Remote Control is an excellent icebreaker game to help children work on their co-operation skills. Since one player will not be able to see anything, it is up to their partner to direct them where to go.
In order to succeed in this game children will need to work together, listen, and be patient. Players will learn to trust one another as they help each other reach their target.
Features of the Remote Control Game
| ★ Game Name | Remote Control |
| ★ Group size | any |
| ★ Age | any (6+) |
| ★ Type | active |
| ★ Skill | acting / balance |
| ★ Place | indoor and outdoor |
| ★ Time | up to 10 – 20 min |
| ★ Preparation | no |
| ★ Materials | yes (paper) |
Aim of the Game
The aim of Remote Control is for one player to guide their blindfolded partner, with verbal directions only, to the desired target point to drop a crumpled up paper ball into.
This game designed to improve how kids work together as partners.
Group Size and Age
For Remote Control, you need to play in pairs. It is best played in groups with 5 or more people, the more the merrier as this game is more fun with a large crowd.
This trust-building game can be played by people of all ages, but it is mainly recommended for kids 6 and over.
Always remember to remove any sharp or unsafe objects around before playing to avoid someone stepping on them accidentally.
Preparation and Needed Materials
- Crumpled up piece of paper (or any other object suitable to drop)
- Bucket
How To Play the Remote Control Game
Step 1: Make sure each kid is paired up with a partner and decide which one is going to be the Director and which one is going to be the Controlled. (Don’t let them fight over their roles because you can play 2 rounds so each player gets a turn in both roles.)
Step 2: Crumple up your piece of paper into a ball, or get whichever item you intend to use for dropping ready.
Step 3: Have the Controlled stand at one end of the room and get somebody to blindfold them. Instead, they can also close their eyes – no cheating!
Step 4: Set up the bucket across the room from them. Make sure you do this after they have been blindfolded so they don’t know where it was placed ahead of time.
Step 5: If there is anyone else in the room observing the game make sure they stay quiet so the Controlled can hear the Director’s instructions clearly.
Step 6: The Director will now give the Controlled a series of directions to guide them towards the paper ball, and then to the bucket. For example:
- Go one step forward.
- Turn to the left.
- Two steps forward,
- Lower your left arm,
- Pick up the paper ball, etc.
Step 7: Once the Controlled reaches the bucket the director can instruct them to drop the paper ball into the bucket.
Step 8: Players should find success in this game if the Controlled listens to the Director and trusts what they say and if the director helps the Controlled along the way with clear instructions. The goal is to learn to work together.