This Is a What?

Name and Purpose

This Is a What? is a fast-moving circle game that builds listening, attention, and the ability to do two things at once while laughing.
It works especially well as a group warm-up or energiser.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Materials

3-6 small objects that are easy to pass by hand (examples: a shoe, a ball cap, a hacky sac, a water bottle, a pinecone, a marker)
Objects should be light, soft-edged, and safe to handle

Quick-Run Card

Sit in a circle. Leader holds one object.
Leader turns to the person on their left: “This is a [shoe].” Person says “A what?” Leader repeats: “A [shoe].” Person says “A what?” Leader repeats: “A [shoe].” Person accepts: “Oh, a [shoe]!” and begins passing it the same way.
Once the first object is moving, the leader adds a second object going in the opposite direction.
Keep adding objects one at a time until multiple conversations are crossing.
End when the group has hit peak delightful confusion.

Setup and Boundaries

How to Play

Everyone sits in a circle.
The leader holds one object and turns to the person on their left.
Leader: “This is a shoe.” Receiver: “A what?” Leader: “A shoe.” Receiver: “A what?” Leader: “A shoe.” Receiver: “Oh, a shoe!” The receiver now holds the object.
The receiver turns to the person on their left and begins the same exchange. The chain of “A what?” always travels back to the original leader to confirm the name.
Once the shoe is two people down, the leader picks up a second object and starts it going the other direction with a different name.
Keep adding one object at a time. The humour builds as the “A what?” chains start crossing.
Play ends when the group decides, or when objects make it around the full circle.

I-OPt Options

Start
- A (Active): Jump into the exchange enthusiastically
- S (Support): Help a neighbour remember the script if they get turned around
- Q (Quiet): Receive and pass with minimal volume, still following the script
- O (Observer): Watch the first round before joining; step in when ready
Mid
- A (Active): Add energy and drama to your “A what?” and “Oh, a shoe!”
- S (Support): Keep your voice clear so the chain doesn’t break
- Q (Quiet): Focus on timing; let the energy of others carry the moment
- O (Observer): Track how many objects are active at once
Late
- A (Active): Suggest adding one more object
- S (Support): Help retrieve dropped objects quickly without disrupting the flow
- Q (Quiet): Follow the script steadily while others improvise
- O (Observer): Count the simultaneous conversations happening
End
- A (Active): Lead the debrief
- S (Support): Collect objects and return them
- Q (Quiet): Offer a word or two for debrief
- O (Observer): Share the funniest moment you noticed

Inclusion Adaptations

Players who find the verbal script tricky can use a simple tap-and-nod variation: tap the object twice on your own knee before passing, and the receiver taps twice before accepting
Objects can be adapted for grip comfort . soft, light items work best

Stewardship Moment

Objects for this game can all be items already in your space (a shoe, a hat, a water bottle). No purchasing needed.
Reflection: “We used everyday stuff we already had. What else is useful that we overlook?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “This game is a little loud and a little silly. There is no wrong way to do it. If you would rather watch a round first and jump in when it clicks, that is a great way to start.”
Mid-game check: After the second or third object joins, quick thumbs check-in.
Opt-out/re-entry: Anyone can pass an object through without the script exchange and that is fine. Rejoin the full script anytime.

Risks and Mitigation

Objects being thrown instead of handed: establish clearly that all passing is hand-to-hand
Script breaking down and players losing the thread: the leader can call a 10-second pause, confirm the object names, then restart
Players feeling embarrassed for losing track: reframe it immediately. “That is the whole game. Nobody does this perfectly.”

Warm-Up Suggestions

Name Toss: pass a ball around the circle; say the receiver’s name before tossing
Echo Clap: leader claps a pattern, everyone echoes it back, then passes to the next person to create a new pattern

Debrief Questions

What? “What happened when the second or third object joined? What changed for you?”
So What? “What helped you keep track? What made it harder?”
Now What? “When do you have to manage multiple things at once in your day? What does that feel like?”

Cleanup and Reset