Magic Maze is a classic activity that never fails to impress. Team members work to move across a grid using the one and only safe path. You have the only map. Through trial and error, students must work together to discover the "correct" or "safe path." The challenge presented in Magic Maze will stimulate conversation and act as a springboard into other learning activities.

In the following module you will learn how to properly set-up and facilitate the activity and then if you wish, move students through an academic and/or social skills development reflection experience.

*This activity has been adapted from the Team Building & Group Development CD-ROM of The Inspire! Youth Series from LearningChange, LLC.

Ages
Magic Maze is appropriate with 4th-5th grade students and up as presented, but can be used with any age group with minor adaptations.

Group Size
This activity works best with 8 students and up.

Setting
Magic Maze works well in any after school setting, either indoors or outdoors.

Duration
This activity should take about 30-60 minutes to complete with your group. Budget more time if you wish to go into depth by using any of the extension activities or questions.
 

General

In this activity, some of the things you will inevitably notice include:

• 
  Students will be active and engaged in the process.
• Students will need to work their memory muscle and communicate what they've seen and learned to one another.
• Students will be be challenged to think about how they work within a team environment.
• Metaphorically, students will begin to connect with the activity by looking at what path they are on, and how others are supporting them along the way.

Academic Standards & Asset Development

For specific academic and social development lessons for this activity, see the Academic Extensions and Social Extensions sections in this module.

This course will walk you step-by-step through the process of setting up and leading this activity, as well as facilitating the conversations and lessons after the experience.

Begin here and move from section to section, and be sure to download and print the activity's PDF Quick Reference Guide and any handouts as you prepare for your event.

Budget about 10-15 minutes to walk through all sections and view all video and written instruction for this course.