open · Icebreaker, Team Building · 2–5 min · 6-8 people · high energy
Mrs. O'Grady
Mrs. O'Grady is a playful, sequential movement game designed to generate laughter and loosen up participants. It combines verbal repetition with increasingly silly physical poses, making it an excellent icebreaker or energy booster.
When to use Mrs. O'Grady
Use this activity at the beginning of a workshop or meeting to create a lighthearted atmosphere and encourage participants to engage with each other physically and verbally.
What it solves
Shyness or reluctance to participate in physical activities; low energy levels in the group.
How to run Mrs. O'Grady, step by step
- Divide participants into small circles of 6-8 people. (2 minutes)
- Explain that one person will start the sequence by turning to their left and initiating the dialogue: "Did you hear what happened to Mrs. O'Grady?" (1 minute)
- The partner responds, "No, what happened?" The initiator replies with "She died! With one cocked-eye" and closes one eye. The partner then repeats the sequence to their left, also closing one eye. (2 minutes)
- Continue the sequence around the circle, adding a new physical gesture each round: "With her mouth awry," "Breathing a sigh," "With her leg held high," "Waving goodbye." (5-10 minutes)
- Encourage participants to maintain all previous gestures while adding the new one. Conclude when fatigue sets in or the laughter becomes overwhelming. (2 minutes)
Facilitator tips
- Model the poses clearly, especially for the first few rounds.
- Encourage participants to embrace the silliness and not worry about looking foolish.
- Watch for participants who may be uncomfortable with physical touch or movement and offer modifications.
Common pitfalls
- Participants may forget the sequence of gestures. Remind them as needed.
- Some participants may be hesitant to participate. Encourage them gently but don't force them.
Variations
- Allow participants to invent their own gestures for each round.
- Increase the group size and have multiple circles playing simultaneously.
- Adapt the dialogue to be culturally relevant or humorous to the group.
Running it online or hybrid
In a virtual setting, ensure everyone has their camera on and can clearly see each other. The facilitator may need to model the poses more explicitly.
What it produces
Shared laughter and a more relaxed group dynamic.
Origin
Adapted from Playmeo — source
Build a session around Mrs. O'Grady
METODIC places Mrs. O'Grady inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.