Equipment and Setup
No equipment is required.
Before starting the game, ensure there is a clear area where participants can easily see and hear the leader, who will be calling out the numbers for grouping. The leader should also have a way to keep time, such as a stopwatch or a smartphone, to enforce the 15-second rule for finding commonalities.
Game Rules and Instructions
- Gather Participants: Ensure all players are assembled in the designated play area, where everyone can move freely and hear the leader.
- Explain the Objective: Briefly describe the goal of the game – to find and celebrate commonalities among participants within small, randomly formed groups.
- No Equipment Needed: Make it clear to players that no materials are required for this game, emphasizing the focus on communication and teamwork.
- Calling Out Numbers: The leader starts the game by calling out a number between 3 and 6. This number represents the size of groups participants must form. Occasionally, the leader can choose an unusual number to add variety.
- Forming Groups: Upon hearing the number, players have a few seconds to form groups accordingly. The aim is to have groups with exactly the number of people called out.
- Finding Commonalities: Once in their groups, participants have 15 seconds to discuss and agree on a concrete and definite commonality they all share (e.g., “We all have a sibling,” “We’re all wearing sneakers,” etc.).
- Silence After Time Up: After the 15-second discussion time, no further talking is allowed. Groups must be ready to share their commonality.
- Sharing Commonalities: Groups take turns announcing their unique commonality to everyone. Each group must have a different commonality from the others, including from any previous rounds.
- Scoring Points:
- Groups earn a point if they meet all the following criteria:
- Correct group size as per the called number.
- No talking after the 15-second discussion period.
- A unique commonality not repeated by any other group in the current or previous rounds.
- The commonality must be concrete and verifiable.
- Every group member must genuinely share in the commonality.
- Groups earn a point if they meet all the following criteria:
- Ensuring Dynamic Grouping: For larger groups, implement a rule that prohibits participants from being in the same group with any individual from the previous round. This encourages mingling and prevents cliques.
- Repeat Rounds: Continue playing multiple rounds, with the leader calling out different numbers and participants forming new groups each time.
- Declaring a Winner: At the end of the game, the participant(s) with the most points are declared the winners.
- Encourage Reflection: After the game, take a moment for participants to reflect on the experience, discussing what they learned about their peers and the importance of finding common ground.
“Common Denominator” is designed to be a flexible and inclusive game, perfect for youth ministry and VBS settings, where the focus is on building connections and fostering a sense of community among participants.