I was talking to a trainer last week who had the most impressive kit I have ever come across. Everything from bells (to ring for games), skipping ropes (for energisers) to blindfolds and rope (I didn't ask!).
It got me wondering what SHOULD every trainer never leave home without? Aside from every type of pen invented, blue tack and flip charts?
I look forward to your answers!
Nikki
Nikki
5 Responses
Trainer’s Toolkit
Hiya
My suggestions are quite boring but invaluable:
1. A4 sheets of paper to be folded for name tent cards
2. A ‘wedge’ of folded flipchart paper to place under that powerpoint data projector when the height mechanism is fully extended. I carry two heights around with me!
3. A 4-way extension lead – invariably a client will supply the projector but not think about where the sockets are
4. A post it note pad for odd notes and marking pre-prepared flipcharts
5. A set of inexpensive interpersonal skills books for exhibition in the back of the training room for delegates to look at if they finish an exercise early / break times. I particularly like the Sunday Times book range.
6. Roll of brown tape for trailing leads
7. Chocs/sweets for adhoc reviews of material
Hope that helps
Happy Days!
Bryan
In my kit…
I carry a set of badges usually four different colours in sets numbered 1 to 6. Ask participants to put them on at the begining of the session – they’ll soon forget about them. I find them really useful into breaking the group up in different ways for different activities, e.g. all the fours together, all the yellows together etc.
Also a large bag of assorted mints – as I’ve recently given up smoking – and more or less everyone likes a mint.
Strangest things
Apart from all the usual stuff, I also carry old pairs of glasses that don’t work for me any more. You would be surprised at the number of people who have used them having left home without their specs! I won’t tell you about the other things as you might kick me out of the group. Weird or what?
Envelopes and door wedges
In addition to the usual items, I carry white envelopes, the type with self-adhesive flaps (22cm long by 11cm wide). I ask delegates to fold them in half lengthways and write their name on with a felt-tip pen to make a sturdy name tent. I also use them to fix a safety warning to any trailing cable.
I carry a few plastic door wedges; these are useful as a quick fix for a rocking desk or table, for levelling a crooked projector, and for wedging the door open when I want to improve ventilation in the training room. Obviously the wedge must be removed from the door when everyone goes for a break so that fire safety is not compromised.
Team building games
Hi, I have got a few team games, great as ice breakers, got them from http://www.theteambuildingactivitiesshop.co.uk/blindfolds.htm So I have juggling balls, blindfolds, a stop watch ……………….