We have moved to an expeditionary learning model at our Title I school. Our vision is to give students experiences that will help them to learn essential social and emotional skills in an interactive setting. While worksheets and desk work can be an effective mode of teaching, we believe that getting students up and moving and interacting with one another is more engaging and more memorable. We have a strong focus on team building and team challenges. These challenges teach students to work cooperatively, listen to one another, problem solve, resolve conflict, collaborate and lead. All of these core skills are not only important when working in groups, but they are also important skills for life. Students who are able to lead, collaborate, self-manage, problem solve, etc. are more productive in school, have better relationships, and are more successful. We chose team building activities as a way to teach these skills K-5.
The items we chose can be differentiated across grade levels and used by all of our students. We have time set aside each week where students participate in team challenges, this is a time the students absolutely love. They would be thrilled to see the marble maze, Stride R, memory maze, falling sticks air challenge and don't lose your marbles challenge. Each of these team building games will facilitate positive communication, enhance listening skills, improve relationships and collaboration, etc. Students who have all of these skills generally score higher on standardized assessment, and enjoy school overall. These activities help to build a positive culture and climate where all students can thrive.
About my class
We have moved to an expeditionary learning model at our Title I school. Our vision is to give students experiences that will help them to learn essential social and emotional skills in an interactive setting. While worksheets and desk work can be an effective mode of teaching, we believe that getting students up and moving and interacting with one another is more engaging and more memorable. We have a strong focus on team building and team challenges. These challenges teach students to work cooperatively, listen to one another, problem solve, resolve conflict, collaborate and lead. All of these core skills are not only important when working in groups, but they are also important skills for life. Students who are able to lead, collaborate, self-manage, problem solve, etc. are more productive in school, have better relationships, and are more successful. We chose team building activities as a way to teach these skills K-5.
The items we chose can be differentiated across grade levels and used by all of our students. We have time set aside each week where students participate in team challenges, this is a time the students absolutely love. They would be thrilled to see the marble maze, Stride R, memory maze, falling sticks air challenge and don't lose your marbles challenge. Each of these team building games will facilitate positive communication, enhance listening skills, improve relationships and collaboration, etc. Students who have all of these skills generally score higher on standardized assessment, and enjoy school overall. These activities help to build a positive culture and climate where all students can thrive.
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