Cooperative Games for Support

This activity is designed to help students experience teamwork firsthand and understand how their collective effort can create a supportive, positive classroom community.

Materials Needed

• Printed activity cards
• Open space for movement
• Timer or stopwatch

Activity Instructions

Game 1: Team Puzzle Challenge

1. Setup: Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with a puzzle (it could be a jigsaw puzzle or a custom-cut cardboard puzzle that forms an encouraging phrase).
2. Objective: Work together to complete the puzzle as quickly as possible.
3. Discussion Prompt: After completing the puzzle, ask each group how they cooperated and which strategies helped them succeed.
   
   
   
   
   
   

Game 2: Trust Walk

1. Setup: Pair up students and assign one student as the 'guide' and the other as the 'follower.' The follower will be blindfolded (or have eyes closed) while the guide gives verbal instructions to navigate a simple obstacle course.
2. Objective: Ensure that the follower safely reaches the end of the course with trusting help from their partner.
3. Discussion Prompt: Once all pairs have completed the course, gather the class and discuss the importance of trust and clear communication.
   
   
   
   
   
   

Game 3: Pass the Compliment

1. Setup: Arrange students in a circle. One student starts by passing a compliment to another student and the game continues until every student has both given and received a compliment.
2. Objective: Reinforce positive interactions and mutual support among classmates.
3. Discussion Prompt: Ask students how it felt to give and receive compliments and what they learned about the impact of positive words on group morale.
   
   
   
   
   
   

Teacher's Reflection and Follow-up

• Group Reflection: After the games, bring the class together. Ask each group to share one key takeaway about cooperation and support.
• Closure: Emphasize how these activities relate back to the larger goal of creating a supportive, positive classroom environment. Ask students to think of one way they can support a classmate daily.
• Extension Ideas: Consider integrating a journal activity where students can write about their experiences and set personal goals for further building supportive relationships within the class.

Enjoy the fun and engaging activities as they help build the foundational skills of teamwork, communication, and empathy!

Building a Supportive Network Discussion

This discussion is designed to help you explore what makes a relationship positive and how every one of us contributes to a supportive, caring classroom community.

Discussion Guidelines

• Be Respectful: Listen to your classmates and share your thoughts without interrupting.
• Be Honest: Share your true feelings and experiences about what makes a supportive environment.
• Be Curious: Ask questions if you don't understand something, and explore ideas further.

Starter Questions

1. What Makes a Positive Relationship?
   • Think about a time you felt really supported by a friend or teacher. What did they do that made you feel that way?
     
     
     
     
     
     
2. Everyday Acts of Support:
   • What are small, everyday actions you can take to show support for someone in our classroom?
     
     
     
     
     
     
3. Overcoming Challenges:
   • How can we help a classmate who might be feeling left out or sad? What can each of us do?
     
     
     
     
     
     

Follow-Up Points

• Reflecting on the Games: After thinking about our cooperative games in the lesson, discuss how teamwork and communication helped build trust and support among your group.
• Role-Playing: Consider how you might act in a situation where someone needs help. What words or actions would be supportive?
• Community Brainstorm: As a class, come up with a list of ideas to create a classroom rule or slogan about support and friendship.

Group Reflection (Teacher-Led)

• Ask each small group to share one key takeaway from the discussion.
• Invite volunteers to speak about the importance of a supportive network and how it can help everyone feel valued.

Closure

End the discussion by summarizing the ideas shared and emphasizing that every small act of support can make a big difference in our classroom. Remember, building a supportive network is a collective effort, and each of you plays an important role.