How to Develop a Team Spirit in Middle Schools
Working with a group toward a common goal is an important lesson. When learned in youth, teamwork is a skill that provides a foundation for adulthood. Developmentally, adolescence is an appropriate time to build children's cooperative skills. At this age range, children are becoming more socially aware of themselves and others, often showing allegiance to their peers rather than to adults. Being a part of a group is also important to the middle-school-aged child, so learning to be a member of a team is highly desirable.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Mix up the groups. Children will better understand how to be a part of a group if they are exposed to people outside of their own cliques. A random grouping is sometimes best to accomplish this goal.
-
2
Choose games and projects with a goal. Working together over a period of time will allow the participants to work through areas of disagreement. This is superior way to achieve a lasting lesson, rather than having adult intervention. Whenever possible, have children work out problems and find solutions themselves.
-
-
3
Choose at least one large motor team-building exercise--something physical that uses the large motor muscle group, such as muscles used in running or ball-catching. Middle-school-aged children enjoy physical activities and will respond well to any team sports activity. Stay away from letting the students pick their team members, instead use the opportunity to bring some of the less active students to the forefront.
-
4
Promote team spirit by choosing team colors or clothing. Students also may write a team song or design a mascot as a preliminary activity. Have each student bring one item to be used in making a team mascot, and then have the teams work together to produce something. Or, have them each create a line to be used in a song lyric. Let them create a mission statement, again encouraging full participation.
-
5
Chart their progress. By seeing and sharing their progress, students will have a greater degree of ownership in the project, as well as in the team.
-
6
Encourage students to encourage one another. Some team- building exercises include writing or telling teammates something that you admire about them. This will promote an overall good feeling among members.
-
7
Review the team approach, and discuss the various components once the exercises or projects are completed. Ask questions of the students such as, "How did that make you feel?" or "When did you most feel a part of the team?" and "How did your team deal with disagreement among its members?" Review the positive aspects of the team- building exercises, as well as the negative.
-
1
References
- South Carolina Department of Mental Health: Child Development Resources for Parents and Teachers
- Child Development Institute: Stages of Social-Emotional Development In Children and Teenagers
- College of Education, University of Missouri: Teaching Tips-Team Building Activities for Middle School Students
