UFO / Energy Ball

Intentional Close
An intentional close makes space for participants to reflect on their learning and progress, assess their level of confidence, and identify personal next steps. It encourages participants to recognize the contributions they and others have made to the meeting or learning session and highlights the importance of the work.
Description

Participants form a standing circle, join hands, and are surprised when the connection of their hands allows the UFO/Energy Ball to light up. When they stop touching hands the ball is silenced.

When and Why

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The element of surprise and delight makes this a great closing activity after a full-day or multi-day professional development experience. The activity promotes the ideas that it takes all of us working together and that we may not be able to see the fruits of our individual work or collective work, but that those fruits do exist. It also sparks curiosity as participants puzzle over why the ball lights up with human touch.

How to Facilitate

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  1. Reflect on the current context, the demographics of participants, and the purpose of this engagement. Make sure that there is space for the group to gather in a circle. Have disinfectant wipes on hand for those who wish to clean their hands after the activity.
  2. Gather participants in a circle. Express appreciation for everyone’s contributions during the engagement. Remind them that even though our work may sometimes feel invisible, or that we are working all alone, it is actually adding to the progress of the field and is important, even when we don’t always see the fruits of our labor right away.
  3. Ask everyone to join hands or just touch fingers depending on the comfort level of the group. (Assure them no singing is involved, if that humor fits the group and the moment!)
  4. With your right index finger, touch the UFO ball on the metal strip closest to you while you hold hands with the person on your left. 
  5. Ask the person on your right to touch the metal connector on their side of the Energy/UFO ball instead of joining hands with you. 
  6. The ball will light up and make a noise. 
  7. Let people take turns letting go and re-joining hands (one at a time) to make the light and sounds stop and start again. 
  8. Offer closing language that appreciates the energy everyone has put into the shared experience and in the work they do with and for others. Or invite participants to share a closing thought or appreciation, such as “Something that’s giving me new energy in my work is…”

Example

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Energy ball video

References

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The UFO/Circuit Energy Ball is available from many sources, including local science or toy stores, and can easily be found with an internet search.

How does UFO / Energy Ball support SEL?

Social Awareness/Belonging:
Participants are encouraged to understand the perspectives of and empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and 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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