Team Puzzle Race Game Kit

Get ready for a friendly puzzle race! In this game, small teams work together to complete a simple six-piece puzzle, practicing cooperation, taking turns, and encouraging each other.

Materials (per team):

• One six-piece puzzle cut apart (labeled pieces, simple images)
• A small cloth bag or cup to hold pieces
• Role cards: Turn-Taker, Helper, Encourager, Piece-Sorter

Setup:

1. Divide students into teams of four.
2. Give each team a puzzle set (pieces in a bag) and one copy of each role card.
3. Explain roles:
   • Turn-Taker: Decides whose turn is next and says, “It’s your turn.”
   • Helper: Offers a hint or shows where a piece might go.
   • Encourager: Gives cheers and positive feedback.
   • Piece-Sorter: Organizes pieces by color or edge shapes to make finding pieces easier.

How to Play (5 minutes):

1. When you say “Go!”, teams open their bags and sort pieces.
2. The Turn-Taker invites one player to place a piece.
3. After placing a piece, that player gives the Turn-Taker the card until their next turn.
4. Roles stay with each student throughout the game to ensure everyone practices each skill.
5. Helpers may give gentle hints; Encouragers cheer each success.
6. Piece-Sorter makes finding the next piece quicker by grouping similar ones.

Winning & Reflection:

• The first team to complete their puzzle raises their hands.
• Celebrate all teams: “Each team did a great job working together!”
• Quick shout-out: “What did you like about your role?”

Have fun racing and remember: teamwork is the real treasure!

Why We Share Discussion Guide

Purpose: Help students reflect on their feelings and understanding of cooperation, turn-taking, and sharing in our classroom community.
Time: 4 minutes
Materials:

• Heart-shaped sharing prop (or any “share” object)
• Chart paper and marker
• (Optional) Smiley-face and friend icons for visuals

Teacher Preparation (1 minute)

• Draw a two-column chart on paper:
  • Column 1 title: “How Did It Feel?”
  • Column 2 title: “Why Is Sharing Important?”
• Place the heart-shaped prop in the center of the circle area.

Discussion Steps

1. Gather & Introduce (30 seconds)
   • Invite students to sit in a circle.
   • Show the heart-shaped sharing prop and say: “Today we used our teamwork treasure! Let’s talk about sharing.”
2. Question 1: How did it feel to wait your turn? (1 minute)
   • Ask: “Who can tell me how it felt when they waited for the treasure chest or the puzzle piece?”
   • As students respond, write short words on the “How Did It Feel?” column (e.g., happy, proud, a little nervous).
   • Follow-up Prompts:
     • “Did waiting ever feel hard? What did you do?”
     • “What helped you wait patiently?”
   • Leave space under the question for student answers:
     
     
     
3. Question 2: Why is sharing important in our classroom? (1 minute)
   • Ask: “Why do we share toys, time, and ideas with our friends?”
   • Record their ideas under “Why Is Sharing Important?” (e.g., we make friends, we help each other, everyone feels happy).
   • Follow-up Prompts:
     • “How does sharing help us work as a team?”
     • “What happens when someone doesn’t share?”
   • Space for responses:
     
     
     
4. Question 3: Share an Example (1 minute)
   • Invite 2–3 volunteers: “Tell us about one time you shared or helped a friend today.”
   • Encourage classmates to listen and give a thumbs-up when they hear a great example.
   • Follow-up Prompt: “How did your friend feel when you shared?”
5. Closing & Celebrate (30 seconds)
   • Review the chart quickly: “We felt ____ and sharing is important because ____.”
   • Pass the heart prop around: each student says one word about teamwork.
   • End with a class cheer: “Working together is our greatest treasure!”

Use this guide after the Turn-Taking Treasures Slide Deck and the Team Puzzle Race Game Kit to reinforce positive relationship skills.