G.4. This is a Shoe

This is a semi-dramatic, silly rule game for a crystallizing group, which also channels communication around the group in a structured manner and involves practices, like hearing someone out. If members are cooperative, it can also be played in a new group to improve acquaintance in a non-threatening manner.

Players sit in a circle.
The leader has an object in his or her hand (for example, a shoe) and explains how the game is played, going forwards and backwards, one person at a time.
S/he passes the object on to the next in line, saying, “This is a shoe.”
The next person asks, “A what?” The first person again answers, “A shoe.”
Now the leader repeats, “This is a shoe” and the second player repeats to the next in line: “A shoe.”
The third player now asks “A what?” and passes this question back down the line to the leader who answers, “A shoe.”
This word is passed on down the line until the fourth person is reached, who also now asks the question, “A what?” is passed back again to the leader.
The game continues in this way until everyone has participated.