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?
Exit Ticket: Students answer how these games helped them 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:
- Today I worked on building a __________ with my classmates.
- Sharing equipment can be difficult when...
CONCRETE REDWOOD
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. Your goal is to try and build the tallest redwood out of cones. Remember, we are working together in this game to help us create a community
INSTRUCTIONS
- Before the game begins, line up shoulder-to-shoulder on either the baseline or end line.
- When I say, “GO!” collect one cone from each hula-hoop (5 cones in total).
- Once you have collected all your cones, you will have one minute to build the tallest redwood you can at either the baseline or end line.
- 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 any redwood trying to knock it down.
- We will begin a new game once everyone has thrown.
Game 1: Play as indicated above.
Game 2: Divide students into pairs or teams. One student at a time can collect one cone at a time.
Game 3: Give students one minute to collect as many cones as they can one at a time. Once time is up students must build a redwood circle (3 stacks of cones). Have students try and knock down their redwood circle.
Exit Ticket: Students answer how these games helped them 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:
- Today I worked on building a __________ with my classmates.
- Sharing equipment can be difficult when...
COMMUNICATION
TIME
10-20 minutes
NUMBER OF STUDENTS
No restrictions
EQUIPMENT
1 fuzzy ball
1 dot per student
Optional: 1+ 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 student standing next to you.
- When I say, “GO!” call out the student’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 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 student they are throwing to is looking at him/her.
Exit Ticket: Students answer how these games helped them 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:
- Today I worked on building a __________ with my classmates.
- Sharing equipment can be difficult when...
PASSING SHIPS
TIME
10-20 minutes
NUMBER OF STUDENTS
4-20 students per game
EQUIPMENT
None
Optional: 1 flag per student
STORYLINE
Today we are playing Passing Ships. In this game, you are all ships trying to cross the ocean safely. Your goal is to make it to the other side without being taken over by a pirate (tagger). Remember, we are working together in this game to help us create a community.
INSTRUCTIONS
- I will begin as the pirate.
- Before the game begins, line up on the baseline shoulder-to-shoulder.
- I will call out a 'Yes' or 'No' statement (Do you have a pet? Did you eat breakfast this morning? Are you wearing shoes? Have you ever been to the beach?).
- If you answer, “Yes” you must run to the end line without being tagged.
- If you answer, “No” you stay on the baseline.
- You have three seconds to leave the baseline after I call out the statement.
- If you are tagged or go out-of-bounds, you become a pirate the next round.
- We will begin a new game once there are no ships left.
Game 1: Give ships three lives, or chances, when tagging.
Game 2: Play as indicated above.
Game 3: Play with flags instead of tagging.
Exit Ticket: Students answer how these games helped them build a community.
TEACHING TIPS
- Approach:
- Use general "Yes" or "No" statements so most students can participate.
- Safety:
- Remind students to keep their heads up when crossing to avoid bumping into others.
- 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:
- Today I worked on building a __________ with my classmates.
- Sharing equipment can be difficult when...