human knot
Linked arms puzzle
A human knot is a group activity where participants stand in a circle, reach across to grasp hands with two different people, then work together to untangle themselves into a circle without releasing their grip.
Common as an icebreaker or team-building exercise: We started the workshop with a human knot to get everyone talking.
Tension-easing social activity
- warm-upPre-activity preparation routine
- party gameSocial gathering entertainment
- minglingCasual social interaction
- funAmusement or pleasure
laughter · energizer · introductions · camp · retreat · orientation · classroom · workshop
Curved closed shape
- participantsThose actively involved
- handsGripping limbs' extremities
- twistRotating motion or surprise
- untangleUndo knots or confusion
link · arms · tangled · physical · challenge · standing · stepping · ducking
Joint intellectual work
- cooperationJoint action toward shared aims
- coordinationOrganized cooperative movement
- communicationExchanging ideas or information
- trustConfidence in another
problem-solving · strategy · unity · bonding · synergy · interdependence · cohesion · teamwork
icebreaker
Tension-easing social activity
- warm-upPre-activity preparation routine
- party gameSocial gathering entertainment
- minglingCasual social interaction
fun · laughter · energizer · introductions · camp · retreat · orientation · classroom · workshop · youth group
circle
Curved closed shape
- participantsThose actively involved
- handsGripping limbs' extremities
- twistRotating motion or surprise
untangle · link · arms · tangled · physical · challenge · standing · stepping · ducking · over
collaboration
Joint intellectual work
- cooperationJoint action toward shared aims
- coordinationOrganized cooperative movement
- communicationExchanging ideas or information
trust · problem-solving · strategy · unity · bonding · synergy · interdependence · cohesion · teamwork · collective
tangle
Twisted mass of strands
entwine · intertwine · weave · braid · mesh · jumble · coil · kink · linked · connected
- party gamescharades, musical statues, musical chairs, truth or dare, spin the bottle
- group activitiesgroup games, voting, protest, group dance, group project
- group gamesicebreaker, party game, party games, group game, team building
- contortionbackbend, split, oversplit, twisting, coiling
human knotsolitaire
Card game for one
solitary confinement · crossword puzzle · jigsaw puzzle · personal reflection · independent study
human knotelimination game
Contest removing participants progressively
musical chairs · dodgeball · king of the hill · tug of war · last man standing
human knotsocial distancing
Deliberate interpersonal spacing
human, knot, humans, humane, humanly, humanity, inhuman, inhumane, superhuman