Trying new things isn’t always fun. Some people refuse. Some are more hesitant. Maybe a person will resist trying something new but then give it a try when given some time to analyze the situation. What kind of personality traits show up when a person is asked to try something new?

Personality Traits

All of us have different personality traits. What personality traits show up when a person is tasked with a new project can determine what tools might be needed for helping a person through experiences like personal trials or hardships. Research suggests there are five main personality traits:
- Extraversion (outgoing vs reserved)
- Agreeableness (compassionate vs rational or critical)
- Openness to experience (curious vs cautious)
- Neuroticism (sensitive or nervous vs resilient and confident)
- Conscientiousness (efficient vs extravagant or careless)
Personality traits are important to each of us. Our traits are inherited by both genes and the environment. They may even be able to predict life outcomes like education or health.

“And the Donut Just Stood There With a Glazed Expression.”
Have you just been tasked with working with a teen church group and you don’t know the teens or their personalities very well?
As a counselor did a high functioning autistic child get assigned to your small group because they are having difficulties at school and home in group activities?
We love this donut activity because it’s perfect for these type of situations. It helps personality traits show up VERY quickly. The activity comes across like a fun activity instead of a learning activity. Some ways to incorporate this activity are:
- Small counseling groups
- Icebreakers
- Homeschool or classroom settings
- Family or church group activities
- Preschool groups
We feel like this activity would work best for late preschool to high school ages.

The Activity:
This activity is great for teaching:
- Teamwork
- Personality traits
- Trying new things
- Friendship
To get started, first always make sure that you check first for any food allergies or intolerances. Also check to make sure there are no food issues that might be a problem like physical eating or swallowing disorders, anorexia or bulimia.
Second, head to the store and pick up some donuts. I usually purchase a variety of different flavored donuts. I buy enough for the group to try about six different flavors that I cut into a bite sized sample piece for each of them. You’ll want to buy fun and unique donut flavors like maple bacon, fruit loops, and other interesting combinations.
Finally, have your group start sampling and review the results as a group. For access to your free printable for the activity, click the button below.
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