The Synonym Game

Topic
- Puberty & sexuality
Learning skills
- Social adjustment
- Language, reading & writing
- Communication & expression
Activity type
- Energiser & ice breaker
Materials
- None
Age
- 6 - 11 years
- 12 - 14 years
- 15 - 17 years
- 18+ years
<5 minutes
+5 players
Easy
Calm
Small (office, pavement)

Contributors

Mobile School

A step-by-step guide to play the game

Divide the players into groups of 2 or 3.

Round 1: Ask each group to come up with as many synonyms as possible for the word "penis". Give them 1 minute to write their answers down.

Round 2: Ask each group to come up with as many synonyms as possible for the word "vagina". Give them 1 minute to write their answers down.

Round 3: Ask each group to come up with as many synonyms as possible for the word "intercourse". Give them 1 minute to write their answers down.

Now, go over all the synonyms the groups came up with for the word "penis" and write them down.

The groups take turn in answering and cannot repeat synonyms that were already given. If a group has said all the synonyms written down, they are out. The last group standing gets a point.

Repeat the same process with the synonyms the groups came up with for the words "vagina" and "intercourse".

With the players, discuss all synonyms given and ask them which words they feel most comfortable using and which words are appropriate to use in which context. You can, for example, cross out all the words that are ambiguous and/or sound mocking or all the words that are too childish.

Mark the preferred words. Those are the terms that will be used during the discussion/other games played on sexuality with the group.

Extra game information

This game is a perfect icebreaker when you want to address the topic of sexuality. It lowers the threshold and immediately gives you a great insight into the vocabulary the players master. By selecting the words that will be used during further discussions together, you can ensure the players feel comfortable using the words and that the words used are respectful/appropriate in the context you're working in.
This activity is a part of the StreetSmart sexuality package. The package aims to give youth workers the tools they need to address the topic of sexuality in a playful way with the children and young people they work with, so they can learn to make conscious, healthy and respectful decisions. Sexuality is a very broad term, encompassing various subtopics. Here, you can find a list of all activities included in our sexuality package to address these different topics:

Sexuality in general: The Sex Alphabet, The Sexuality Goose Game, Yes or No Circle, Sexuality Statement Game
Body (development): Anatomy fundamentals, Who has what?, Physical changes in puberty, Emotional changes in puberty, Life Cycle
Boundaries: Stop!, People to People, Kiss the Teddy Bear, Body Carrousel, (Not) Okay?, Body Twister
Relationships: Choose Your Relationship, My Ideal Partner, In The Worst Way Possible
Gender & sexual orientation: Labels, Sex Change, Who does what?
Safe sex: The Synonym Game, Condom Smugglers, Goodie Bag, STD-Roulette, Can I get pregnant?
Sex & media: Who is responsible?

Variations

Individually: Form a circle and say the word the players need to find a synonym for, e.g. "vagina". In turn, all players will give a synonym for the word. If you want to add an element of competition, you can ask players that cannot think of a synonym anymore to step out of the circle. The last player left then wins the game.
Boys vs girls: The boys need to find as many synonyms as possible for the word "vagina", the girls for the word "penis" in a certain amount of time. The group with the longest list wins!

Specific learning objectives

Expand sexual vocabulary
Learn which words related to sexuality are appropriate to use in which context(s).

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