Split the class into three groups and divide the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle among them. The groups must work together to put the puzzle together. Each group has free communication at the beginning of the game, before communication is opened up to other teams with the other pieces. Assign each group only one gibberish word they can use to communicate with the other groups. For instance, tell one group they can only use the word “Guppala” to communicate and tell another group they can only say “Wrapunga.” Using nonsense words forces them to communicate using vocal tone and expression rather than words.
Separate the class into groups, each of which will create its own comic strip. The groups should have between three and six members. Each person in the group will be responsible for one frame of the comic strip; a group with six members will make a comic strip that is six frames long. The group members must communicate to decide what story they will tell and how to draw the story. They also must delegate one drawing to each group member.
Divide the classroom into pairs. The players take turns describing to their partner some concept they learned in another class, such as a science term, a mathematical formula, or a musical scale. Encourage the listener to use active listening skills while the other person is talking. Active listening skills include clarifying questions, paraphrasing and summarizing. Then the pairs switch roles and the other person talks about a concept from another class.
Bring in an article from a newspaper or magazine. It can be on any topic, but should be filled with many details. Read the story aloud to all students. Ask everybody to get a blank sheet of paper and write down eight to 10 questions about the story. Have them exchange papers with another student, who will then try to answer as many questions as possible. The person who answers the most questions correctly is the winner of the game.