The left right left game is a fun game for women’s ministry events! Here is how you play it: You need a small gift or prize and a story that frequently uses the words “left” and “right.” Participants sit in a circle and pass the gift to the left or right whenever they hear the corresponding direction in the story. The person holding the gift when the story ends gets to keep it. This game not only brings lots of laughter but also helps break the ice and fosters a sense of community among the women at the women’s ministry events. There is no need to break the bank for the prizes. Simple items like trinkets, lotion, accordion fans, or even something from Dollar Tree could work.
But who doesn’t love these cute little fans?
You can find other women’s ministry ideas here.
Benefits of Games and Women’s Ministry
Research shows that collaborative games and team-building activities significantly enhance group cohesion and communication skills. According to a study by Salas et al. (2015), activities like the left right left game can improve group cohesion and performance by fostering trust and promoting effective interpersonal interactions.
Also, a review by Klein et al. (2009) highlights that team-building exercises can boost morale and increase motivation, leading to better overall productivity. Furthermore, research from the Harvard Business Review (2019) indicates that these activities encourage creative problem-solving and innovation by leveraging diverse perspectives within a team.
Instructions for the Left-Right Game
The Left-Right game is a fun and interactive storytelling activity often used at parties or gatherings. It works well for distributing gifts or simply adding some excitement to a group setting.
What You’ll Need to play the left right left game:
- A small gift or prize for each participant, or one gift to be passed around.
- A story that includes the words “left” and “right” frequently.
Setup for the left right left game:
- Seat Participants in a Circle: Have everyone sit in a circle or around a table where they can easily pass items to the person next to them.
- Distribute Gifts: If you are using multiple gifts, give one to each participant. If using a single gift, start with one person holding it.
How to Play:
- Read the Story Aloud: The leader reads a pre-prepared story aloud to the group. The story should contain the words “left” and “right” numerous times.
- Pass the Items:
- Every time the word “left” is mentioned, participants must pass the gift or item they are holding to the person on their left.
- Every time the word “right” is mentioned, they pass the item to the person on their right.
- Keep Listening: Encourage participants to pay close attention and pass the items as quickly as possible.
- End the Game: The game ends when the story is over. Whoever is holding the gift or prize at the end of the story gets to keep it. If you are using multiple gifts, each person will end up with a different gift by the end of the game.
Tips and Ideas:
- Be SUPER Dramatic: Read the story with enthusiasm and at a moderate pace to keep everyone on their toes.
- Use a Themed Story: For a fall or holiday-themed event, use a story that reflects the season or occasion.
- Practice First: If the group is unfamiliar with the game, consider doing a quick practice round.
Story Option #1 for the left right left game
“The Journey of Faith: A Left-Right Story – Short version”
Mary felt God calling her to a special journey. She prayed and asked, “Am I bringing the RIGHT things with me?” She packed her Bible and LEFT for church. Halfway there, she remembered she LEFT her prayer journal behind, so she turned LEFT and went back to get it.
With everything in hand, she turned RIGHT and continued on her way. Along the way, she saw her friend John on the RIGHT side of the street. John asked, “Are you going to church?” Mary said, “Yes!” and they walked together, turning LEFT at the corner.
As they talked, they realized how God had always guided them, even when they felt they had gone LEFT or RIGHT in life. They arrived at the church, knowing they had followed the RIGHT path.
REMEMBER: Whoever is holding the gift at the end keeps it! This brief story is perfect for keeping the game fun and meaningful while reinforcing the idea that God is always guiding us.
Story Option # 2: “The Journey of Faith: A Left-Right Story”
One day, Mary felt God calling her to go on a special journey. She wasn’t sure what to bring, so she asked the Lord, “Am I taking the RIGHT things with me?” She prayed and felt led to pack her Bible, knowing it would guide her through anything LEFT to face on the journey.
As she LEFT her house, she turned RIGHT down the street towards her church. On the way, she remembered she LEFT her prayer journal behind, so she turned LEFT around and went back to get it. Once she had everything she needed, she turned RIGHT again and was finally on her way.
Along her walk, Mary saw a friend standing on the RIGHT side of the road. Her friend asked, “Are you heading to the church too?” Mary smiled and replied, “Yes, I feel like God has something special waiting for us there.” Her friend decided to join her, so they both turned LEFT at the corner and continued walking together.
As they walked, they spoke about the RIGHT ways to serve others and the things they had LEFT to learn in their faith. They encouraged each other and shared stories of how God had moved in their lives, guiding them RIGHT where they needed to be, even when they had LEFT their plans behind.
When they finally arrived at the church, they knew they had taken the RIGHT path, and were grateful for the journey God had prepared for them. The lesson was clear: even when we feel we’ve gone LEFT or RIGHT in life, God is always there to guide us in the RIGHT direction.
Story #3 – Grocery Shopping story for a left right left game
Samantha was getting ready for a big family dinner, so she LEFT her house and headed to the grocery store. On her way, she realized she had LEFT her shopping list at home, so she quickly turned LEFT and went back to get it. With her list in hand, she turned RIGHT out of her driveway and was finally on her way.
At the store, she grabbed a cart and turned RIGHT down the produce aisle. She picked up some apples and oranges, but noticed she had LEFT the bananas on the shelf, so she quickly turned LEFT to go back and get them.
Next, she turned RIGHT into the dairy section to grab some milk and cheese. But then she remembered she had LEFT the bread on the other side of the store, so she hurried LEFT to the bakery section.
With her cart getting full, Samantha turned RIGHT towards the checkout line. Just as she was about to pay, she realized she had LEFT her wallet in the car! She rushed out, turned RIGHT into the parking lot, grabbed her wallet, and turned LEFT back into the store.
Finally, she paid for her groceries and LEFT the store, feeling relieved that she hadn’t LEFT anything behind this time. She turned RIGHT out of the parking lot and headed home, ready to start cooking.
Story #4 -“The Busy Day at Church: A Left-Right Game Story”
Sister Kim had a busy day planned at church. She LEFT her house early, determined to get everything ready for the big event. Arriving at the church, she turned RIGHT into the kitchen to start preparing refreshments. She noticed she had LEFT some ingredients on the counter, so she turned LEFT and hurried back to the pantry to grab them.
While setting up the fellowship hall, she realized she had LEFT the name tags in her office. So, she turned RIGHT and dashed back to get them. As she was organizing the seating, she saw the new bulletin board needed updating. She turned LEFT to grab the supplies and started decorating.
Just then, she was told the sound system needed fixing. She turned RIGHT to the storage room to find the tools. By the time everything was ready, she realized she had LEFT the meeting notes in her car. She turned LEFT to the parking lot, retrieved them, and finally prepared for the event with everything in place.
That’s it. Again, the left right left game is super fun for women’s groups and creates a lively, energized environment.
Have fun with your left right left game!
Sources:
- Salas, E., Sims, D. E., & Burke, C. S. (2015). “Is there a ‘Big Five’ in Teamwork?” Team Performance Management, 21(1/2), 48-70.
- Klein, C., Ziegert, J. C., Knight, A. P., & Xiao, Y. (2009). “Dynamic Delegation: A Longitudinal Study of Delegation and Team Performance.” Academy of Management Journal, 52(6), 1337-1357.
- Harvard Business Review. (2019). “The Importance of Team-Building Activities.” Harvard Business Review. Retrieved from hbr.org.
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