Grade Level: 5th
& 6th Grades
Topic:
Teamwork
Materials:
Multi-colored markers
Poster board
Chalkboard
Chalk
Slideshow
Computer/Projector
Objectives:
1. Students will combine all team members’ ideas to form one whole
picture for the group
2.
Students will use classroom
rules, such as taking turns, in order to
complete the task
3. Students will recognize their role within the larger group
Activities:
1. Introduction
As students are coming into the room, have pictures of teams that are relevant to the students (local sports teams,
choirs, professional sports teams, group activities from the school, etc.) rotate on a slideshow in the front of the classroom. Once students are seated and the lesson has begun, bring their attention to the photos
by saying something like, “What do these pictures have in common?”, “Have you ever been on a team like any
of these?”, etc. Then, ask questions more specifically addressing teamwork,
such as, “Can anyone tell me what teamwork means?” Write student
responses to these questions on the chalkboard. Transition into the main activity
by saying something like, “Today we’re going to learn how important teamwork and working together towards a common
goal is”.
2. Team Drawing Activity
Have students count off by 4’s (or whatever number would ensure that all groups remain small, but have about
the same number of group members).
Assign locations of the room for each group, making sure to give them all plenty of room to spread out and do their
poster. If there are teams that need special accommodations (i.e. if one of the
group members cannot get down on the floor to draw) make sure that there is a large table for that group to use. Have counselors/teachers pass out one sheet of poster board to each group and one marker to each group
member. Be sure that each student in a group has a different color marker, and
that the colors they are given can be used for a variety of scenes, as to not limit any students’ participation. Have teacher give directions for the activity, saying something like, “Today
we are going to work in teams to draw a picture. As a group, come up with some
theme or scene for your picture. Be sure to listen to everyone’s ideas
before you start drawing. You may notice that each student in your group has
a different color marker. You must keep and use only the marker you were given
during this activity. No switching colors with your teammates! Try to use up as much of the poster board as you can with everyone’s color. You have 20 minutes to come up with an idea and draw your picture.
Remember – use only the color that was given to you. No switching! Ready? Go!” During the activity, have counselors/teachers walk around to the different groups to assess if students
are on task, using teamwork, and listening to directions (i.e. not sharing markers, etc.)
After 15 minutes have passed, let the students know that they only have five minutes left to complete their pictures
before they present them to the rest of the class.
3. Discussion
When the 20 minutes is up, call all the students to attention and ask them to get back in their seats. Explain to students that each group will now present their posters to the rest of the class. Say something like, “Each group will now show their poster to the rest of the class. A student volunteer from the group will tell us what their scene or picture is and how they came up with
their idea as a group. Can the 1’s group come up first? And raise your hand to volunteer to speak for the group.” Once the students are in the front of the
room, pick one of the volunteers to present on their poster. While groups are
presenting, look to make sure that all students’ colors are on the poster and that they have all contributed pretty
much equally. Leave all the posters in the front of the room for display.
4. Conclusion
Put the pictures of teams from the introduction back on the screen. After the
given
time period, or when it appears that all students are one with the self-evaluation,
redirect their attention to the photos by saying something like, Remember these
pictures of teams from the beginning of class? Thinking about the way you all
worked as a team today, what do you think make the people in these pictures
good team members?” Listen to student responses until the end of the class
period. Once the bell has rung, say something like, “You guys have really
showed
us that you all learned a lot today about teamwork and being part of a team.
Great job! Enjoy the rest of your day!”