• lenny-learning-logoLenny Learning
  • Home
    Home
    • Lessons
    Lessons
  • Curriculum
    Curriculum
  • Surveys
    Surveys
  • Videos
    Videos
  • Support
    Support
  • Log In
lenny

Team Up, Level Up!

user image

Lauren Dee

Tier 2
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Team Up, Level Up!

Students will actively participate in collaborative games to practice communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, enhancing their ability to work effectively in a group.

Collaboration is a crucial life skill, helping students succeed in school, future careers, and personal relationships. These games provide a low-stakes, engaging way to build these essential skills.

Audience

8th Grade Boys

Time

6 sessions, 15 minutes each

Approach

Experiential learning through structured, fun group games.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Markers, Blindfolded Obstacle Course Game, Silent Building Challenge Game, Build a Tower Challenge Game, Escape the Room Mini-Game, Story Spine Challenge Game, and Collaborative Art Attack Game

Prep

Review Materials

15 minutes per session

Review the Team Up, Level Up! Slide Deck and the specific game instructions for each session: Blindfolded Obstacle Course Game, Silent Building Challenge Game, Build a Tower Challenge Game, Escape the Room Mini-Game, Story Spine Challenge Game, and Collaborative Art Attack Game. Gather any physical materials required for each game.

Step 1

Session 1: Blindfolded Obstacle Course - Trust & Communication

15 minutes

  • Warm-up (2 min): Ask students, "What does it mean to trust someone on your team?" Discuss briefly.
    - Introduce Game (3 min): Explain the Blindfolded Obstacle Course Game. Divide students into pairs. One partner is blindfolded, the other guides verbally.
    - Game Play (7 min): Students navigate a simple obstacle course.
    - Debrief (3 min): Discuss challenges, effective communication strategies, and the role of trust.

Step 2

Session 2: Silent Building Challenge - Non-Verbal Communication

15 minutes

  • Warm-up (2 min): Ask, "How do we communicate without speaking?" Brainstorm gestures, facial expressions.
    - Introduce Game (3 min): Explain the Silent Building Challenge Game. Divide students into small groups. Provide building materials (e.g., LEGOs, blocks). Groups must build a structure from a picture using only non-verbal cues.
    - Game Play (7 min): Students build.
    - Debrief (3 min): Discuss the difficulty of non-verbal communication and the importance of observation.

Step 3

Session 3: Build a Tower Challenge - Planning & Resource Management

15 minutes

  • Warm-up (2 min): Ask, "What's the tallest thing you've ever built, and what made it stand?"
    - Introduce Game (3 min): Explain the Build a Tower Challenge Game. Divide students into small groups. Provide materials (e.g., marshmallows, spaghetti, tape). Challenge them to build the tallest freestanding structure in 7 minutes.
    - Game Play (7 min): Students plan and build their towers.
    - Debrief (3 min): Discuss planning strategies, challenges faced, and how they managed their resources and collaborated.

Step 4

Session 4: Escape the Room Mini-Game - Critical Thinking & Shared Goals

15 minutes

  • Warm-up (2 min): Ask, "What makes a good mystery solver?"
    - Introduce Game (3 min): Explain the Escape the Room Mini-Game. Provide a series of simple clues leading to a "key" (e.g., a candy bar) hidden in the room. The clues should require teamwork to decipher.
    - Game Play (7 min): Students work together to find the "key."
    - Debrief (3 min): Discuss how different clues required different thinking and how teamwork helped solve the puzzle.

Step 5

Session 5: Story Spine Challenge - Creative Collaboration

15 minutes

  • Warm-up (2 min): Ask, "What's your favorite story to tell? Why is it fun to tell?"
    - Introduce Game (3 min): Explain the Story Spine Challenge Game. Introduce the basic story spine structure (e.g., "Once upon a time..., and every day..., until one day..., and because of that..., and because of that..., until finally..., and ever since then..."). Divide students into small groups.
    - Game Play (7 min): Each group collaboratively creates a short story using the story spine.
    - Debrief (3 min): Discuss how ideas were shared, conflicts resolved, and how each person contributed to the final story.

Step 6

Session 6: Collaborative Art Attack - Shared Vision & Execution

15 minutes

  • Warm-up (2 min): Ask, "What's a group project you enjoyed working on?"
    - Introduce Game (3 min): Explain the Collaborative Art Attack Game. Provide each group with a large piece of paper and various art supplies (markers, colored pencils). Give them a theme (e.g., "Our Future," "Teamwork in Action") and instruct them to create one cohesive piece of art together.
    - Game Play (7 min): Students collaboratively create their artwork.
    - Debrief (3 min): Discuss how the group came to a shared vision, how different ideas were incorporated, and the final piece they created.
lenny

Slide Deck

Team Up, Level Up!

Building Collaboration Skills Through Fun Challenges!

Welcome the students and introduce the concept of collaboration as a vital skill. Ask them to share what comes to mind when they hear 'collaboration.'

Why Collaboration Matters

  • Achieve bigger goals together
  • Learn from diverse perspectives
  • Build stronger friendships and teams
  • Essential for school, sports, and future jobs

Explain why collaboration is important, not just in school but in their daily lives and future. Emphasize that these sessions are about practicing and improving these skills together.

Game 1: Blindfolded Obstacle Course

Objective: To effectively communicate and build trust.

Rules:

  1. Partner up!
  2. One partner is blindfolded.
  3. The other partner guides them verbally through a simple obstacle course.
  4. No touching! Only verbal cues are allowed.

Introduce the first game. Explain the rules clearly and ensure students understand the goal of communication and trust.

Game 2: Silent Building Challenge

Objective: To communicate non-verbally and coordinate actions.

Rules:

  1. Get into small groups.
  2. You will receive a picture of a structure to build and building materials.
  3. Build the structure using only non-verbal communication (gestures, pointing, facial expressions).
  4. No talking allowed!

Introduce the second game. Explain the non-verbal rule and the importance of observation and understanding.

Game 3: Build a Tower Challenge

Objective: To collaboratively plan, problem-solve, and manage resources to achieve a shared goal.

Rules:

  1. Work in small groups (3-4 students).
  2. Using provided materials (e.g., marshmallows, spaghetti, tape), build the tallest freestanding structure.
  3. You will have 2 minutes to plan, then 7 minutes to build.
  4. Only the structure and materials provided can be used. No external support!

Introduce the Build a Tower Challenge. Emphasize planning, problem-solving, and creative resource management.

Game 4: Escape the Room Mini-Game

Objective: To solve a series of clues collaboratively to achieve a shared goal.

Rules:

  1. Work together as a team.
  2. Follow the clues to find the hidden "key" (reward).
  3. Each clue will lead you to the next.
  4. Communicate your ideas and findings clearly!

Introduce the mini-escape room. Highlight the critical thinking and shared goal aspect. Provide the first clue or set the stage.

Game 5: Story Spine Challenge

Objective: To collaboratively create a cohesive narrative.

Rules:

  1. Work in small groups.
  2. Use the 'story spine' structure to build a story together:
    • Once upon a time...
    • And every day...
    • Until one day...
    • And because of that...
    • And because of that...
    • Until finally...
    • And ever since then...
  3. Each person contributes to a part of the story.

Introduce the Story Spine. Encourage creativity and active listening to build upon each other's ideas.

Game 6: Collaborative Art Attack

Objective: To create a shared artistic vision and execute it as a team.

Rules:

  1. Work in groups with a large piece of paper and various art supplies.
  2. Your group will be given a theme (e.g., "Our Future," "Teamwork in Action").
  3. Together, create one cohesive piece of art that reflects the theme.
  4. Share ideas, build on each other's designs, and make decisions as a team.

Introduce the Collaborative Art Attack. Emphasize the shared vision and how individual contributions form a whole.

Great Work, Team!

Remember, collaboration is a skill that gets stronger with practice. Keep working together, listening to each other, and solving problems as a team!

Conclude the lesson by reiterating the value of collaboration and encouraging students to apply these skills in other areas of their lives.

lenny

Game

Blindfolded Obstacle Course

Objective: To practice clear verbal communication, active listening, and building trust within a partnership.

Time: 15 minutes (including setup and debrief)

Materials

  • Blindfolds (scarves, bandanas, or eye masks) for half the students
  • A few simple, safe obstacles (e.g., chairs, cones, backpacks, jump ropes laid on the floor) to create a small course.

Instructions

  1. Introduction (2 minutes): Gather students and explain the game. Emphasize that the goal is not just to get through the course, but to communicate effectively and trust their partner.

    • Teacher Prompt: "In life, we often need to rely on others. This game helps us practice how we communicate and trust when someone else is guiding us."

  2. Pair Up & Setup (3 minutes): Divide students into pairs. Designate one partner to be blindfolded and the other to be the guide. Set up a simple, safe obstacle course in an open area of the classroom. Ensure there are no sharp edges or tripping hazards.

  3. Game Play (7 minutes): The blindfolded partner stands at the start of the course. The guiding partner stands behind them (or to the side, at a safe distance) and provides only verbal instructions to help the blindfolded partner navigate the obstacles without touching them. The blindfolded partner must listen carefully and follow the instructions.

    • Encourage guides to use clear, concise language (e.g., "Take two steps forward," "Step over the rope," "Turn left a little").
    • After 3-4 minutes, you can have partners switch roles if time permits, or proceed directly to debriefing for a shorter session.

  4. Debrief (3 minutes): Bring students back together. Ask:

    • "What was challenging about being blindfolded?"
    • "What was challenging about being the guide?"
    • "What kind of instructions were most helpful?"
    • "How did trust play a role in this activity?"
    • "How can we apply what we learned about communication and trust in other team settings?"
lenny
lenny

Game

Silent Building Challenge

Objective: To develop non-verbal communication skills, observation, and coordinated problem-solving within a group.

Time: 15 minutes (including setup and debrief)

Materials

  • Building materials for each group (e.g., LEGOs, Duplos, Kinex, interlocking blocks, or even paper and tape).
  • A printed picture of a simple, unique structure for each group to replicate (e.g., a specific LEGO model, a drawing of a simple robot, an abstract sculpture).

Instructions

  1. Introduction (2 minutes): Gather students and explain the game. Emphasize that they must build a structure exactly as shown in a picture, but they cannot talk. The focus is on non-verbal communication and observation.

    • Teacher Prompt: "Sometimes, we need to work together when we can't use words. How do we make sure everyone is on the same page? This game will challenge us to communicate in new ways."

  2. Group Up & Setup (3 minutes): Divide students into small groups (3-4 students per group). Give each group their building materials and a picture of the structure they need to build. Place the picture face down until you say "Go."

  3. Game Play (7 minutes): On your mark, students flip over their picture and begin building. Remind them: NO TALKING. They must use gestures, pointing, showing pieces, or arranging pieces to communicate their ideas and coordinate their building efforts.

    • Circulate and observe groups, reminding them of the "no talking" rule if necessary.
    • Encourage students to pay close attention to what their teammates are doing and trying to convey.

  4. Debrief (3 minutes): Bring students back together. Have each group briefly show their completed (or partially completed) structure. Ask:

    • "What was the most difficult part of communicating without speaking?"
    • "What non-verbal cues or strategies did your group use that were effective?"
    • "How did you ensure everyone in the group understood the building plan?"
    • "When might non-verbal communication be important in real life?"
lenny
lenny

Game

Build a Tower Challenge

Objective: To practice collaborative planning, problem-solving, and efficient resource management under time pressure.

Time: 15 minutes (including setup and debrief)

Materials

  • For each group: Approximately 20 spaghetti sticks (uncooked), 1 yard of masking tape, 1 large marshmallow.
  • Measuring tape or ruler to determine tower height.

Instructions

  1. Introduction (2 minutes): Gather students and explain the challenge. The goal is to build the tallest freestanding structure that can support the marshmallow at the top, using only the provided materials.

    • Teacher Prompt: "Architects and engineers work together to build amazing things! Today, your team will take on a similar challenge: build the tallest tower you can with limited materials and time. It's all about smart planning and working as one."

  2. Group Up & Setup (3 minutes): Divide students into small groups (3-4 students per group). Provide each group with their materials. Explain that they will have 2 minutes to plan and then 7 minutes to build.

  3. Game Play (7 minutes):

    • Planning Phase (2 minutes): Groups strategize. Encourage them to draw designs, discuss roles, and consider how to make a stable base and a tall structure. No building during this phase.
    • Building Phase (5 minutes): On your signal, groups begin building their towers. Remind them the marshmallow must be at the very top, and the tower must be freestanding (not held by hands or leaning on anything) for at least 5 seconds for it to be measured.
    • Circulate, observe, and offer encouragement. Remind them of the time remaining.

  4. Debrief (3 minutes): Once time is called, have each group stand by their tower. Measure the height of the tallest freestanding towers. Ask:

    • "What was your team's strategy, and how did it evolve during the building process?"
    • "What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them as a team?"
    • "How did everyone contribute to the planning and building?"
    • "What did you learn about teamwork and problem-solving from this challenge?"
lenny
lenny

Game

Escape the Room Mini-Game

Objective: To foster critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and communication under a shared goal.

Time: 15 minutes (including setup and debrief)

Materials

  • 3-5 simple clues written on small pieces of paper.
  • A "key" or small reward (e.g., a candy bar, a sticker, a small token) to hide.
  • Various objects or locations in the classroom to hide clues and the final reward.

Instructions

  1. Introduction (2 minutes): Gather students and explain that they have a mystery to solve to find a hidden "key" (or treasure). They will work together to find and decipher clues. Emphasize teamwork and thinking outside the box.

    • Teacher Prompt: "You're detectives today! You'll need to work together, share your discoveries, and piece together the puzzle to find our hidden reward."

  2. Setup (3 minutes - can be done beforehand): Before the session, hide the clues and the final reward.

    • Clue 1: An easy-to-find clue that leads to Clue 2.
    • Clue 2: Leads to Clue 3.
    • Clue 3: Leads to the "key" location.
    • Example Clues:
      • Clue 1: "Look where knowledge grows tall" (points to a bookshelf).
      • Clue 2 (at bookshelf): "Find the square that tells time" (points to the classroom clock, where Clue 3 is taped).
      • Clue 3 (at clock): "The sweet reward is near the loudest voice" (points to the teacher's desk, where the reward is hidden).
    • Place the first clue in an obvious, central location for the students to find easily.

  3. Game Play (7 minutes): Instruct students to find the first clue. Once found, they must read it together, decipher it, and go to the location it describes to find the next clue. This continues until they find the final "key" or reward.

    • Encourage all students to participate in searching and deciphering.
    • Remind them to communicate their findings to the group.
    • If a group gets stuck, offer a very subtle hint, but let them problem-solve as much as possible.

  4. Debrief (3 minutes): Once the reward is found, gather students. Ask:

    • "What was your team's process for solving the clues?"
    • "Did anyone take the lead, or did everyone contribute equally?"
    • "What was the most challenging clue to solve, and how did teamwork help?"
    • "How did different people's ideas help piece together the solution?"
lenny
lenny

Game

Story Spine Challenge

Objective: To foster creative collaboration, active listening, and sequential thinking in group storytelling.

Time: 15 minutes (including setup and debrief)

Materials

  • Whiteboard or chart paper and markers.
  • Optional: Small slips of paper or index cards for brainstorming.

Instructions

  1. Introduction (2 minutes): Gather students and explain they will be collaboratively creating a story. Introduce the "story spine" as a simple framework to build a narrative together. Write the spine on the board:

    • Once upon a time...
    • And every day...
    • Until one day...
    • And because of that...
    • And because of that...
    • Until finally...
    • And ever since then...
    • Teacher Prompt: "Today, we're going to build a story as a team. Think of the story spine as the backbone of our adventure – each part helps us move the story forward together."

  2. Group Up & Brainstorm (3 minutes): Divide students into small groups (3-4 students). Give each group a few minutes to brainstorm initial ideas for a character, a setting, or a conflict to kick off their story. Emphasize that everyone's ideas are valuable.

  3. Story Creation (7 minutes): Instruct each group to start building their story using the story spine, with each member contributing to different parts. They should take turns adding to the narrative, building on what the previous person said.

    • Encourage active listening and creative improvisation. The goal is a cohesive story, even if it takes unexpected turns.
    • Circulate and observe, reminding groups to stick to the spine and to ensure everyone has a chance to contribute.
    • If a group struggles, prompt them with questions like: "What happens next?" or "How does your character react?"

  4. Debrief & Share (3 minutes): Bring students back together. Have each group briefly share their collaboratively created story. Ask:

    • "What was it like building a story with your group?"
    • "How did you decide whose idea to use, or how to blend different ideas?"
    • "Were there any disagreements? How did you resolve them?"
    • "What did you enjoy most about this creative collaboration?"
lenny
lenny

Game

Collaborative Art Attack

Objective: To encourage shared vision, creative expression, and compromise in a visual team project.

Time: 15 minutes (including setup and debrief)

Materials

  • Large sheets of paper or poster board (one per group).
  • Various art supplies: markers, colored pencils, crayons, pastels (a good assortment for each group).
  • Optional: A theme written on a slip of paper for each group (e.g., "Our Ideal Team," "A World of Collaboration," "Problem Solvers").

Instructions

  1. Introduction (2 minutes): Gather students and explain that they will be creating one large piece of art as a team. Emphasize that it's not about individual masterpieces, but about combining their creativity to make a single, cohesive artwork that reflects a shared idea or theme.

    • Teacher Prompt: "Sometimes, the best ideas come when we blend our individual talents. Today, your team will create a single piece of art, where everyone's contribution makes the whole picture amazing."

  2. Group Up & Setup (3 minutes): Divide students into small groups (3-4 students). Provide each group with a large sheet of paper and a set of art supplies. If using a theme, give each group their theme now.

  3. Art Creation (7 minutes): Instruct the groups to begin their collaborative art piece. They should discuss their initial ideas, decide on a direction, and work together to fill the paper. Encourage them to:

    • Share the space on the paper.
    • Build on each other's drawings or color choices.
    • Discuss what they want the final piece to represent.
    • Compromise if there are different artistic visions, finding ways to incorporate everyone's input.
    • Circulate and observe. Prompt groups to talk about their process: "What are you trying to show?", "How is everyone contributing?"

  4. Debrief & Share (3 minutes): Once time is up, have each group hold up and briefly present their collaborative artwork. Ask:

    • "What was your group's theme or idea for your artwork?"
    • "How did you decide what to draw or how to approach the piece?"
    • "Was it easy or challenging to combine different artistic ideas? How did you handle that?"
    • "What does your final piece of art say about collaboration?"
lenny
lenny