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No Two Snowflakes. An Experiential Activity

Writer's picture: Dr. Diane ShermanDr. Diane Sherman

Updated: Jun 23, 2024


I like to highlight activities that are easy to use, and do not require a lot of props.

Group size: 2 - 50

Purpose: To illustrate we all perceive directions differently.

Props Needed: One sheet of blank paper per person; One pair of scissors per person.

Activity Preparation: 5 minutes

Set-up: Give each participant an identical piece of paper and a pair of scissors. Ask them to hold their paper in their hands, and close their eyes.

Activity Directions:

Participants should be seated for this activity.

Give each participant an identical piece of paper and a pair of scissors.

Ask them to close their eyes and to not ask questions for the duration of the activity.

They are to sequentially do the following:

  • Fold the paper in half and tear off the bottom right hand corner.

  • Fold the paper in half again and tear off the top right hand corner

  • Fold the paper in half again and tear off the lower left hand corner.

After everyone has finished their three "tears", ask participants to open their eyes and unfold their paper and compare their results.

Debriefing Questions:

  • Compare your papers. Are they the same? Why not?

  • Didn't everyone hear the same instructions?

  • Who did it the right way?

  • What was left p to interpretation in this activity?

  • If you hear me say the phrase "shared mental model", what do you think that means?

  • If I have a mental model of what recovery looks like, why would it look different to you?

  • How does this relate to what recovery or wellness looks like, why would it look differently to you?

  • How does this relate to the real world?

It is powerful to recognize that we can hear the exact same directions and yet have very different outcomes. Sometimes our recovery or wellness looks different for our peers. Some go to meetings two or three days per week, others once per week, others less often. What is important is that we do what works for us.

Visit my website about the book at this link and learn more about Facilitated Activities

​© 2025. ACTS Consulting, Inc, Marietta, GA

Last updated 01/2025

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