![\"Trainer's](\"http:\/\/www.poortrainer.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/trainers-tool-box.jpg\")
<\/a>Much is said about adding tools to your \u201ctoolbox.\u201d\u00a0Trainers are often adding skill sets and learning\u00a0different methods to train participants.\u00a0 However, I have another tool box, a real one, which I use to keep those essential items I will need when I am training. My toolbox is a plastic box the size of a shoe box that holds the following:<\/p>\n- \n
- A deck of cards \u2013 In some cases I encourage participants to speak up by
\nawarding cards throughout the training. At the end of the training we play
\npoker with the cards and the highest poker hand gets a small prize. Warning:
\nIn highly competitive groups this can become distracting as the participants
\nare more focused on getting cards than the content of the course.<\/li>\n - A tide stick \u2013 Regardless of how careful I am at breakfast, I will often show up
\nto class wearing eggs or jelly. Always have a tide stick for those times a quick
\nclean-up is needed and a laundry mat is not a reasonable option.<\/li>\n - Lip Balm \u2013 It seems that 30 seconds before I start speaking my lips dry up as if
\nI had been wandering in the Sahara for a week.\u00a0 I have some mints for the same reason.<\/li>\n - Dry Erase Markers and Permanent Flip Chart Markers \u2013 Change them yearly or
\nas needed to keep them fresh.<\/li>\n - Stickers \u2013 Use colored stars to reward participation in class. The person with
\nthe most stickers at the end of the training gets the prize. You can also place
\ndifferent colored stickers on name tents while participants are at lunch and
\nthen regroup them based on the color of the stickers when they return.<\/li>\n - Sticky Notes \u2013 Have sticky notes on the tables for participants to write down
\nquestions and then post them on a parking lot during breaks. They can also be
\nused to conduct an impromptu Jeopardy game.<\/li>\n - Musical Instrument \u2013 Train whistle or other instrument used to bring the class
\nback together from break or activities.<\/li>\n - Masking or Painter\u2019s Tape or putty \u2013 Used to hang flip charts. Blue painter\u2019s
\ntape seems to work best in general.<\/li>\n - Small index cards \u2013 can be used to provide instruction for activities, for quick “pop-up” review exercises\u00a0or to place questions on the classroom parking lot.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
While none of these resources are free you should consider ways\u00a0of obtaining them inexpensively.\u00a0 Flip chart markers, whiteboard markers, sticky notes and index cards can often be obtained through your organization’s office supply resource.\u00a0 Masking tape, \u00a0cards, and musical instruments\u00a0can often be obtained inexpensively at a dollar store.\u00a0 For me, this is the most expensive resource I have had to purchase.\u00a0 However, I can’t tell you how many times I have used these resources when faced with challenges in the classroom.<\/p>\n
Next week…Organizing table settings so they are quick and easy to set up.\u00a0 See you soon.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Much is said about adding tools to your “toolbox.” Trainers are often adding skill sets and learning different methods to train participants. However, I have another tool box, a real one, which I use to keep those essential items I will need … Continue reading