Establish a Positive Community Atmosphere in Your Classroom Through Team-Building Activities  Lisa Kihn

Team-building activities help establish a positive community atmosphere in your classroom. When your students get to know you and each other in a fun and supportive environment you are able to establish a the kind of rapport that will enable you to have a trusting relationship with them throughout the year.

ZIG ZAG ZOP

1. Everyone is in a circle. One person starts by saying, "zig" and looking at another person.

2. That person now says, "zag" while looking at another person.

3. Now the third person says, "zop" while looking at another person and pointing to them with a fully extended arm. Only "zop" has the arm motion. If a person moves their arm on "zig" or "zag" he/she is out and must sit down. If a person does not move their arm on "zop" he/she is out and must sit down.

4. Advanced -- Speed it up. If a person hesitates, he/she is out.

Skill -- Concentration


COUNTING

1. Class forms a circle, looking down with no eye contact.

2. One person at a time, but in no preplanned order or pattern, the group needs to count from one to ten.

3. If two people speak at once, they have to start over.

4. If you get past ten... see how high you can go!

Skills -- Ensemble, Giving and Taking Focus

KOOSH BALL

1. Everyone stands in a circle. One person starts by throwing the koosh ball to another person.

2. Continue passing the ball around so that everyone gets the ball once. The ball should end up with the person who started it.

3. Remember the order and then time how fast the group can get the ball through everyone.

4. See if the group can beat their fastest time!

Skills -- Concentration and Team Work