Lesson Plan
Teamwork Time!
Students will be able to identify and practice at least two strategies for positive interaction within a group setting, such as sharing and active listening.
Learning to get along with others is crucial for success in school, friendships, and life. This lesson helps students build positive relationships and navigate social situations effectively.
Audience
2nd Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, guided practice, and a collaborative activity.
Materials
Small Group Materials, Slide Deck: Teamwork Time!, Script: Teamwork Time!, Warm-Up: Share Your Story, Activity: Build a Bridge Together, and Cool-Down: One Thing I Learned
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Review the Slide Deck: Teamwork Time! and familiarize yourself with the content.
- Read through the Script: Teamwork Time! to prepare for guiding the discussion.
- Gather small group materials needed for the Activity: Build a Bridge Together (e.g., building blocks, craft sticks, tape, paper).
- Print copies of the Warm-Up: Share Your Story and Cool-Down: One Thing I Learned if distributing physically, or prepare to display them digitally.
Step 1
Warm-Up: Share Your Story
5 minutes
- Begin with the Warm-Up: Share Your Story.
- Ask students to share a time they worked well with someone else. Encourage them to explain how they worked well together.
- Facilitate a brief discussion about the importance of working together.
Step 2
Introduction to Teamwork
5 minutes
- Use the Slide Deck: Teamwork Time! and the Script: Teamwork Time! to introduce the concept of getting along and teamwork.
- Discuss key ideas like sharing, listening, and taking turns.
- Ask students for examples of when they need to get along with others (e.g., during playtime, group projects).
Step 3
Activity: Build a Bridge Together
15 minutes
- Introduce the Activity: Build a Bridge Together.
- Divide students into pairs or small groups (if not already in one) and provide them with building materials.
- Instruct them to work together to build a bridge that can hold a small object.
- Observe and guide students, reinforcing positive interaction strategies.
- After the activity, have each group share their bridge and discuss how they worked together.
Step 4
Cool-Down: One Thing I Learned
5 minutes
- Conclude the lesson with the Cool-Down: One Thing I Learned.
- Have each student share one new thing they learned about getting along with others or one way they plan to use teamwork in the future.
- Collect responses as an exit ticket.
Slide Deck
Teamwork Time!
Let's learn how to get along and work together!
Welcome students to the lesson. Introduce the idea that today we'll be talking about how to work well with others. Ask them if they've ever heard the word 'teamwork' before.
What Does "Getting Along" Mean?
- Being friendly
- Showing respect
- Working together
- Sharing ideas and toys
Explain what 'getting along' means in simple terms: being friendly, respectful, and cooperative. Ask students for examples from their own lives (e.g., playing a game, sharing toys).
Why Teamwork Is Terrific!
- We can do more together!
- It makes tasks easier.
- Everyone gets to help.
- It's more fun!
Introduce the idea of 'teamwork' as a way to get along. Emphasize that when we work as a team, we can achieve more. Ask for examples of teamwork they might see (e.g., sports teams, building something with friends).
Super Teamwork Skills
- Share: Your ideas, your supplies, your turns.
- Listen: To what others say, even if it's different.
- Take Turns: Talking, playing, using materials.
Discuss key strategies for teamwork: sharing, listening, and taking turns. Give simple examples for each. For sharing, maybe sharing crayons. For listening, listening to a friend's idea. For taking turns, taking turns talking.
Activity: Build a Bridge Together!
Work with your group to build a bridge.
Remember to:
- Share ideas
- Listen to each other
- Take turns
Introduce the activity. Explain that they will be building a bridge together. Remind them to use the teamwork skills they just learned.
How Did We Do?
What teamwork skills did you use today?
How did working together help you?
After the activity, bring the students back together. Facilitate a brief discussion about how they used teamwork during the bridge-building activity.
One Thing I Learned...
What is one new thing you learned about getting along with others or teamwork today?
Conclude the lesson by having students reflect on one thing they learned. This ties into the cool-down activity.
Script
Teamwork Time! Script
Warm-Up: Share Your Story (5 minutes)
"Good morning, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something super important: getting along with others. To start, I want you to think about a time you worked really well with a friend, a family member, or even a classmate. What were you doing? How did you work well together? Turn and share your story with a partner."
(Allow 2-3 minutes for students to share. Circulate and listen to their stories. Bring the group back together.)
"That's wonderful! It sounds like you all have some great experiences working with others. Why do you think it's important to work together and get along?"
(Listen to a few responses, affirming their ideas.)
Introduction to Teamwork (5 minutes)
"(Display Slide Deck: Teamwork Time! - Slide 2)
Today, we're going to dive into what it means to get along and how we can be super teammates! When we talk about 'getting along,' we mean things like being friendly, showing respect, working together, and sharing our ideas and even our toys. Can anyone give me an example of when you need to get along with someone?"
(Listen to examples like playing games, doing group work, sharing at home.)
"(Display Slide Deck: Teamwork Time! - Slide 3)
Getting along is really about teamwork! Why do you think teamwork is so terrific? What good things come from working as a team?"
(Guide students to understand that we can do more, it makes things easier, everyone gets to help, and it's more fun.)
Super Teamwork Skills (5 minutes)
"(Display Slide Deck: Teamwork Time! - Slide 4)
So, what are some 'super skills' we can use to be great teammates and get along with others? Here are three big ones:
- Share: This means sharing your ideas, your supplies, and your turns. If you're building something, everyone gets a chance to add a piece!
- Listen: It's so important to listen to what others say, even if their idea is different from yours. When we listen, we show respect and learn new things.
- Take Turns: This goes hand-in-hand with sharing. It means everyone gets a chance to talk, to play, or to use the materials.
Can anyone show me with your hands what it looks like to listen really well?" (Demonstrate cupping an ear or putting hands together.)
Activity: Build a Bridge Together (10 minutes)
"(Display Slide Deck: Teamwork Time! - Slide 5)
Alright, super teammates, it's activity time! Today, your mission is to Build a Bridge Together! I'm going to give each group some building materials like blocks or craft sticks. Your job is to work with your group to build a bridge that can hold a small object, like an eraser.
Remember to use your super teamwork skills: Share your ideas, Listen to each other, and Take Turns building. If you have an idea, share it! If someone else has an idea, listen carefully. Let's see what amazing bridges you can create together!"
(Distribute materials. Circulate among groups, observing their interactions. Prompt them to use the teamwork skills if they struggle. After about 7-8 minutes, give a 2-minute warning.)
"(Display Slide Deck: Teamwork Time! - Slide 6)
Time's up for building! Now, each group will share their bridge. Tell us:
- What teamwork skills did you use today?
- How did working together help you build your bridge?"
(Allow each group to share briefly.)
Cool-Down: One Thing I Learned (5 minutes)
"(Display Slide Deck: Teamwork Time! - Slide 7)
Fantastic job everyone! To wrap up our 'Teamwork Time!' today, I want each of you to tell me one new thing you learned about getting along with others or one way you plan to use teamwork in the future. You can share it aloud or write it down on your cool-down slip."
(Collect responses as exit tickets or listen to each student. Praise their participation and emphasize the importance of these skills.)
"Great job today, everyone! Keep practicing those teamwork skills!"
Warm Up
Warm-Up: Share Your Story
Think about a time you worked really well with someone else (a friend, a family member, or a classmate).
What were you doing together?
How did you work well together?
Why do you think it's important to work together and get along with others?
Activity
Activity: Build a Bridge Together!
Your Mission: Work with your group to build a strong bridge that can hold a small object (like an eraser or a small block).
Materials: (Provided by teacher - e.g., building blocks, craft sticks, tape, paper, pipe cleaners)
Teamwork Rules:
- Share Ideas: Everyone should tell their group what they think will make a good bridge.
- Listen Carefully: Pay attention when your teammates are talking. Their ideas might be great!
- Take Turns: Let everyone have a chance to add to the bridge or try out an idea.
- Help Each Other: If someone needs help, offer a hand.
After Building:
Discuss with your group:
- What teamwork skills did your group use to build the bridge?
- Was it easier or harder to build the bridge together? Why?
Cool Down
Cool-Down: One Thing I Learned
What is one new thing you learned about getting along with others or teamwork today?
How will you use what you learned about teamwork this week?