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?
workshopswithwow 
Comments on: "The facilitators tool kit" (1)
I have also found two large bulldog clips – just in case the whiteboard doesnt have paper attachements for the flip chart. A box of tissues- in case things get emotional. AND in the afternoon some sweeties or dried fruit and nuts:)