Mystery Person
Mystery Person is a 30-45-minute activity where participants write down their strengths anonymously and then try to guess who possesses which strengths. Participants have an opportunity to share what they appreciate about themselves in a positive way and share with others. They also explore how their individual and collective strengths can help others.
Planning and Preparation: This 30-45-minute activity can be done with as many as 30 participants. You’ll need identical sheets of paper for each participant, pens or pencils, a container to hold the paper, and small prizes (optional) for people who correctly match strengths with participants. Works best in a setting with enough space for participants to form a circle where they can see and hear each other.
Developmental Relationship Element: Provide Support.
CASEL Competencies: listening, communication, self-awareness, social awareness, relationship skills.
Objective: Build and strengthen relationships among participants and between participants and leaders. Deepen understanding of Provide Support and also Express Care in Search Institute’s developmental relationships framework.
Activity
Mystery Person
Resource Audience
Resource Type
Read Time
Participants
# of Participants
Task Group Size
Task Length
More Activities to Build Strong Relationships in Your Classroom or Group
Video
Parents Get It Webinar
Parents Get It: Teachers are Important Partners in Young People's Growth presented by Dr. Ben Houltberg and Dr. Kara Hirano on June 7th, 2023
Activity
Marshmallow Towers
Activity where participants work together to construct a tower made of marshmallows and spaghetti and reflect on how they shared power in the experience.
Activity
Letter to Future Self
Letter to your Future Self
Related Resources on Relational Practices
Resources
Communication Style (E2E)
Understand the 4 types of communication style and how they affect educator relationships.
Relational Practice
Approaches to Expressing Care
Ten approaches that can be integrated into classroom or program activities that build the Express Care element of the developmental relationships framework.
Activity
Colorful Conversations
A relationship-building activity where participants take turns sharing about themselves using a set of prompts tied to each color of candy they have.