Activities for Classroom Application & Presentations
Props/Prep: Copies
Time: 20 min
Audience: Pairs
Physical: No
Be Like Geese
Activity: This activity requires participants to analyse the migration and flying practices of geese and
apply these principles to their lives, peer groups, professions, church organizations, etc. It is a great
illustration of how leadership is fluid, participation is collaborative, and Divine Design is integral in
human interaction.
Time Requirement: 20 minutes
Materials: 1 copy of the Geese sheet per person, pens
Procedure:
Divide the participants up into partners. Give each partner a Geese sheet. Instruct the partners to
either read the Geese story together or individually. When everyone is done with the story, give them
the next set of directions.
Have participants consider several things.



Who are they, why are they here? What is their circumstance? Are they a group of students
who need to work together? Are they a group of teachers who need to finish a project? Are
they a group of church members who are struggling with how much time volunteering takes?
What are basic truths from the Geese story?
How do these truths apply to their current circumstance?
Give them several minutes to think and discuss these issues. Once everyone has had a chance to
talk, debrief the activity.
Debriefing:


1
Ask the participants what basic truths they observed in the Geese story.
Ask participants how these truths apply to their current situation.

Write down the connecting thoughts that you wish to highlight before you debrief this activity to
ensure that you can consolidate learning and make the appropriate application.
Function in Class:
This activity is a great way to start a class or meeting. It sets the tone of collaboration and team work.
It also sends a very strong message about giving people opportunity to develop leadership roles and
showcase strengths, take rests to regenerate, support those struggling, etc. The faith integration
possibilities are endless.
2
Be Like Geese! A Powerful Metaphor
There is a lot to be learned from lessons found in nature. Everyone is familiar
with the “V” formation that geese use when migrating during the spring and fall of
the year. Scientists have discovered that there are good reasons for the flying
habits of geese. These “basic truths” may apply whether we are migrating geese
or humans trying to work together towards a common goal.
When geese fly in formation, they can travel about 70 percent farther than when
they fly alone. It has been learned that as each bird flaps its wings, it creates an
uplift for the bird immediately following. Whenever a goose falls out of formation,
it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone. Hence, it quickly
gets back into line to take advantage of the power of the formation.
When the lead goose gets tired, he rotates back in the wing and another goose
flies in front. These geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep
up their speed. Finally, when a goose gets sick or wounded and falls out, two
geese fall out of formation and follow him down to help and protect him. They
stay with him until he is able to fly again, then they all launch out together to join
another formation or to catch up with their own.
What are some ‘basic truths’ of this story?
Friedberg, K & J., (1996). Nuts!: Southwest Airlines' Crazy Recipe for Business and Personal Success.
Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group Inc., New York, NY
3