Lesson Plan
Maze Challenge Plan
Students will collaboratively navigate a timed physical maze by assuming defined roles, solving puzzles, and managing stress, aiming to enhance communication, cooperation, and group problem-solving.
This activity builds essential group counseling skills—effective communication, role clarity, time management, and stress coping—preparing students for real-world collaborative challenges.
Audience
11th Grade Group
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Role-based maze puzzle under time pressure.
Materials
- Rules & Roles Slide Deck, - Masking Tape or Cones, - Maze Puzzle Cards, and - Stress Debrief Guide
Prep
Set Up Maze
10 minutes
- Use masking tape or cones to outline a maze path in a large open space.
- Place puzzle card stations evenly throughout the maze.
- Print and cut out Maze Puzzle Cards.
- Review Rules & Roles Slide Deck and Stress Debrief Guide.
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
- Welcome students and explain the activity’s purpose.
- Display Rules & Roles Slide Deck slide on goals and expectations.
Step 2
Role Assignment
5 minutes
- Divide students into groups of 4–5.
- Assign each group the roles: Navigator, Communicator, Timekeeper, Recorder.
- Briefly describe responsibilities using the slide deck.
Step 3
Maze Navigation Activity
20 minutes
- Groups enter the maze and locate puzzle card stations.
- Navigators guide the team; Communicators relay instructions; Timekeepers track elapsed time; Recorders note strategies.
- Complete all puzzles and exit before time expires.
Step 4
Stress Debrief Discussion
10 minutes
- Reconvene groups and use Stress Debrief Guide to facilitate discussion.
- Prompt students to share stress triggers, communication challenges, and coping strategies during the maze.
Step 5
Reflection and Wrap-Up
5 minutes
- Each group shares one key learning about teamwork and stress management.
- Summarize how communication, defined roles, and time management support effective group counseling.
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Slide Deck
Mind Maze: Rules & Roles
Welcome to Mind Maze!
Today’s Goals:
- Understand the game rules and safety expectations
- Learn each team member’s role and responsibilities
- Prepare for effective teamwork and time management
Introduce the slide deck and set expectations. Emphasize the purpose: mastering rules and roles before maze activity.
Game Rules
- Stay on the designated path at all times
- Only one team may navigate a given section simultaneously
- No skipping or rushing puzzles—solve each station in order
- Respect group members: communicate calmly, listen actively
- Follow facilitator instructions and safety guidelines
Explain the boundaries and fair‐play principles.
Team Roles Overview
Each group of 4–5 assigns these roles:
- Navigator
- Communicator
- Timekeeper
- Recorder
Every role is essential for success—let’s explore!
Provide a quick snapshot of the four roles and transition to detailed slides.
Role: Navigator
• Leads the group through the maze path
• Reads or interprets puzzle instructions
• Checks for dead‐ends and backtracks strategically
Tips for Navigators:
- Stay calm under pressure
- Ask for input if uncertain
- Mark visited paths mentally or with cones
Describe the Navigator’s tasks and offer tips.
Role: Communicator
• Relays directions clearly between Navigator and group
• Paraphrases puzzle clues for team understanding
• Monitors tone to keep stress levels in check
Tips for Communicators:
- Use concise phrases
- Confirm receipt (“Do you copy?”)
- Encourage and motivate teammates
Outline how the Communicator facilitates information flow.
Role: Timekeeper
• Tracks elapsed time with stopwatch or timer
• Gives periodic time checks (e.g., every 5 minutes)
• Alerts when time is running low for final puzzles
Tips for Timekeepers:
- Be assertive about time warnings
- Coordinate quick team huddles if behind schedule
Detail the Timekeeper’s role in tracking and pacing.
Role: Recorder
• Records key decisions and strategies
• Notes puzzles solved and time taken
• Captures stress triggers and coping tactics for debrief
Tips for Recorders:
- Write legibly and succinctly
- Highlight turning points in strategy
- Use shorthand symbols if helpful
Explain the Recorder’s documentation responsibilities.
Scoring & Time Management
• Total time: 20 minutes in the maze
• Puzzle station = 10 points each
• Bonus 20 points for exiting before time expires
• Timekeeper issues 2‐minute warnings
Winning = highest total score + strong teamwork
Clarify scoring, time rules, and bonus incentives.
Ready to Begin?
• Any questions about rules or roles?
• Next: Move to the maze area for setup
• Assign your group roles and prepare to start
Good luck—teamwork makes the maze work!
Wrap up rules & roles, address questions, then transition to maze setup.
Activity
Physical Maze Setup Guide
Objective:
- Prepare a safe, engaging physical maze for students to navigate and solve puzzle stations under time pressure.
Time Allotted:
- 10 minutes for setup before students arrive.
Materials:
- Masking tape or cones (to outline maze walls and corridors)
- Maze Puzzle Cards
- Start and Finish signs or markers
- Clipboards and pens (for Recorders)
- Stopwatch or timer
- Safety cones or floor markers (optional)
Teacher Role:
- Oversee layout for safety and accessibility
- Verify puzzle stations are evenly spaced and visible
- Test one walkthrough to ensure flow and timing
- Prepare stopwatch and briefing for Timekeepers
Step-by-Step Setup Instructions
-
Choose an Open Space (2 minutes)
- Select a gym floor, hallway, or outdoor area clear of obstacles.
- Ensure all students can move freely without tripping hazards.
-
Outline the Maze Path (4 minutes)
- Use masking tape or cones to create corridors about 3–4 feet wide.
- Design at least 8–10 turns with 3–4 dead ends for challenge.
- Leave space at each decision point for a puzzle station.
-
Place Puzzle Stations (2 minutes)
- Evenly distribute Maze Puzzle Cards at 4–6 key junctions.
- Attach each card to a cone or tape it on the floor/wall at eye level.
- Number stations in sequence to prevent skipping.
-
Mark Start & Finish (1 minute)
- Place a brightly colored cone or sign labeled START at entrance.
- Place FINISH marker at maze exit.
- Confirm path leads smoothly from START through all stations to FINISH.
-
Final Safety & Flow Check (1 minute)
- Walk the maze yourself to confirm spacing and puzzle visibility.
- Ensure no tape or cones create tripping hazards.
- Position yourself centrally to observe all groups during the activity.
Discussion
Stress Debrief: Reflection & Discussion
Purpose
- Reflect on stress reactions & team interactions during Mind Maze.
- Identify how communication and coping strategies influenced your experience.
Discussion Guidelines
- Speak one at a time; listen actively.
- Use “I” statements to share personal experiences.
- Respect confidentiality: what’s shared stays here.
- Encourage and support each speaker.
1. Identifying Stress Moments (2–3 minutes)
Prompt: Which part of the maze felt most stressful, and why?
Follow-up: What thoughts or feelings did you notice in that moment?
2. Communication Under Pressure (2–3 minutes)
Prompt: Describe a time when communication helped your team solve a puzzle or got in the way.
Follow-up: How could you adjust your communication style next time?
3. Coping & Regulation Strategies (2–3 minutes)
Prompt: What techniques did you or your teammates use to calm nerves or maintain focus?
Follow-up: Which strategy was most effective? Why?
4. Role Dynamics & Support (2–3 minutes)
Prompt: How did your assigned role (Navigator, Communicator, Timekeeper, Recorder) support stress management and team success?
Follow-up: What role adjustments might improve teamwork under pressure?
5. Applying Lessons Beyond the Maze (2 minutes)
Prompt: How can you use these stress-coping and communication techniques in class, sports, or friendships?
Wrap-Up (1–2 minutes)
- Each member shares one key takeaway and one actionable goal.
Encourage students to summarize collective strategies and commit to a next step in real-life situations.