TECHNIQUE
Today we are going to learn how to create a community.
IMPORTANCE
It is important to create a community because it builds a trusting environment where students feel safe to grow. It also is essential for learning how to work together as valued team members.
VOCABULARY
Community: a group of people that share or have certain attitudes and interests in common.
These phrases can be used during different situations that may come up while playing a game with teammates:
Disagreeing Phrases
- “I feel___when you do ___.“
- “Maybe we could try ___?“
- “You/we might consider trying....”
- “I noticed ______ , but I wish ____.”
- “Something I liked is ____ because _____.”
- “I see your point, but what about _____?”
- “What if we did _____?“
- “How about we try _____?”
Encouraging Phrases
- “You can do it!”
- “Keep going!”
- “I am confident in your ability.”
- “We care about you.”
- “I know you can handle it.”
- “We can do this together.”
- “We need your help with ___.“
- “Can you help us do ____?“
- “We won’t be able to do ___ without you.”
- “We really want you to be a part of our team.”
Congratulating Phrases
- “You really improved today.”
- “It’s obvious you did your best.”
- “It made me feel good when you did ____.”
- “I appreciated _____.“
- “Thank you for doing ____ in the game.”
- Give each other high-fives or a hug after a game or challenge.
OVER UNDER
TIME
10-20 minutes
NUMBER OF STUDENTS?
No restrictions
EQUIPMENT
2 short cones
24 fuzzy balls
STORYLINE
Today we are playing Over Under. Your goal is to work together as a team to transport an object from the beginning of the line to the end in a particular pattern. Remember, we are working together in this game to help us create a community.
INSTRUCTIONS
- I will divide the class into two teams.
- Before the game begins, form a single file line behind a marker cone.
- When I say, “GO!” the first student in line will pass the object over his/her head. The next person in line will pass the object under his/her legs. This pattern of ‘over’, ‘under’ will continue until the object is passed to the end.
- We will begin a new game once the object reaches the end. The last student in line will then become the first.
Game 1: Play as indicated above. If students cannot handle being split up, start everyone in one line. Pass one fuzzy ball.
Game 2: Have students say each other’s names aloud when passing.
Game 3: Add an additional object each round.
Game 4: Count aloud and see how many seconds it takes for the object to be passed. How fast can the class pass the object?
Game 5: Work in the reverse direction. After passing the ball to the person behind them, have students run to the back of the line until they have reached the end line.
Exit Ticket: Students share how these games helped the class build a community.
TEACHING TIPS
- Approach:
- Have students say the words, “Over”, “Under” to help them know which direction they need to pass the object.
- Safety:
- Make sure that students do not throw or let go of the object early.
- ELL Accommodation:
- Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
- Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
- SpEd Accommodation:
- Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications.
- Allow students to demonstrate skill one-on-one with teacher.
- Allow students extra time to master the skill.
- Reflection:
- Name two things you did today that helped create the community around you.
- Creating a community can be challenging when...
CONCRETE REDWOOD II
TIME
10-20 minutes
NUMBER OF STUDENTS
4-24 students per game
EQUIPMENT
5 hula-hoops
4 short cones per student
1 tall cone per student
1 fuzzy ball per student
STORYLINE
Today we are playing Concrete Redwood II. Your goal is to try and build the tallest redwood tree out of cones. Remember, we are working together in this game to help us create a community.
INSTRUCTIONS
- I will divide the class into two teams.
- Before the game begins, line up shoulder-to-shoulder on either the baseline or end line.
- When I say, “GO!” each person on your team will collect one cone from each hula-hoop (five cones per person in total).
- Once you have collected all your cones, your team will have one minute to build the tallest redwood(s) tree you can.
- When time is up, line up in the middle of the field with a fuzzy ball.
- When I say, “GO!” throw your fuzzy ball at the opposing team’s redwood tree trying to knock it down.
- We will begin a new game once everyone has thrown.
Game 1: Play as indicated above.
Exit Ticket: Students share how these games helped the class build a community.
TEACHING TIPS
- Approach:
- Remind students to be aware of others when collecting cones to avoid collisions.
- ELL Accommodation:
- Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
- Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
- SpEd Accommodation:
- Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications.
- Allow students to demonstrate skill one-on-one with teacher.
- Allow students extra time to master the skill.
- Reflection:
- Name two things you did today that helped create the community around you.
- Creating a community can be challenging when...
COMMUNICATION
TIME
10-20 minutes
NUMBER OF STUDENTS
No restrictions
EQUIPMENT
1 fuzzy ball
1 dot per student
Optional: 1+ beanbag or fuzzy ball
STORYLINE
Today we are playing Communication. Your goal is to work with your teammates to pass the object without dropping it. Remember, we are working together in this game to help us create a community.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Before the game begins, form a circle standing on your dot so that you are an arm’s length apart from the person standing next to you.
- When I say, “GO!” call out the person’s name and toss the object underhand.
- After you toss the object, have a seat on the ground.
- We will begin a new game once everyone has had a chance to catch the object.
Game 1: Play as indicated above.
Game 2: Play as indicated above. If the object drops, everyone must start over.
Game 3: Count aloud to see how fast the class can complete one pass to each student. Try beating the previous record.
Game 4: Add additional objects.
Variation: Students can only use eye contact and must make sure the person they are throwing to is looking at him/her.
Exit Ticket: Students share how these games helped the class build a community.
TEACHING TIPS
- Approach:
- The teacher always begins with the object to avoid student arguments over who tosses first.
- Safety:
- Only underhand throws are allowed.
- ELL Accommodation:
- Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
- Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
- SpEd Accommodation:
- Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications.
- Allow students to demonstrate skill one-on-one with teacher.
- Allow students extra time to master the skill.
- Reflection:
- Name two things you did today that helped create the community around you.
- Creating a community can be challenging when...
FLOATING FORTRESS
TIME
10-20 minutes
NUMBER OF STUDENTS
4-24 students per game
EQUIPMENT
24 tall cones
24 fuzzy balls
10 short cones
Optional: 2 playground balls
Optional: 2 Frisbees
STORYLINE
Today we are playing Floating Fortress. Your goal is to sink the enemy's floating fortress (tall cones) before they sink yours. Remember, we are working together in this game to help us create a community.
INSTRUCTIONS
- I will divide the class into two teams.
- Each team will have a fortress (10 tall cones) behind them.
- When I say, "GO!" start throwing balls at the other team’s fortress to try and knock it over.
- If a cone is knocked down you cannot put it back up.
- You can only throw inside your team's boundary cones.
- You can only catch thrown balls from the other team. You may not use your body to block shots.
- You may only have one ball in your hand at a time.
- At any point, you may retrieve balls that go past your boundary cones.
- We will begin a new game when one team's cones are all knocked down.
Game 1: Play as indicated above. Students cannot block throws with fuzzy balls.
Game 2: Students can block throws with fuzzy balls.
Game 3: Students must spread their fortress around three sides.
Variation: Add playground balls – these balls can only be rolled. Add Frisbees as shields to block throws.
Exit Ticket: Students share how these games helped the class build a community.
TEACHING TIPS
- Approach:
- Divide teams equally based on athletic ability.
- Student Role:
- Have one student be a ball master in charge of retrieving balls that go out-of-bounds.
- ELL Accommodation:
- Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
- Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
- SpEd Accommodation:
- Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications.
- Allow students to demonstrate skill one-on-one with teacher.
- Allow students extra time to master the skill.
- Reflection:
- Name two things you did today that helped create the community around you.
- Creating a community can be challenging when...