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Certificate Plaque – Slide-In Display for 8.5" × 11" Certificates delivers a professional, elegant presentation for awards, diplomas, and recognition certificates. For special awards, present certificates in an employee recognition plaque that looks and feels like real wood.
Just slide your certificate under the acrylic sheet. No assembly required! Recipients will be thrilled to display their certificate in an attractive, wooden certificate plaque that exudes professionalism. Instill a sense of pride and accomplishment in your program’s participants by rewarding them with a certificate they’ll always cherish.
These hefty (3 lbs) 10.5" × 13" plaques mimic real wood with an acrylic front that effortlessly slides in—no assembly required. Whether mounted vertically or horizontally, it’s built to last and showcase accomplishments with pride.
FEATURES & DETAILS
- Premium material: Pressed wood construction with a rich finish that looks like true wood
- Slide-in design: Simply slide the certificate under the acrylic—no tools or assembly
- Dual mounting: Includes holes for vertical or horizontal wall hanging
- Ideal size: 10.5" × 13" allows for standard 8.5" × 11" certificates (not included)
- Bulk savings: 10–29 plaques at $24.50 each; 30 or more at $23.85 each
WHY IT WORKS
- Display with dignity: A slide-in plaque elevates awards, making recipients feel honored
- Ready right out of the box: No labor: slide in, hang it, and recognize instantly
- Adaptable and versatile: Its weight and design suit both wall mounting and desktop placement
- Efficient bulk option: Save on cost without sacrificing quality for large recognition events
BEST USES FOR EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION PLAQUES
- Corporate training and development recognition
- Employee awards and appreciation programs
- Graduations, commencements, and academic achievements
- Professional associations and membership recognition
- Certificates displayed in offices to highlight achievement and motivate others
FAQS
Q: Can the plaque be hung both ways?
A: Yes. It includes mounting holes to hang either vertically or horizontally, depending on your display preference.
Q: How do I insert a certificate?
A: No tools needed. Just slide your 8.5x11 certificate under the acrylic cover, and you're ready to award.
Q: Is any assembly required?
A: None at all. The plaque comes fully assembled—with the acrylic already fitted—so you can hang or set it up immediately.
Q: Do you offer bulk pricing?
A: Larger quantities sold in 10-piece cartons. Trainers Warehouse offers quantity discounts on orders of more than 10 plaques.
Q: Who are these best suited for?
A: HR teams, trainers, program coordinators, managers, supervisors, administrators, professional associations, and universities who deliver awards, certificates, or recognition with impact that lasts beyond the moment.
MORE FROM TRAINERS WAREHOUSE
We invite you to explore all of our awards and recognition products. Find the perfect accessory for your certificates of appreciation plaques. In addition to these elegant plaques, we also offer clear plastic sleeves and padded folders. Complete the package with pins and trophies designed specifically for recognizing a job well done.
As a family-owned business, we work hard to deliver top-quality products, so place your bulk order with confidence. Build engagement, motivation, and excitement with a professional-looking wooden certificate plaques. Like all of our products, these certificate plaques are fully backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee—if you’re not fully delighted with your purchase, we’ll make it right.
Signal that "play" is an essential part of "learn"
The ultimate stress reliever and fun achiever! Trainers love to use Koosh for icebreakers, reinforcement games, and they also make great fidget toys. You can never have too many Koosh balls. The rubbery strands feel good and are easy to catch!
Standard (Medium) Koosh balls are the size of an orange. 3"
This item comes in assorted colors and is packaged randomly. Actual color received may vary from what is shown.
NOTE: KOOSH is no longer a registered trademark and is no longer made by a single manufacturer. Trainers Warehouse has located a new manufacturer that we feel makes a high quality product, most similar to the Original Koosh Balls. You will not find a Koosh-branded label on the product you receive.
Click here to view FREE Facilitation Notes on Using Balls in Training!
CREATE A CULTURE OF APPRECIATION WITH SMALL TOKENS OF APPRECIATION
Tokens of Appreciation are a fun way to foster a culture of gratitude. Motivate your team and boost morale by giving each individual a gratitude token for a job well done! These high-quality, unique tokens of appreciation let employees, trainees, students, and event participants know how much they’re valued, giving them a tangible item they can hold onto or pass along.
Even small, thoughtful gestures can make a big impact. While expressing appreciation verbally is important, there’s something about a physical object that really shows you care. Hand them out anytime you notice someone going above and beyond, or use the Token of Appreciation as part of your Employee-of-the-Month program. To create a culture of appreciation, encourage recipients to pass along their positive thoughts to one another, as well.
FEATURES
- Solid, medium-weight metal feels fantastic in your hand
- Inscribed with “Token of Appreciation” on one side and “Pass it along” on the other
- Sold in sets of 10 (buy in bulk to save)
- Dimensions: 1” diameter
NOTE: quantity discounts shown above refer to a unit (bag of 10 tokens).
TRAINER TIP FROM "Deb the Trainer"
"We recently hosted an appreciation dinner/mixer for staff from 3 companies. A token was affixed to a place card printed with a poem about passing on appreciation. The cards were placed at each table setting. During dinner we read the poem and awarded the waitstaff with tokens too. By the end of dinner employees were passing coins to each other and our guests were planning to use them outside the institution too."
SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION
Trainers Warehouse is the ultimate resource for managers, teachers, trainers, and anyone looking for innovative solutions that engage, teach, incentivize, boost retention, and build relationships in fun and effective ways. Browse our recognition awards and employee engagement tools for more products that encourage a positive environment.
Like the Token of Appreciation, all Trainers Warehouse award products are backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee, so don’t hesitate to place your bulk order with full confidence. As a small, family-owned business, we’re so grateful for our customers — each and every one of you deserves a gratitude token like our small Tokens of Appreciation! Be sure to stock up on tokens to maximize your discount.
We are who we are today because of our history and our lifetime of experiences. Encourage your group to share details of their past -- school, friends, family, hobbies, challenges, and more!
Help your team get to know each other. The most compelling reason to break-the-ice is to create a stress-free environment, optimized for learning. These 6" soft and safe Thumballs are a great way to do it. Toss the ball to one player and ask them to share their reaction to whatever prompt lies under their thumb. Shaped by Our Past Thumball is ideal for work, school and home use. Older and "elder" players especially like sharing memories of their past that shaped who they are now.
SHAPED BY OUR PAST THUMBALL PROMPTS
The "Shaped by Our Past" collection of prompts draw out the experiences in our life that helped shape who we are today. Among them you'll find:
- Childhood memories: birthdays, vacations, regrets
- Past experiences: scary moments, hospital visits, turning points, accomplishments
- Daily life when you were younger: extracurricular activities, friendships, summer traditions
- People & personalities: impact of birth order, mentors, grandparents
- Challenges & accomplishments: difficult choices, challenging times, goals
[NOTE: Silver Series Conversation Prompts are available as Thumballs, UNZiP-IT! Pocket & Deck, and Virtual/Remote PPT.]
** TIPS & Facilitation Suggestions **
Appreciate that this Thumball may remind participants of both happy and challenging moments in their past. If one question feels difficult, invite them to:
- Take a pass
- Trade questions with another player
- Toss again
If you want to kick it up a notch, try these creative twists:
- Discuss how the prompt or the player's story may affect current experiences
- Have additional players respond to the same prompt before moving along
©Trainers Warehouse – Trainers Warehouse holds the copyright for this set of questions. Reproductions cannot be made without express approval.
This ball is part of Trainers Warehouse's exclusive Silver Series Thumballs.
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Getting to Know You Thumball® (6-inch) is one of Trainers Warehouse’s best-selling icebreaker tools—because it turns dreaded introductions into meaningful, comfortable conversations. Instead of going around the room with stiff intros, participants toss the soft, stuffed ball and answer the prompt under their thumb. With 32 creative questions built in, it is ideal for icebreakers, onboarding, corporate training, or any moment when team rapport matters..
WHY IT WORKS
- Connections before content: Brain science shows learners retain more when they feel connected to other learners and to the content being covered. This Thumball sparks safe, real conversations that build trust and engagement, and prepares the mind to dive into the content.
- Breaks the ice without the cringe: Even “icebreaker haters” enjoy the playful toss-and-catch format, which feels natural and low-pressure. BTW, we suggest you call them "openers."
- Universally appealing: Works across cultures, age groups, and industries—perfect for classrooms, onboarding, and professional training.
- Proven popularity: Among the most-purchased Thumballs worldwide, trusted by trainers for decades.
- Emphasis on soft skills: Boosts interpersonal communication & active listening. Builds empathy and trust among participants.
- Travels easily: Lightweight, portable and hassle-free—perfect for travel or virtual setups.
GETTING TO KNOW YOU THUMBALL PROMPTS
The prompts on the Getting to Know You Thumball are intended to be thoughtful, yet easy-to-answer. They'll help spark conversation and allow players to learn more about one another. It's a wonderful tool for team onboarding, new hire introductions, remote-team icebreakers, and more. Prompts focus on topics such as:
- Experiences: memorable moments in your life
- People: Family and friends who have impact your life
- Most favorite and least favorite: Gifts, ages, sounds, chores
- Activities: pastimes, hobbies, bucket list items, travel
- Hopes, Fears and Wishes: the details that make you unique
Sample prompts include:
- "The most difficult thing you’ve ever done?"
- "The age you’d most want to relive"
- "The age at which you became an adult"
HOW TO USE
- Toss the Thumball to someone in the group.
- They answer the question under their thumb.
- Keep tossing until everyone has had a chance to connect.
- Facilitator tip: Debrief by asking, “What surprised you?” or “What did you learn about your colleagues?”
DIFFERENCE FROM OTHER THUMBALLS
The Getting to Know You Thumball® zeroes in on simple, universally approachable prompts. It’s the best choice when you want to quickly break the ice with any group—even skeptics who normally dislike icebreakers.
SPECIFICATIONS
- 6-inch stuffed vinyl Thumball®
- 32 pre-printed prompts
- Safe, soft, and durable for repeated use
FAQS
Q: How is this different from other Thumballs?
A: The Getting to Know You Thumball® is designed for quick, universally appealing introductions. Others (like Stress Management, Diversity, and Get Happy at Work) dive deeper into specific themes.
Q: What makes this better than a typical icebreaker?
A: People love playing with toys (which we call "tools"). Instead of putting people on the spot with scripted intros, the playful toss lowers defenses and makes conversation feel natural.
Q: How many people can play?
A: Great for groups of 6–25. For larger groups, use multiple Thumballs or break into several groups.
Q: Who uses this best?
A: Trainers, facilitators, teachers, HR professionals, and anyone who wants to build trust and rapport before diving into content-heavy sessions.
SEE IT IN ACTION
[NOTE: Silver Series Conversation Prompts are available as Thumballs, UNZiP-IT! Pocket & Deck, and Virtual/Remote PPT.]
** TIPS * Facilitation Suggestions **
Use the Getting to Know You Thumball to interact in a group setting and stimulate lively discussions among players. Take turns circulating the Thumball by passing, rolling, tossing and catching. Ask recipients to respond to the prompt under their right thumb.
If you want to kick it up a notch, try these creative twists:
- Specify that answers should relate specifically to personal or workplace experiences.
- Ask first recipient to select an answer panel to which all players must respond or contribute.
- Survey players on several question panels, then create charts or graphs that reflect the cumulative responses.
- After they hear the answer, have other players guess what the prompt was.
©Trainers Warehouse – Trainers Warehouse holds the copyright for this set of questions. Reproductions cannot be made without express approval.
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Use our Quick Response Student Whiteboards to see who's learning what… and who's not getting it! Encourage participation with this fun and effective individual dry-erase boards class set. They’re a huge hit with students and educators, as every individual gets to contribute to the conversation. These super-sturdy, dry-erase, TWO-sided whiteboards are great for conducting icebreaker activities, casting votes, answering questions, rating or ranking items, sharing game answers, and more. You’ll be surprised by how often you pull out your answer boards!
FEATURES
- Set includes 12 Quick Response Whiteboards (a.k.a. Answer Boards) with blue handles and 12 mini-erasers
- Ultra durable and sturdy construction.
- Two-sided student whiteboards with dry-erase surfaces.
- Handles have holes for simple and convenient storage.
- Whiteboard Writing Surface Dimensions: 6" x 7.75".
TIPS
By calling on the first person to answer, everyone else in the room stops thinking on their own. The beauty of answer boards is that they allow every person to think and write an answer. Consider these tips to maximize use of your individual dry erase boards class set:
- Give people ample time to think of answers, and write them down.
- Consider “stand-pair-share” to get people moving and engaged in a meeting or learning event.
- Use student whiteboards for ice-breakers and energizers. Ask each person to jot down a goal, concern, or favorite quote. Or, for instance, ask people to write where they're from, then find the person who lives closest/farthest from them.
- Involve in-person and remote learners with student answer boards
- Entertain kids on long car rides with the travel-friendly individual dry-erase white boards
View Video Demo!
TRAINERS WAREHOUSE FOR ALL YOUR TRAINING NEEDS
We’re thrilled to offer a wide range of innovative products for trainers, teachers, and managers. Browse all of our games for learners to discover new, fun ways to keep your students or team engaged. In addition to these student whiteboards, we have plenty of accessories for response boards, including markers, erasers, extra boards, and more. Give everyone a voice, and improve communication with this individual dry erase boards class set!
Whaddaya Know?™ Tabletop Game Board is a customizable, Jeopardy-style quiz game that transforms training sessions into interactive learning experiences. With this interactive review game for corporate training, facilitators introduce new material, review past lessons, or strengthen knowledge retention. Best of all, learners can take the lead by creating their own questions—when participants become the teachers, they internalize content at a much deeper level.
WHY FACILITATORS LOVE IT
- Learning through play: Quiz-style competition boosts engagement and makes reviewing content fun.
- Active participation: Teams work together to answer questions, fostering collaboration and discussion.
- Deeper mastery: When learners generate the questions, they sharpen comprehension and recall.
- Flexible format: Great for onboarding, compliance, safety, product knowledge, or exam prep.
- Optional add-ons: Pair with Who’s First? or Me First! buzzers to add even more energy and quick response excitement.
- No software needed: This low-tech quiz game works without software. Go "old school"!
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Whaddaya Know?™ tabletop board with category and point panels. Measuring 19" H x 22" W, and weighing 3 lbs., it's ultra-portable!
- 25 blank cards (2.25" x 4") - 5 each of 5 colors, with point values on one side and dry-erase surface on the other side. VELCRO brand tabs adhere the category and question cards to the fabric-covered board.
- Black dry-erase marker and felt eraser.
HOW TO PLAY
Standard Jeopardy-Style Quiz Game
- Set up: Write 5 categories across the top and sort the point value cards by color.
- Form teams: 2–4 teams at a table; teams take turns selecting questions.
- Ask & answer: Teams respond within a time limit; facilitator (or another team) confirms accuracy.
- Keep score: Award or deduct points, and keep momentum high.
Introducing New Material
- Set up: Write 5 categories across the top and sort the point value cards by color.
- Create your questions in advance: Prepare the order in which you intent to cover new material
- As you go... ask the questions as they come up when presenting your curriculum, to see what the students already know and where deeper instruction might be needed
Flip the Script
- Set up: Write 5 categories across the top and sort the point value cards by color.
- Distribute a set of colored cards to each team - have teams create 5 questions for their category
- Play the game Jeopardy-style, reminding teams that they are not allowed to answer and win points on the questions they wrote.
BEST USES
- Reinforcing and reviewing past lessons
- Introducing new material in an interactive way
- Onboarding and compliance training
- Sales and customer service enablement
- Test prep and study sessions
FAQS
Q: How is this different from GameShow Pro?
A: Whaddaya Know? Jeopardy-style classroom game is a simpler, more affordable option that uses dry-erase boards rather than software. It’s tactile, team-based, and perfect for tabletop learning—while GameShow Pro is a full-scale digital system for larger productions.
Q: Can learners create their own games?
A: Yes! Having teams design categories and questions is one of the most powerful ways to build understanding and retention.
Q: How many people can use one board?
A: Each board works well for 4–12 participants (2–4 teams). For larger groups, set up multiple boards and run parallel tournaments.
Q: Do I need software or electronics?
A: No. If you want to add some high-tech pizazz for fast-paced play, pair Whaddaya Know? with wireless buzzers like Who's First? or Me First!
Q: How long does a game take?
A: A short round can take 10–15 minutes. A full board with debrief typically runs 25–40 minutes.
CONCLUSION
Turn your students into teachers! They can make their own popular TV-style game by creating their own questions, answers, and categories with Tabletop Whaddaya Know? Game.
Popular TV-style-like games continue to win big in the classroom. And, what better way for students to show what they've learned than to teach others what they know by making up their own categories and questions?
Have groups of students create their own popular TV-style-like game, which they can then conduct for the rest of the group.
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Hand-made in the USA.
(like JEOPARDY!)
Kitchen Sink Fiddle Set (84-piece collection) is the ultimate assortment of quiet fidget toys for adults -- for training, classrooms, and office use—delivered in a stylish, clear tote bag. These “fiddles” may look like toys at first glance, but they’re carefully curated engagement tools that help kinesthetic learners focus, reduce stress, and absorb material faster. This is a colossal collection of the BEST FIDDLES we know of! Indeed, it includes everything -- but the kitchen sink!
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 84 assorted fidget toys (“fiddles”)—plenty of options for shaping, squeezing, flexing, stretching, and manipulating
- Clear tote* bag for easy transport, storage, and on-the-spot visibility
- Contents may vary—each set offers unique tactile experiences
KEY BENEFITS
- Variety for every style: With 84 fidget tools, you’ll always have something that suits each participant’s preference
- Kinesthetic engagement: Hands-on fiddling helps learners stay focused and improves information retention
- Stress relief: Ideal for reducing anxiety during training sessions or meetings
- Clear tote bag: Durable, see-through bag keeps fiddles tidy and shows off the fun contents
- Trainer-tested: Includes the very best fiddles Trainers Warehouse has curated—like a “kitchen sink” of engagement tools
HOW TO USE
- Start your session by passing around fiddles—invite participants to select one that fits their attention needs.
- Use fiddles during group discussions to channel nervous energy and increase focus.
- Collect feedback: “Which fiddle worked best?” or “What did you notice?”—build awareness of sensory preferences.
- Bring them out at the start of your session—leave them on participant tables or at the front of the room.
FAQS
Q: What types of fiddles are included?
A: In our professional fidget sets, you’ll always get a huge mix of shapes and textures—stretchy, squeezable, twistable, and clickable fiddles. The specific variety may differ slightly per set.
Q: How do I clean them?
A: Most pieces are plastic and can go through a gentle dishwasher cycle. For specifics, check out the Trainers Warehouse blog: https://blog.trainerswarehouse.com/sanitize-fidget-toys
Q: How can I ensure that the fidget toys won’t be distracting?
A: Trainers Warehouse carefully selects tools that are quiet and not distracting to either the learner or others in the room.
Q: What’s the value of fidget tools anyway?
A: Not only do they occupy fidget fingers, they also help kinesthetic learners by making learning a physical as well as mental experience. Fidget tools harness “floating attention” that would otherwise distract learners in more significant ways—like daydreaming, focusing on others in the room, or staring out the window.
COMPARE FIDDLE SETS
| Set | Contents | Best For | Bag/Storage | Recommended Group Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Fiddle Set | 24 assorted fiddles | Small workshops, breakout sessions, one-on-one coaching | Compact tote bag | ~12-24 participants |
| Standard Fiddle Set | 48 assorted fiddles | Mid-sized trainings, classrooms, team sessions | Clear tote bag | ~15–25 participants |
| Kitchen Sink Fiddle Set | 84 assorted fiddles | Large groups, conferences, multi-day programs | Durable clear tote bag | ~42–84 participants |
| One-of-a-Kind Fiddle Set | 20 unique fidgets | Mid-sized trainings, classrooms, team sessions | Clear tote bag | ~ 10-20 participants |
| Walk-Away Fiddle Set | 25 lower-cost fidgets | Workshops where participants can take a fiddle home as a reminder of the session | Simple tote or bag | ~20–25 participants |
Note: All sets include a wide variety of quiet, trainer-tested fidget tools that can be sanitized and reused (except Walk-Away, which is designed for gifting). Specific items vary by set to keep the mix fresh and engaging.
Note: All sets include a wide variety of quiet, trainer-tested fidget tools that can be sanitized and reused. Specific items vary by set to keep the mix fresh and engaging.
Click here to view FREE Facilitation Notes!
*The Tote bag is printed on the front with this text:
"This bag is not a toy. Putting it over your head could cause suffocation, which would really ruin your day. Better to put all your great stuff in it so that people look at you with envy as you walk by, wondering both where you got all your things and where you got your awesome see-through bag, to which you can reply, "You can get one, too, at Trainers Warehouse or Office Oxygen, and they're a 'baahgin.' That's New England-speak for 'bargain'." And by the way, it's true that objects in the side view mirror are closer than they appear, but the wonderful items in your beautiful, clear bag really are just as they appear!"
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Loopeez™ is the perfect mindless "fiddle" -- easy to manipulate without much physical or mental effort. Endlessly flip the colored plastic pieces around and around the dual axes of the rings. The colored curved pieces are molded to fit perfectly in one hand or two. And it's quiet, so it won't distract the learner or others in close proximity.
You won't believe how satisfying this feels in your hand!
3.5" long x 2" wide, when lying flat. Beads come in assorted colors (packed randomly). For smaller hands, try Loopeez Jr.
SEE LOOPEEZ IN ACTION
HEAR THE STORY BEHIND LOOPEEZ
Enrich the "sensory diet" of your learners. Our "fiddles" may look like toys to the untrained eye, but they are truly serious learning tools. Kinesthetic learners will focus better and absorb your material more quickly if they have something to do with their hands.
Click here to view FREE Facilitation Notes for using Fiddles in the Classroom!
MORE RESOURCES
Use a deck of Climer Cards with groups to increase conversation around a certain topic. Using the power of metaphors, the result is a meaningful dialogue that helps people connect and understand each other at a deeper level.
The cards spark ideas, connect people, enhance conversations, and deepen learning. You'll be surprised what users will say!
This simple deck of cards uses hand-drawn pictures to evoke metaphors and imagination. Climer Cards can be used in dozens of team activities. Used by facilitators, teachers, parents, therapists, and camp counselors alike, this deck of cards helps with team building activities, enhancing conversations, and generating creative ideas.
A VERSATILE TOOL FOR TEAM BUILDING AND CREATIVITY!
- Coaches use them to get clients exploring new ideas.
- Facilitators help participants express what they learned.
- Social workers and counselors use them with clients to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences.
- Teachers help students create connections in class.
- Parents use them to get kids talking about their day.
CLIMER CARDS INCLUDE...
- 52 images based on watercolor paintings by Amy Climer
- Sorting tool to mix large groups into smaller groups
- Directions on use -- but feel free to get creative with endless variations!
- 52 2.5" x 3.5" cards made from high quality, coated paper.
- Printed cardboard box
Lead your team, students, or family to deeper conversations with a simple, powerful deck of cards. Creative images offer hundreds of ways to use. Directions included or invent your own activities!
TEAM SORTING FEATURE TO DIVIDE INTO GROUPS
- 5 different shapes (groups of 10)
- 10 numbers (groups of 5)
- 6 colors (groups of 8-9)
- You can also use for pairings, create smaller groups, or come up with new combinations.
AMY CLIMER DEMO'S THE DECKS!
See how to use the cards to build team creativity!
USE CLIMER CARDS THROUGH THE ONLINE PORTAL
For a 10% discount on the Climer Cards Virtual Platform, use promo code: TRAINER10
TeamWRITER® is a patented, collaborative team-building game that gets groups communicating, problem-solving, and laughing together. Teams assemble the device, attach strings to the TeamWRITER “gizmo,” then work together to guide a single pen and produce legible writing or simple drawings.
WHAT IT BUILDS
- Communication & listening: groups must coordinate hand tension and verbal cues
- Problem-solving: agree on what to write, then figure out how to do it together
- Role clarity & leadership: natural roles emerge (caller, steady hands, strategist)
- Psychological safety: low-risk, high-fun activity that levels the playing field
HOW IT WORKS
- Assemble the TeamWRITER and connect the strings to the central holder.
- Choose a word, phrase, picture, or logo to write.
- Coordinate pulls and slack on the strings to steer the pen together.
- Debrief: What helped or hindered clarity, trust, and execution?
Patented design: TeamWRITER is protected under US Patent D1,037,355 S. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
WHEN TO USE
- Kickoffs and icebreakers for new or cross-functional teams
- Workshops on collaboration, communication, or Agile teamwork
- Leadership retreats and off-sites as a fast, hands-on challenge
AUDIENCE
TeamWriter is best played with 4 to 10 participants
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- TeamWRITER device (string-guided writing “gizmo”)
- 2 guide plates to hold the player ropes
- 1 stem that holds the guide plates and marker in place
- 10 light-weight ropes
- 1 Sharpie brand marker. NOTE: the marker holder is sized to hold a Sharpie(TM) brand marker. If using a different marker, you may need to wrap some duct tape around the barrel of the marker for a snug fit. You will also need to secure a large sheet of paper (flip chart paper works great) or cardboard to the ground.
- Bag to hold the game parts
- Setup and usage instructions
- Facitlitation notes containing game ideas and tips
FACILITATION TIPS
- Encourage groups to "start small" (initials, simple shapes) before attempting words or logos
- Assign roles: navigator (caller), timekeeper, and quality checker
- Run two rounds: first without strategy, second with agreed signals—then compare outcomes
FAQS
Q: What exactly do participants do?
A: Teams connect strings to the central holder and collectively steer a pen to write or draw, using coordinated pulls and clear communication.
Q: How long does the exercise take?
A: Many facilitators play the whole game in about 20-30 minutes. Depending on the complexity of the challenge, expect 5-10 minutes to ASSEMBLE the device and DRAW, and 10-25 minutes to DEBREIEF.
Q: What makes TeamWRITER different?
A: This activity requires genuine interdependence and collaboration—no one person can “win” alone—so listening becomes the only path to success.
TeamWriter® is a patented, easy-to-use, collaborative team-building game. Fit the pieces together, connect a set of strings to the TeamWriter gismo, and work as a team to write something that's actually legible. (PAT. US D1,037,355 S )
SUPER FUN CHALLENGES
Facilitators can easily adapt this game to a myriad of applications. For instance, you could have groups:
- Write the answer to topical question
- Draw an icon that represents a key learning point
- Write out a meaningful question or phrase
Once the group figures out WHAT they will write, the next challenge is HOW they will do it. Together they'll have to coordinate:
- Where is the top of the page?
- Into which holes should they connect the strings for maximum control?
- Who will be the group leader?
- How will you communicate effectively and listen to each other respectfully?
To add difficulty, facilitators can limit the time available to complete the task, limit communication to non-verbal cues only, or blindfold one more players.
SEE IT IN ACTION!
DEVELOP A BROAD RANGE OF TEAM BUILDING SKILLS
The TeamWriter exercise is excellent whether your team is forming, storming, norming or performing! Adapt the dynamic team building activity to any of these important team development goals:
- Improve team dynamics
- Solve challenging problems together
- Break the Ice
- Improve Communication
- Build Trust
- Develop strong leadership
Patent No.: US D1,037,355 S
COMPARISON CHART
Not sure which team-building activity is right for your group? Trainers Warehouse offers a variety of experiential learning games that build skills in communication, collaboration, adaptability, leadership, and conflict resolution. Use the chart below to compare five of our most popular activities—PuzzleBlind®, Helium Stick®, TeamWRITER®, Shape Up!®, and Team 10®—and choose the one that best fits your training goals, group size, and workshop format.
| Activity | Ideal Group Size | Core Skills Developed | Time Required | Key Dynamic | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PuzzleBlind® | 4–8 players per puzzle (parallel teams for larger groups) | Communication, trust, listening, coaching, conflict resolution | ~30–40 minutes (play + debrief) | Builders are blindfolded, coaches give verbal instructions | Leadership training, conflict resolution, communication workshops |
| Helium Stick® | 8–12 participants per stick | Communication, alignment, group focus, patience | ~20–30 minutes (setup + play + debrief) | Teams must lower a lightweight rod without it rising up | Quick energizer, communication warm-up, leadership retreats |
| TeamWRITER® | 6–12 participants (expandable with multiple pens/strings) | Collaboration, interdependence, coordination, listening | ~20–30 minutes (assembly + play + debrief) | Teams collectively pull strings to guide a pen and write/draw | Collaboration workshops, leadership development, trust building |
| Shape Up!® | Small teams of 4–6 per set (multiple sets scale up) | Problem-solving, communication, collaboration, | ~20-30 minutes (multiple rounds + debrief) | Players must figure out which of their pieces is a duplicate | Problem-solving workshops, collaboration training, communication skill-building |
| Team 10® | Groups of 4–8 players | Adaptability, resilience, dealing with disruption, collaborative planning | ~20–30 minutes (play + debrief) | Teams search for 10 matching cards until a “Scramble” card forces to begin again | Change management workshops, adaptability training, and teamwork energizer |
Create good vibes! Don't wait for momentous events to give positive feedback. Get peace of mind -- you'll never miss a chance to say Thanks! Good Job! whenever the occasion arises.
Set up your own Appreciation Station, so that managers, team leaders, trainers and teachers can easily dash off a note of recognition and appreciation.
5 THEMES ENSURE YOU HAVE THE MESSAGE YOU NEED, WHEN YOU NEED IT!
Buy an assortment of all 5 styles -- you'll get 8 pads in each style.
- Kudos for Work (Orange) Use these clever notes liberally to boost learners' and colleagues' spirits, recognize large or small contributions, and inspire continued effort.
- Kudos for Colleagues (Blue) When groups are learning and growing together, they have a keen appreciation for where each team member started, and what they've accomplished. These pads give team members a tool to recognize one another's contributions to the group.
- KUDOS for Growth and Learning (Green) Support a "Growth Mindset" by giving KUDOS when people take a risk, stick with a problem, make great contributions, show improvement, take the time to do things right, and more. KUDOS Green notes are perfect for long-term projects, processes, and learning. They'll help you recognize the effort your group is making and encourage recipients to keep up their good work.
- Kudos for Values (Red) Let your teammates or employees know when they are exemplifying your organizational values and mission. Use these clever notes liberally to "Walk the Talk" with employees and colleagues. Recognition for matching or exceeding corporate values and goals will lift their spirits and inspire continued effort.
- Kudos for Teams (Gold) Lets teammates share positive thoughts with one another. If you're not on location, at the same time, leave a friendly handwritten note.
Kudos Note Pads -- Set of 40 Pads (25 sheets/pad; Each pad is approx. 4" x 5.5".)
MORE WAYS TO USE KUDOS NOTES!
Kudos notes don't only need to be written by teacheres or trainers. Trainer Nora Gerber was kind enough to share her facilitation notes with us, explaining how to use them as "task cards," whereby participants can:
- Learn about positive behaviors
- Self-assess their own strengths
- Look for opportunities to grow
5 TIPS FOR USING KUDOS NOTES, INCLUDING TO TEACH EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE (EQ)
DaBridge brings Leonardo DaVinci's simple but ingenious bridge idea to life. It is made with beautiful and sturdy notched wooden stick and dowel pieces. The ingenuity of the bridge is that it doesn’t need nails or fasteners to hold it together. If built to Leonardo’s design, it gets stronger the more weight is added.
LEONARDO DAVINCI BRIDGE - INCLUDES
The DaVinci Bridge Kit includes legs and dowels to create a 6.5-foot long structure -- plenty long enough for several adults to collaborate in the building process!
- 16 square wooden legs - 24" long x 1" square
- 8 wooden dowels - 24" long x 3/4" diameter
- Convenient carry bag
ADAPTABLE FACILITATION NOTES
Robust facilitation notes provide plenty of options to make the classic DaVinci's Bridge a successful team building experience for all sorts of teams. In the basic game, a "designer" is equipped with a picture of the finished product, but isn't allowed to show the picture to the builders. Designers can only communicate building tips verbally. With limited team meetings, how well will your groups work together to get it built? Adapt the team building game to the needs of your group by adding in new challenges -- an earthquake hits; time pressure is added; intergroup colloboration is required.
- Complete notes for Architects/Builders Game
- 4 additional game variations
- Debriefing and review questions
VIEW THE VIDEO
NOTE: When completed, DaBridge measures 6.5' Long by 2' Wide and 2' High, so make sure your team has ample space to build
Hand-made in the USA.
