Leadership Scavenger Hunt in the Library

This scavenger hunt adapts the original Leadership Communication Game to a library setting. It is designed to develop leadership, effective communication, and collaborative problem-solving skills while engaging students in a fun, educational activity. The session is extended to an hour, allowing more in-depth navigation, additional challenges including a cup order guessing game, and a special community-building segment to help students bond and work as a team.

Game Overview

• Objective: Enhance leadership and literacy skills by practicing clear verbal instructions, active listening, and teamwork in a library scavenger hunt format. Students will also engage in a community building activity to further strengthen group dynamics.
  
  
  
• Time Required: 60 minutes
  
  
  
• Materials Needed:
  • Clue cards with clear instructions (including visual cues suitable for students with ADHD & ADD)
    
  • A list of library-based scavenger hunt items or tasks (e.g., locate a specific book, identify a library section, solve a book-related riddle)
    
  • Materials for the Cup Order Guessing Game (several cups, markers or stickers to indicate different orders, and a hidden correct order)
    
  • Optional: Materials for the Community Builder (e.g., a large poster, markers, sticky notes)
    
  • Leadership and Literacy Lesson Plan for background and additional support materials
    
    
    

Setup and Group Organization

1. Divide into Small Groups:
   • Organize students into groups of 4-5 and provide each group with a set of library clue cards or a scavenger hunt list.
   • Clearly delineate the library boundaries where the hunt will take place (e.g., different sections, reading areas, etc.).
     
     
     
     
2. Role Assignment:
   • Within each group, appoint one student as the leader. This leader is responsible for reading clues, guiding the group through the library, and coordinating with team members during challenges.
   • Rotate roles after each completed task or segment to give everyone an opportunity to lead.
     
     
     
     

Activity Segments

1. Community Builder (15 minutes)

• Purpose: Start the session by strengthening group bonds and setting a collaborative tone.
• Activity: Have each group work together to create a 'Team Vision Board' on a large poster. They can write or draw symbols that represent qualities of good leadership (e.g., honesty, clarity, supportiveness) and ideas they wish to bring to their leadership journey. Teams discuss what each element means to them and how they can apply these qualities during the scavenger hunt.
• Debrief: Quickly share highlights from each group with the class to build a sense of community and shared purpose.
  
  
  
  

2. Scavenger Hunt and Cup Order Guessing Game (35 minutes)

Starting the Hunt

• Each group receives their first clue card. The card includes written and visual instructions directing the group to a specific library section or task (e.g., "Find a book about historical leaders"). The group leader reads the clue aloud and explains the required steps.
  
  
  
  

Following Clues

• Clear Verbal Communication: The leader gives precise, step-by-step instructions based on the clue. Team members listen carefully and help ensure everyone understands.
• Active Participation: As the group navigates the library and works through tasks, all members contribute ideas and observations, supporting their leader with suggestions.
• Adaptations for ADHD & ADD: Clue cards include visual aids and extra time is provided when needed. Teachers may offer gentle reminders to help maintain focus.
  
  
  
  

Completing Tasks

• Library Tasks: Tasks might include locating a specific book on leadership, identifying a particular library resource area, or solving a literature-related puzzle (e.g., finding a quote in a book).
• Cup Order Guessing Game: In one designated phase of the hunt, students will encounter a display with several cups arranged in a specific order. Hidden markers (like stickers or colored marks) denote a secret sequence. The group needs to:
  • Observe and discuss the potential order of the cups carefully.
  • Strategize by analyzing the visual clues provided on their clue card to guess the correct sequence.
  • The leader will guide the discussion while team members contribute observations.

After completing each task, including the cup guessing activity, a new clue card is issued, guiding the group to the next location or challenge within the library.

Teacher Involvement

• Teachers circulate throughout the library, offering feedback and ensuring all instructions are understood. Periodic group discussions help the students reflect on effective communication and leadership techniques.
  
  
  
  

3. Post-Hunt Reflection and Community Sharing (10 minutes)

• Reflect on Leadership: Gather the class to discuss group experiences, focusing on role rotation, the value of clear instructions, and teamwork during both the library tasks and the cup order guessing game.
• Discuss Communication: Prompt discussion with questions like:
  • Which instruction was most effective?
  • How did teamwork and community building contribute to solving the challenges?
  • In what ways can these leadership and communication skills be applied in other situations?
• Community Sharing: Invite each group to share one key takeaway from their team vision board or express how community building enhanced their teamwork during the scavenger hunt.
  
  
  
  

Closing

Wrap up the activity by summarizing the key takeaways about leadership, communication, and community. Reiterate the importance of effective communication and encourage students to apply these skills in both academic and real-life leadership scenarios.

Enjoy your library scavenger hunt and cup order guessing challenge – remember, effective leadership begins with clear communication and strong community bonds!