I use the following exercise to get students to look at familiar objects and ideas in new and sometimes startling ways. It can also act as a good ice-breaker because the results often create some unusual sentences. Using strips of paper may also help to combat some students' initial phobias about writing at length.

Before the session, I prepare strips of paper (A4 in length & 4 cms in width) in different colours - although that is not necessary, except that it creates some interest immediately - on which I have written a single thing e.g. A box, A photograph; each one different.

I then make a crease after my words. I distribute individual strips to the participants to complete the sentence (using my words as the start of their sentence). I ask them either to provide a definition of the object or simply to complete the sentence.

I then ask them to separate my words from theirs (at the crease already provided) and to pass on the smaller piece of paper (with my words) to the person on the left.

We read out the new definitions. If there is time, we try out other random combinations.

There follows a brief discussion about the exercise.

© Mahendra Solanki 

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