Activity 2: Concentric Circles
Overview of the activity
This icebreaker helps people get connected while also becoming connected to the subject of cultural heritage.
Objectives
- Get to know each other, connect to each other.
- Mobilize what we know about cultural heritage in a playful, subjective way.
- Become aware of the subjective/emotional component of cultural heritage.
| Duration (in minutes) | Min/max number of participants | Room/space requirements |
| 10 minutes |
|
The activity invites people to talk in pairs, in two concentric circles – i.e. an inner circle facing an outer circle. The room should be large enough to allow the formation of the two circles. |
| Minimum knowledge requirements from participants | Materials needed | Preparation |
| This is a verbal activity, so it helps if participants have a common language and they possess the vocabulary needed (concept of monument, history). | No materials needed | No prior preparation required |
Instructions
- Ask people to stand in a circle.
- Invite every second person to take a step forward.
- The people who took the step forward become the ‘inner circle’; ask them to turn to face the outer circle.
- Invite participants to adjust themselves so they are facing each other: someone from the inner circle facing someone from the outer circle.
- Invite participants to share their answers to the question:
What was the last monument you became acquainted with that made an impression on you? - After 3 minutes ask both circles to take a step to the right. Everyone should now be facing someone new. Invite them to share their answers to the following question: Is there any tradition they recall that is typical to the season we are in? NB: If you formulate this question concretely, it becomes easier: a tradition connected to autumn, winter, etc.
- After 3 minutes, again, ask everyone to take a step to the right. Again, everyone should be facing someone new. Invite them to share their answers to the following question: Is there a cultural heritage element that you feel connected to and that you would be most happy to share with the other person? (Here, encourage participants to share an element of a culture that they feel a part of).
- Depending on time availability, you can also ask participants to write down on paper what they believe cultural heritage is and then share their answers.
Learning outcomes / evidence collected
This is a simple icebreaker/introduction activity, but it can also be used to introduce the concept of cultural heritage. After the activity, you can ask people what they shared with each other and wrap up by opening up a discussion about what cultural heritage is. You might also offer a definition of ‘cultural heritage’, pointing out the two types: material and immaterial heritage.
Evaluation
This is a simple icebreaker/introduction activity, so no need for an evaluation. To check on how participants engaged with it you might ask the group whether they learnt something about the other participants, whether they found something surprising, whether they found common points or differences.
Teaching tips, stories and experiences during piloting
- Encourage participants to share their ideas without censorship: there are no good or bad answers here, they should just say what they feel is true for themselves.
- Make sure that it is clear to participants that they do not need to evaluate the other participants’ choices, just welcome them.
- Depending on the participants and their knowledge/vocabulary about cultural heritage, you might formulate the questions in an simpler, more accessible way. The simplest option would be to invite people to share their experiences of significant places/monuments, meals and celebrations.