chicken Eyes
METODIC places Chicken Eyes inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.