This is not a … it’s a …

Quick Description

Players pass an object and make up new uses for it by denying what has been said before and explaining it’s “real” use.

How to Play

Objective: To develop flexible thinking by listing as many uses, real or imagined, as possible for an ordinary object.
Process: Pick an object at random and find possible uses for other than its primary function.
Players: 1-5
Time Needed: 5 minutes to several days.

Directions: After choosing an object, hold it and say, “This is not a (whatever it really is). This is a …..” (give it a different function). Use the spatula picture below as a practice round, “This is not a spatula, it’s a stake to hold up small plants in my garden.” Pass the item to the next player or add another yourself. “This is a cat-scarer to keep him off my couch.”
Focus Point: Notice, then let go of judgement, evaluation, or looking for best answer.

Notes

Hint: 1. Change your perspective on the item when stuck. Turn it around or get up and move away and look at it from afar. See it from the POV of a child, space traveler, etc.

Hint 2. Use sensory prompts to see new possibilities. What does it look, sound, taste, smell or feel like?

Variation

Add movement to your description. Make believe you are using it for the purpose you describe. Ex: If the spatula is now a microphone, hold it and sing into it when defining it.

Origin

This game comes to us from Izzy Geselle

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