workshopswithwow

The facilitators tool kit

I was asked recently what a facilitator should have in their toolkit. Hence today I thought I would go back to basics.. what does the facilitator/trainer need in their tool box?

The basics

• Permanent markers – I like Mr Sketch coloured markers
• White board markers & eraser
• Blu tack to put up flip charts around the room
• Flip charts, or as I call it butchers paper
• Masking tape – great for name tags, it stays on rather than falling off!
• Post it notes
• Highlighter pens
• Coloured markers for participants
• Spare pens for participants who forget to bring their own
• Scissors
• Data projector, power board and extension cord if required
• A whiteboard that doubles as a flip chart stand

For the facilitation sessions

• Cheap plastic table cloth
• 3M repositional glue
• A5 paper
• Black markers – enough for every member of the group
• Coloured dots, helpful for prioritising and voting
• Large post it notes can be very useful too

And the extra bits

• Pipe cleaners for the kinaesthetic learners to play with
• Balls and toys
• A clear clock to put on the desk so its easy to keep track of the time without looking constantly at our watch!
• A bell can be handy when working with large groups to get their attention or change tasks – be aware not to over use it
• Timer for short activities
• Note books/paper for participants if required
• Camera/phone to capture some piccs or take photos of the information generated by the group
• A speaker to play music in the breaks or sound for videos

And to easily move all of this about, a box on wheels is very useful.What else do people have in their toolkit?