8 effective integration dynamics (and how to do them)

Group dynamics refer to a set of processes based on interaction between people, through fictitious situations, raised with specific objectives. Its ultimate goal is joint learning based on two facts: "that the individual feels what he does and lives it." These types of activities allow us to delve into the relationships between people and enable the development of the defining characteristics of the individual.

There are many types of group dynamics, depending on the sociocultural context and the objective of the same: presentation dynamics, group cohesion and trust, communication and conflict resolution, among other For example, in the work environment these practices bring very clear and quantifiable benefits to employees: they motivate employees workers, improve communication skills, reduce stress, serve as learning and promote participation, among others things.

One of the most practical and applicable group dynamics in various fields is integration dynamics, the purpose of which is to

convey a lesson, be it moral, educational, or with messages that promote fellowship. If you want to know the best effective integration dynamics in different social areas, keep reading.

• You may be interested in: "16 interesting and fun presentation dynamics"

What are the best integration dynamics?

In this type of joint activities they seek to the relationships between children, students, workers and more entities are improved, leaving behind interpersonal barriers that have been or may hinder the companionship process. All of this is accomplished by building communication, empathy, and trust based on practice.

In addition to cohesion between individuals, these types of activities are also perfect for strengthening knowledge. As they say, observing has nothing to do with doing and, therefore, integration dynamics are tremendously useful for individuals to integrate what they have previously learned.

In any case, it is necessary to emphasize that, Before carrying out any integration dynamics, there must be a facilitator. This will be the one that schedules and directs the individuals during the activity, but also the one that chooses it based on the group deficiencies or the purpose that is to be achieved. Once this is clarified, let's review 8 good integration dynamics valid for any type of environment.

1. Muddy river

For this dynamic, a series of bottle caps or small pebbles are required. All members will stand in a circle, each with their designated pebble / cap. Once situated, they will begin to sing a song that goes like this: "A cloudy, cloudy water runs through the river."

Following the rhythm of tonality, from time to time the pebble of each member will be passed to the partner on the right. The rhythm of the song will increase in speed, which is why individuals will have to focus their attention on the activity to be carried out and will acquire a greater capacity to act quickly. Members who do not pass their pebble on time can be "knocked out", fostering healthy competition.

2. World

This dynamic is much simpler than the previous one. All the members will be placed in a circle, and the facilitator, to begin, will be in the center. This will have a ball, and will throw it randomly to any of the individuals in the circle, naming in turn an element (land, sea, or air). The one who has received the ball must name an animal related to that element (earth: worm), which encourages and trains people to make a quick association of ideas.

When a participant says "world" when receiving or throwing the ball, everyone must change places, placing the one with the ball at the time in the center. This activity promotes integration, group participation and is a good training to think quickly and effectively.

3. Guess the character

A typical integration dynamic that many of us carry out in social situations without realizing it. The premise is simple: each member of the group writes a character on a post-it, they are all mixed and randomly each one receives one of the characters that another has written and places it on their forehead.

In rounds, each participant will ask questions about their unknown person on their forehead that can only be answered with “yes” and “no”. If the answer is no, it goes to the next contestant, but if it is correct, that person can continue asking. The first to guess his character is victorious.

This activity promotes the participation of all members in any environment, especially those people who are often overshadowed by their lack of communication skills in new circles. It is a truly effective method of breaking the ice and creating a relaxed atmosphere, while learning to take turns.

4. Generate creative ideas

Not everything is games, well in the workplace, group integration dynamics may also be required for business or production purposes. Therefore, the process that we explain in these lines is a little more sober.

In this dynamic, the facilitator will gather 6 people and give each of them a blank page with a specific title on a subject. Each employee will have 5 minutes to write down all the ideas that come to mind on that page regarding that topic and, later, they will pass it on to the colleague on the right.

Thus, each employee will have 5 minutes to write ideas on 6 different topics, generally associated with the workplace. Once the dynamic is finished, there will be hundreds of condensed ideas on the table and, in addition, they will be able to freely express all those workers who feel reluctant to share their thoughts or speak in public.

5. Team confidence

"If you trust me, close your eyes and let yourself fall". Does this premise sound familiar to you? Well, this dynamic of integration is exactly that. A person stands up in front of his companions with his eyes closed and must fall backwards, hoping that the others will hold him and prevent the blow. All team members must do so.

As primal and basic as it may sound, bonding can sometimes begin with such seemingly irrational acts as keeping someone from getting hurt. This dynamic is excellent for avoiding tension and encouraging team members to learn to trust each other.

6. Alligator!

A perfect integration dynamic for environments that involve children. The premise is simple: two lines are drawn on the ground (physical or imaginary) and the participants will divide into two groups, each standing behind the lines.

A volunteer child will be the crocodile and, at the signal of the facilitator, each group should jump to the terrain delimited by the opposing line. At this time, the "crocodile" will take the opportunity to intercept his prey (always without hurting anyone, of course). This game encourages camaraderie, integration and is also a lot of fun.

7. A special person

Again, another of the perfect integration dynamics for infants. Each child will be asked to think of someone they look up to (a public figure or family member or friend) and to cite, either in their head or on paper, the qualities that make them special. Then, in subgroups of 4-5 children, everyone will share the person they have chosen and the reasons for it.

Finally, a representative from Each group will expose the character they admire to all of their classmates. The objective of this dynamic is clear: group integration and that individuals learn to know each other based on positive feelings.

8. Glued backs

A clear and simple approach: two people sit facing opposite sides, back to back. After that, they intertwine their arms and they have to get up together leaning on the back of his respective partner. It is another of those dynamics that fosters trust, camaraderie and relaxation in the environment, regardless of the age of those who practice it.

Resume

We have told you 8 examples of very effective integration dynamics in group settings, some ideal for children, others for adults and others suitable for all ages. Anyway, the general idea is always the same: foster camaraderie and trust based on practice.

These types of activities encourage workers / children / students to release stress, exercise their personal abilities and make their way into the group without having to rely solely on their abilities social. In a healthy and established group, no one can be left out.