Team-Building Activities for Young Children
In the past, corporations used team-building activities to enhance employees' skills. Now educators, coaches and parents are discovering the merits of team-building activities for children. No matter the children's skill level, there is sure to be a team-building activity that suits them.
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Benefits
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Team-building activities allow children to improve important skills such as teamwork, communication, listening skills, idea exchange, cooperation and perseverance. Team-building activities can help children develop leadership skills and foster increased self-esteem.
Location
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Team-building activities can be performed on the playground, in PE class at school or also at activity centers. Team building activities can be performed at camps, daycare centers and after-school care facilities.
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Types
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A team-building activity that fosters communication between children is "Minefield." Plan a course and distribute "mines," which are orange cones or any similar type of object, throughout the course. One child is blindfolded and attempts to maneuver herself through the course while her partner calls out directions to help the child navigate the course without stepping on a "mine."
Cost
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Costs can vary depending on the facility that the child attends and the materials necessary for team-building. Some adventure-type places may be on the pricier side while daycares and camps can have plenty of team-building activities that don't cost a thing.
Preparation
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If possible, prepare depending on the skill set of the children, as some may be much more athletic than others. The purpose of team-building activities is to work together, so create activities in which children can work as a group rather than allowing a few athletes to shine.
Team-Building Ice-Breakers
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Ice-breakers are great ways for children to relax and get to know one another before starting camp or on the first day of elementary school. An easy, no-frills ice-breaker is Seven-Up, which is a favorite in elementary schools. Choose seven kids to stand at the front of the room, and the rest close their eyes and put their heads down on their desk. The seven then go around and lightly tap one of the seated children. When the lights go on, the seated children must guess who chose them.
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References
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- Photo Credit Susan Ayers
