When you are in charge of a group of kids, it can be very important to help them learn about one another. The more children know about each other, the more understanding they can be. Team building activities for kids are also made for those who are teaching organized sports or for people who are working with a large group of children. These activities will help bring the children in from their separate corners, and create a team atmosphere.
Studies have also shown that when team building activities are done within an elementary school, there are fewer cases of bullying. Bullying is a major issue in most public and private schools around the Country, if bullying is a problem in your school, or the schools in your community, perhaps some team building efforts are needed.
When students of any age participate in team building activities, a new trust is formed. Getting to know teachers, leaders and other students in a non-judgmental and informative way, helps children relax and let others in. Children have been known to thrive and grow in a positive atmosphere. If one can be created at school or through other activities, the children will feel better about themselves and the activity at hand.
It is recommended that you do an “ice breaker” activity before you start the team building activities for kids. This will
help them get to know each other better, and help the quieter children become more involved. These icebreakers should only last a short time, and they should get the children ready for the “main course”
When you start on the main team building activities, you are going to want all children involved. The best way to do this is to partner the children up, or put them in small groups of three or four. Being able to work as a group is a very important part of the exercises.
Since children have a shorter attention span then adults do, it is wise to choose activities that will stimulate.
Capture the flag: Students and children of all ages seem to love capture the flag. This is a good game to play, as it divides the group into two teams, each one must work together in order to find the flag. This activity will help children get physical activity, as well as better team building skills.
My flag: In this activity each child can draw a flag that represents him or her. If a child loves animals and fruit loops, which can be displayed on the flag. It is a great activity for people who are looking to learn more about the members of the team. The flags can then be passed around the room, and guesses can be made regarding who has created which flag.
React: One of the team members is given a story “you have just won the lotto!” and then that team member needs to react to that story. Showing emoticon as well as providing actions. This will break the ice and give the children a good laugh. Children today are dealing with grown up issues, yet are struggling to make sense of them. Teaching children how to work as a team and lean on others can make the elementary and teen years easier on everyone involved.
In a recent study of teachers who had implemented a team building structure, it was found that familiarization techniques were used the most often. This means that when it comes to team building activities for kids, they best way to go about it is through learning. These studies have also shown that when children feel safe within a (school, after school activity or event) they are more likely to open up about personal and home life issues.
Learning about the people who surround us on a daily basis is smart. It is also the best way to understand where others are coming from, and what they are thinking. Children especially need to realize that not every person is the same, and each of us is different. In the team building process children will learn how to react to others and how to better deal with conflict.
Teaching team building skills to children today will insure that they are well rounded and companionate adults in the future.
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