Fist to Five

Inclusive Welcome
An inclusive welcome is a brief, interactive experience that brings the voice of every participant into the room, making a connection to one another and to the work ahead, with each perspective-laden, culturally rich voice being heard, respected, and learned from.
Description

Participants use their fingers to indicate how they are feeling or thinking in response to a prompt. Five fingers indicate the highest level of positive response and a fist (zero fingers) the lowest. The facilitator describes in general terms any patterns and/or differences that they see and shares with participants any shifts in facilitation they will make, if needed, to better meet the expressed needs of participants. The facilitator invites the group to observe the variations in responses, to help inform their own participation today.

When and Why

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This activity is a fast way for a facilitator to read the room, for participants to express their opinions, and for both the facilitator and the group to acknowledge how this information can help them make responsible decisions going forward. It immediately sets the expectation that everyone belongs no matter their level of readiness to participate. Useful when the facilitator anticipates some dissonance or a lack of engagement by normalizing a range of readiness or opinions.

How to Facilitate

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  1. Reflect on the current contexts, demographics of participants, and the purpose of this engagement. 
  2. Carefully select the prompt to match the group and anticipated level of engagement.
    For example:
    • How ready are you to be here today?
    • How is your day going so far?
    • How are you feeling today?
    • What is your level of understanding about _____ (topic)?
  3. Preview how the activity works, sharing that you are going to ask them a question and that they will have time to think before you ask them to silently show their response with fingers on a raised hand (MODEL) with five being the highest level of agreement and a fist being the lowest. (MODEL)
  4. Ask the prompting question, invite participants to think silently for a moment about their response, and request that they respond in unison upon your invitation to “1, 2, 3, SHOW.”
  5. Invite participants to look around when all hands are in the air and note the range of responses. Reflect aloud how you will use this information to inform your facilitation. This might include shifting the pace to match the energy in the room or checking for understanding more frequently. Invite participants to reflect silently on how their contributions can support others based on the responses they see. 

Modification

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“Show it Low.” Follow the same directions and process, except ask the group to “Show it Low,” modeling holding their hand at chest level in front of them. Verbalize appreciation for their sharing and general insights that may inform your facilitation. This variation is especially useful when the facilitator wants the valuable input without participant responses being visible to everyone. For example: 

  • Present two options for how to use the next block of time, then ask for a “Show it Low” to indicate their preference. 
  • Ask how confident they would feel explaining the material/idea to a visitor.
  • In a virtual environment, this activity can be done in gallery view with the whole group.

How does Fist to Five support SEL?

Social Awareness/Belonging: Participants are encouraged to understand the perspectives of and empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds, cultures, & contexts. Facilitators create an experience of acceptance, respect, and inclusion within a group or community.

Relationships/Collaborative Problem Solving:
Participants have the opportunity to establish and maintain healthy and supportive relationships within the group and to effectively navigate settings with diverse individuals and groups. Facilitators create an activity where participants can build a shared understanding and work together to come to solutions by pooling knowledge, skills, and efforts.
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