1 1
Thumball Logo

Session Openers Thumball™ 2140E1SO

Trainees might feel uneasy or disengaged before a training session due to a new environment, schedule changes, or a dislike for group activities. These feelings can affect participation and the effectiveness of the training. The Session Openers Thumball helps create a welcoming atmosphere, boosting learning and collaboration for real progress and change.

$32.95 USD
$32.95 USD
Sale Backordered
Shipping calculated at checkout.

⚽ Overview

Set up your next training session for success by creating an environment that fosters engagement and comfort. Trainees may feel uncomfortable, nervous, or disengaged before a training for various reasons – they are in a new environment, their schedule has been changed, or they don't like speaking in groups. These factors can hinder participation and reduce the effectiveness of your training. However, the best ice-breaker activities help participants overcome these barriers, allowing them to open up, adjust their mindsets, and actively engage with the content.

The Session Openers Thumball gets participants up and moving while encouraging them to share their thoughts in a low-pressure manner. This activity not only helps break the ice but also facilitates meaningful discussions by exploring participants' motivations and goals for the training session. By using the Session Openers Thumball, you can create a welcoming atmosphere that enhances learning and collaboration, leading to real progress and change.

⚽ How It Works

Open up your training with one of the best ice-breaker activities: the Session Openers Thumball. Explain how using this Thumball creates an opportunity to learn more about themselves and their coworkers, leading to better understanding, improved relationships, and greater collaboration.

Simply toss the ball and ask the receiver to share their thoughts related to the prompt under their thumb. To create an even more engaging experience, implement these tips:

  1. Make it relevant:
    Require that responses relate specifically to personal or workplace experiences.
  2. Predict responses:
    Have players guess what another participant's answer will be before they respond.
  3. Memory challenge:
    Ask players to recall previous responses before adding their own.
  4. Group decision:
    Let the first participant choose a question panel that everyone must respond to.
  5. Visualize responses:
    Gather answers from multiple question panels and create charts or graphs to showcase the collective insights.

⚽ Learning Outcomes

By using this ice-breaker activity, participants will learn more about each other in three key areas:

  • Getting to Know You: Participants are encouraged to share personal insights, such as their dreams, frustrations, and talents.
  • Learning Styles: Participants will explore their individual learning preferences and learning goals.
  • Work Styles: Participants will build rapport by discussing their proudest accomplishments, professional strengths, and creative contributions.

⚽ Uses and Applications

Looking for a fun and effortless way to break the ice and spark meaningful conversations? Thumballs are one of the best collaboration activities for teams. Just toss, catch, and respond to the prompt under your thumb – it's that simple. With engaging and intuitive topics, Thumballs create a relaxed, stress-free environment that energizes any training session, encourages participation, and makes learning more interactive. Get ready to turn every toss into a chance for connection, insight, and fun.

⚽ About Thumballs™

Mary Miller Pembleton, a speech pathologist, created Thumball™ to engage her students with learning challenges by combining speech activities with ball games. After a dream inspired her to market the product, she and her husband Gregg developed and patented Thumball™, which is now used to improve communication and social skills in various settings. Their business, Answers In Motion, also customizes Thumballs for HRDQ and other companies. The product's success has grown with increased publicity and sales, fulfilling their vision of making Thumball™ a household name.

Focus:   Team Building, Personality Styles

Type:   Game / Ice Breaker

Delivery:   In-Person

LENGTH:   Varies

View full details

Why do Thumballs work?

What began as a conversation starter has grown into a deeply insightful training tool. Discover why they work from Dr. Sue Landy of Trainer's Warehouse.

Enhance Learning and Engagement

Thumballs actively engage participants in the learning process and spark insightful and introspective questions. When participants are engaged in their learning, they are more likely to remember and apply what they learned to their work.

Improve Communication and Collaboration

Thumballs promote active listening and participation in group discussions as participants respond to and build off of what the speaker said. By thoughtfully listening to others and responding to the prompts on the Thumballs, participants develop stronger interpersonal connections, leading to stronger communication and increased collaboration among team members.

Encourage a Positive Work Culture

When using Thumballs thoughtfully, you promote a culture of inclusivity, where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts with one another. Thumballs also help foster a sense of community by encouraging employees to learn more about one another in a meaningful way. When employees feel respected, valued, and safe, each employee contributes to creating a positive work environment.

Support Professional Development

Thumballs help develop key professional skills by prompting discussions on topics like leadership, personality style, diversity, teamwork, and more. Each prompt encourages participants to self-reflect on their strengths and weaknesses, and meaningful group conversations spark ideas to grow and improve.

Shop our full selection of Thumballs™