What Do We Have in Common?

Name and Purpose

What Do We Have in Common? is a gentle observation game that sharpens attention and sparks conversation.
Players practise noticing details, thinking creatively, and celebrating the variety in their group.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 6-30 players | 10-15 minutes | Any seated circle or group arrangement, indoors or outdoors

Materials

Quick-Run Card

Ask the group to sit so everyone can see each other.
Silently pick 2-3 players who share a hidden trait (e.g., same first letter in their name, stripes on their shirt).
Ask those players to stand — do not reveal why yet.
The group tries to guess what makes them a “set.”
Reveal the answer, celebrate, and choose a new set.

Setup and Boundaries

Arrange the group in a circle or U-shape so everyone can see the standing players
Signal: one raised hand = pause and listen
Keep the energy light — this is a low-stakes noticing game

How to Play

Ask the group to look around and pay attention to each other for a moment.
The facilitator (or a volunteer) silently selects 2-3 players who share an observable or known trait.
Those players are invited to stand.
The rest of the group calls out guesses until someone identifies the shared trait.
The facilitator confirms the answer and gives a brief celebration (clap, cheer, or a “yes!”).
The facilitator or a new volunteer chooses the next set.
Run 4-8 rounds, varying the type of trait: visible (clothing, colour), experiential (both born in winter), or ability-based (both know a second language).

Trait Ideas

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Shout out guesses quickly; volunteer to choose the next set
S (Support): Help quieter players get their guesses heard; encourage the group
Q (Quiet): Write a guess on paper and hold it up instead of calling out
O (Observer): Watch and observe; join the guessing when ready

Inclusion Adaptations

Avoid traits based on physical appearance (height, weight, skin colour, disability markers) — use clothing, preferences, or experiences instead
For players with hearing differences, the facilitator can write the guess options on a whiteboard

Stewardship Moment

This activity uses no materials at all, which makes it one of the easiest to run anywhere, anytime.
Reflection: “We just noticed things about each other that we might have missed. What else might we be missing that is worth noticing?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “We are going to play a noticing game. A few people will be invited to stand while the group tries to figure out what they have in common. For those not comfortable standing, raising a hand or nodding is another option.”
Mid-game check: After 3-4 rounds, check in briefly. “Everyone still enjoying this? Thumbs up, sideways, or down.”
Opt-out/re-entry: Any player can decline to stand by shaking their head. They can join a later round whenever they are ready.

Risks and Mitigation

A trait that singles out someone in an uncomfortable way: always review your chosen traits in advance for kindness and neutrality
Guessing stalls and the group gets frustrated: give one clue if the group is stuck for more than 30 seconds
A player feels put on the spot by being chosen: remind everyone that standing up is optional and a small wave works just as well

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Look Around”: 30 seconds of silent observation — everyone looks at what everyone else is wearing or doing
“Name Wave”: each player says their name and does a wave; the group mirrors it

Debrief Questions

What? “What was the trickiest set to figure out? What gave it away?”
So What? “What does it mean to really notice the people around you?”
Now What? “What is one thing you noticed about someone today that you had never noticed before?”

Cleanup and Reset