Preparation
01 · Define the purpose
- Do you want to break the ice, encourage teamwork, or strengthen group cohesion?
02 · Set up the space
- If in person, organize a large area where participants can form a big circle.
- If virtual, use a gallery-view tool (such as Zoom) to facilitate interaction.
03 · Optional materials
- Cards for participants to write down their interests.
- Whiteboards or panels to visualize groups with similar interests.
04 · Design a follow-up activity
- Prepare additional activities for subgroups based on identified interests (e.g., a project, discussion, or creative task).
Step-by-step instructions
1
Introduction to the purpose
- Explain that the activity will help identify shared interests and create connections among participants.
2
Forming the circle and sharing interests
- Each participant briefly shares an interest or hobby (e.g., "I love photography," or "I enjoy reading science fiction").
- As they listen, others identify if they share that interest and mention it.
3
Grouping by common interests
- Facilitate the formation of small groups (3-5 people) based on shared interests. If someone has a unique interest, they can join a group that interests them.
4
Group activity related to common interests
- Each group engages in a short activity to explore their shared interest. Examples:
- Photography: Design an idea for a themed photoshoot.
- Reading: Share favorite books and create a mini-group recommendation list.
- Sports: Plan a simple game or physical activity they could do together.
- Music: Create a collaborative playlist based on their favorite genres or artists.
- Cooking: Discuss recipes or ideas for a themed menu.
5
Group presentations
- Each group briefly presents their activity results to the rest of the circle.
6
Group reflection
- Facilitate a discussion about the experience:
- What surprised them about discovering shared interests?
- What did they learn from others' interests?
- How could these connections enrich future group activities?
Materials
Paper or cards for writing interests (optional).
Whiteboards or visual spaces to organize shared interests.
Materials related to follow-up activities (markers, paper, electronic devices, etc.).
Practical recommendations
Inspire creativity
Provide examples of interests to help participants identify their own more easily.
Promote inclusion
Ensure that all participants have a space to express themselves.
Connect individual interests
Facilitate the formation of subgroups to explore affinities more deeply.
Document the experience
Save the activity outcomes (lists of interests, photos of whiteboards, etc.) for future reference.
Inspiration
Categories for Grouping Interests
- Arts & Creativity: Painting, writing, photography, graphic design, crafts.
- Sports & Physical Activities: Soccer, yoga, hiking, swimming, cycling.
- Music & Entertainment: Listening to specific genres (jazz, rock), playing instruments, singing, attending concerts.
- Reading & Writing: Fiction novels, poetry, essays, creative writing, self-help books.
- Technology & Video Games: Programming, gadgets, virtual reality, multiplayer games, app design.
- Science & Exploration: Astronomy, home experiments, science documentaries, creative recycling.
- Culture & Travel: Visiting museums, learning languages, exploring exotic destinations, discovering local traditions.
- Gastronomy: Cooking international recipes, baking, wine tasting, exploring local restaurants.
- Nature & Environment: Gardening, composting, birdwatching, environmental clean-up campaigns.
- Relaxation & Wellness: Meditation, mindfulness, spas, personal care routines.
- History & Politics: Historical discussions, activism, current events analysis, reading about historical figures.
- DIY Projects: Woodworking, furniture restoration, customizing clothing, home improvement.
- Fashion & Personal Style: Fashion design, trends, sustainable fashion, handmade accessories.
- Entrepreneurship & Business: Startups, digital marketing, investment, strategy creation.
- Animals & Pets: Animal care, volunteering at shelters, training, pet stories.
- Movies & Series: Classic films, popular series, independent cinema, film festivals.
- Spirituality & Personal Growth: Spiritual practices, tarot, spiritual yoga, self-improvement.
- Collecting Hobbies: Collecting coins, stamps, comics, vintage items.
- Board Games & Strategy: Chess, Monopoly, role-playing games, cooperative games.
- Social Causes: Gender equality, human rights, sustainability, community education.
