Whether you want to break the ice at a play date, inject some after-school energy or simply make the whole family giggle, People to People is a brilliantly engaging way to get everyone laughing, moving and making connections - fast.
This interactive partner-based game helps children overcome inhibitions, practise confident communication and learn to respond quickly and positively to verbal instructions. It builds trust, eye contact and most importantly, a big sense of fun.
1. Start with a partner
Ask each child (or grown-up!) to find someone in the room to partner with. If numbers are odd, join in yourself or create a rotating "trio".
2. Explain the rules clearly
Tell the group:
"When I say something like 'hand to hand', you and your partner must quickly connect your hands. If I say 'knee to knee', you touch knees. It's all about listening and moving fast."
3. Begin with simple commands
Call out body-part combinations such as:
Encourage quick movement and big smiles - that's half the fun.
4. Add the magic words: People to People!
After a few rounds of body-part instructions, suddenly call "People to People!"
Everyone must wave goodbye to their current partner and find someone new - in just five seconds. Count down aloud to ramp up the excitement.
5. Repeat and build pace
With each new partner, increase the tempo of your instructions. Throw in new and creative ones - 'cheek to cheek' (forehead to cheek), 'ankle to ankle', or even 'thumb to thumb'.
6. Encourage theatricality
Make your delivery fun and exaggerated. Try a royal announcer voice, a robot tone or any silly character. The more playful you are, the more the children will let go and enjoy themselves.
This game works with any age - child to adult. It's huge fun, interactive and always goes down well. It's also my favourite quick-fire ice-breaker at home.
Lucy Quick, Principal of Perform.
