Paper and pencils can support many shared games, but the materials alone do not create a good session. Decide first whether the group wants to draw, collect words or solve something logically. A short explanation and a trial round are more useful than several partly explained games in succession.
A drawing relay of your own
A simple version starts with one sheet per person. Everyone draws a line or shape and passes the sheet on. The next person adds something that connects with the existing drawing. After an agreed number of passes, the group gives each picture a title.
Nothing needs to be guessed, and drawing skill is not a scoring criterion. Someone who prefers writing can contribute a short title at the end. Agree not to cover or ridicule existing elements; the point is to develop them further.
A word round with clear rules
For another round, choose a few categories everyone understands, such as kitchen objects, ways of travelling or words beginning with a particular letter. Establish beforehand whether compound words and proper names count.
Allow enough writing time and read answers only afterwards. If writing speeds differ, small teams can collect ideas together. The activity should encourage ideas rather than accidentally test handwriting or speed.
Resolve disputed answers using the category’s agreed meaning. A creative answer can fit without being the one initially expected. If the category itself was unclear, change it for the next round.
Keep materials and finishing simple
Provide clearly visible pencils or pens, enough paper and a clear writing surface. Tiny writing or an unstable surface makes a simple task unnecessarily difficult. Adapt sheet size and working arrangements to the participants.
Keep a successful drawing or interesting word list afterwards if the group wants to, and sort out the rest. Briefly record your version’s rules so that next time does not begin with a lengthy discussion about how the previous session actually worked.