# Don't Break The Ice

Pairs balance small toy blocks between their outstretched index fingertips while navigating an open space. They try to keep their own blocks balanced while tapping other pairs' blocks down.

**Time:** 10 minutes. UWT standard run time based on Playmeo's two-minute rounds recommendation.
**People:** 4 to 24. Pairs moving freely in a cleared room

## Choose this exercise

**Purpose:** Coordinate movement and balance under light physical pressure with a partner.
**Use it when:** Use as a high-energy physical warm-up or kinesthetic focus break when participants need movement.
**Skip it when:** Skip when participants have limited mobility, fine-motor fatigue, tight physical spaces, or footwear unsuited for moving across an open floor.

## Materials and tools

- 2 small toy building blocks (wooden or plastic, roughly 1 to 2 inches) per person (4 blocks per pair)

## Before participants arrive

1. Clear tables and chairs to create an unobstructed open floor area.
2. Place containers of wooden or plastic blocks at the room perimeter.

## Say this to open

Find a partner and take two blocks each. Face your partner. You will suspend your four blocks in a straight line between your index fingertips using pressure only. Once balanced, move together around the room. Protect your blocks while using an index finger to gently tap down other pairs' blocks. If your blocks drop, step aside, rebuild your line, and re-enter.

## How to run it

### 1. Pair up and practice the balance (2 minutes)

Participants form pairs and take two blocks each. Partners place the four blocks end-to-end between their index fingers, holding them horizontally by inward pressure alone. For example, Person A pushes with one index finger against the first block, pressing it into the second, third, and fourth blocks, which terminate against Person B's index finger. Pairs test moving two steps without dropping the blocks.

### 2. Run round 1 (3 minutes)

Signal the start. Pairs move through the cleared space holding their block bridge. Each person may use their one free index finger to lightly tap an opponent's blocks to break their connection. Grabbing, holding, body contact, or knocking hands is not permitted. If a pair drops any blocks, they step safely to the edge, rebuild the bridge, and rejoin immediately.

### 3. Switch roles or partners for round 2 (3 minutes)

Pause the group. Direct participants to switch hands or swap partners. Run a second 2-minute round under the same rules. If an odd number is present, the solo person serves as an active referee or pairs with a willing observer.

### 4. Gather and debrief (2 minutes)

Call time and collect blocks. Bring the group together standing or seated. Ask one or two reflection questions to close the exercise.


## Debrief questions

- What adjustments did you and your partner make to keep the blocks suspended while walking?
- How did you divide attention between protecting your bridge and attacking others?

**Finished output:** Completion of two active balance rounds with a partner.

## Remote

This physical dexterity exercise cannot be run as designed in a remote video call. For an online equivalent focusing on verbal pair coordination, run a 2-minute dual-storytelling challenge where pairs alternate saying one word at a time in breakout rooms.

## Hybrid

Hybrid delivery is not recommended. Remote participants cannot share physical balance with in-person partners. In-person participants play on camera while remote participants pair up in a digital word-coordination exercise.

## Access and participation choices

- Participants may choose to balance two larger flat blocks or sponge blocks if fine motor grip is difficult.
- Anyone may choose to opt out of physical play and act as an official line judge or timer without giving a reason.

## If the session gets stuck

**Participants swing aggressively at opponents' hands and risk injury.**

Remind everyone that only gentle taps directly against opponent blocks are allowed, with zero body contact.

**Blocks drop constantly within seconds of starting, causing frustration.**

Allow pairs to reduce the challenge by balancing two blocks instead of four until they master steady movement.


## Terms used here

- Block bridge: A horizontal row of toy blocks held up only by inward finger pressure from both partners.

## Sources and adaptation

Observed on Playmeo. Playmeo attributes the activity to Nate Folan.

Retained the core Playmeo physical mechanics: pairs suspending 4 blocks between index fingers, moving, tapping others down, and rebuilding upon dropping. UWT structured the activity into clear 2-minute timed rounds with safety constraints, non-contact enforcement, and step-down balance modifications.

[Playmeo](https://www.playmeo.com/activities/running-tag-pe-games/dont-break-the-ice)

[Playmeo](https://www.playmeo.com/activities/running-tag-pe-games/dont-break-the-ice/)

Current run sheet: https://unitedwetransform.com/exercises/partner-coordination-game-to-build-teamwork-don-t-break-the-ice/