Free Game: “Puzzle Connection”

Supplies

• 1 jigsaw puzzle (preferably 20-100 pieces, depending on group size)

  • Ensure the puzzle has enough pieces for each participant to have one

• Optional: Timer or stopwatch

• Open space for movement and conversation

Game Overview

Puzzle Connections is a relationship-building game where students form connections by physically matching jigsaw puzzle pieces and then discovering things they have in common. As the group grows through connections, they deepen their relational awareness and teamwork.

Set Up

1. Before the game starts, separate the puzzle pieces so each participant receives one random piece.

2. Ensure there’s space for students to walk around and group up comfortably.

Game Play

1. Distribute: Give each student one puzzle piece.

2. Pair Up: Challenge students to find someone whose puzzle piece fits with theirs. Once they find a match, they become a pair.

3. Common Ground (Round 1): Each pair must then talk and discover one thing they have in common (e.g., favorite color, hobby, family structure).

4. Form Foursomes: Next, each pair finds another pair whose puzzle pieces link to theirs, forming a foursome.

5. Common Ground (Round 2): The foursome finds one shared commonality between all four members.

6. Continue to Connect: If time and group size allows, continue combining groups (e.g., from foursomes to groups of 8) and finding shared traits.

Rules

• Puzzle pieces must physically fit to move to the next round.

• Students cannot repeat the same “thing in common” for each round.

• Conversations must be respectful and inclusive.

• No swapping pieces or forming groups based solely on friendships—challenge everyone to mix it up.

Bonus Tips

• Theme It: Tie the “things in common” to a specific lesson theme or topic.

• Add Small Group Reflection: After the game, gather in small group and ask:

  • What was easy or hard about finding things in common?

  • How did it feel when your piece fit with someone else’s?

  • What does this teach us about building community?

• Use in Small Groups: Break large groups into smaller clusters to make interactions more meaningful.