This group exercise gets its name because it involves a small group gradually getting bigger as you go through the activity – just like a snowball (where the snow is wet enough!). It allows an intensive discussion on a specific question or statement, and is quite energizing. The total time for such a group exercise should not take more than 30 to 40 minutes.
Tips for trainers
— Identify a clear question or statement, which the groups will discuss. (Make it very clear.)
— Divide the participants into pairs. Tell them they have 5-10 minutes to discuss the question, and produce a response on a paper or card. No plenary feedback is given at this point.
— Ask each pair to sit with another pair. The new groups of four should discuss (5-10 minutes) their responses to the same question, and again produce a joint response on a paper or card.
— Each group of four now joins with another group of four, to make groups of eight. Again, each new group discusses the same question (5-10 minutes). Each group now writes their responses on a flipchart or on cards, and posts these on the wall. Groups of eight are usually big enough, or the discussion will take too long.
— Each group gives a short feedback on their response in the plenary session (10 minutes).