Simple, portable classroom activity

This game comes from http://www.teachmeteamwork.com/ and is a great portable exercise that can be used to make a variety of learning points.

Teambuilding Game: Count Up

Group Size: 10-15
Age Range: Elementary – adult
Intensity: Mental=1, Physical=1
Time: 5-15 minutes
Space: Minimal – Medium -- Lots
Set Up Time: none
Props: none

Objective
The group verbally counts up (sequentially as in 1, 2, 3, etc.) to a number equaling the total number in the team.

Set Up / Preparation
Have each team form into a circle. Team size of 10 to 15 works best. If you have lots of people have them form into multiple teams of 10 to 15.

Tell the following to the group: “In your small teams, verbally count up sequentially (as in 1, 2, 3, etc.) to a number equaling the total number of people in your group. You must do this in a random manner. You may not create a pattern to help you count up. Team members simply announce the correct number in the sequence when they have the intuitive sense to do so. Each person may only say one number. If two people say the same number at the same time the group must start over.”

Rules
Team members must verbally count up sequentially (as in 1, 2, 3, etc.) to a number equaling the total number of people in your group.
This must be done in a random manner. You may not create a pattern to help you count up.
Each person may only say one number.
If two people say the same number at the same time the group must start over.”

Comments
This is a good activity to focus the group and have them work towards a common goal.

I like to use this activity to enter into a discussion about the value of intuition as it applies to building high performing teams.
Variations
Ask the group to count as high as they can go before making a mistake. Set the world record.