How to Play Up-Down

This is good icebreaker game to get to know other people, and should be used in groups of 10 or more people.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Sit in a circle. The facilitator (preferrably you) will sit in the circle with the participants.
2. Make a simple statement (as the facilitator), such as "I am an only child." Anyone in the circle who is an only child stands until the next statement is made, something along the same lines like "I like ice cream." If anyone standing does not qualify for the statement (it does not apply to them) they sit down.
3. Have the facilitator continue to make statements, and depending on the group, these statements can get more and more personal, such as "I am a recovering alcoholic" or "I'm a cancer survivor."
4. Choose not to stand if a statement is made that applies to you, in order to protect a secret or for your own comfort. The point of the activity is to simply allow people to have a visual of characteristics that others may have that relate to their own lives.

Tips & Warnings

• This game may bring out strong emotions from people, so be prepared. Depending on the questions, it can be a very emotional experience for people.