teambuilding games - Tulsa Health Department

teambuilding games
Table of Contents
Have You Ever…………………...
Robot Master…………………......
Cluster…………………................
This or That……………………....
Name Game……………………...
Star Names…………………….....
Egyptian Horse Race………….…
Kinect 4…………………..............
Noodle Race………………….......
Pipeline…………………..............
Switch, Change, Rotate…………..
Group Soccer Relay…………...…
Tarp Time…………………...…...
Back Writing…………………......
Color Pyramid 6 Goal Soccer……
Card Fitness Race………………..
Find Your Name…………………
2
3
3
4
5
5
6
7
8
9
10
10
11
12
13
14
14
Communication Barrier………….
Jedi Knight…………………….....
Triangle River Crossing………….
Bounce Brigade……………...…...
CATCH 5………………………...
King Tag………………………....
Slingshot Launch………………...
Bump the Ball………………….....
Keypad…………………………....
Get in Order…………....................
Follow the Leader………………...
Quick Line Up……………….…...
End Zone Football………...……...
Free Agent……………………......
Team Handball…………………...
Team Maze…………………..…...
Partner Bingo……………………..
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Contact Information
Name
Charley Daniel
Title
School Health Program Manager
Email
[email protected]
Casey Ramsey
Certified Health Education Specialist
[email protected]
Lindsey Clark
Certified Health Education Specialist
[email protected]
Teddy Harbaugh
Certified Health Education Specialist
[email protected]
Brittany Hoverman
Registered Dietitian
[email protected]
Mike Carter
Health Education Specialist
[email protected]
Cole Bennett
Health Education Specialist
[email protected]
1
Have You Ever
Objective:
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To get to know each other
Communication
Icebreaker
Directions:
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Create a large circle using some form of marker such as dots or spots.
Include enough dots or spots so that each person is able to stand on one.
Have individuals stand on the dots creating a large circle with the entire group.
Designate one individual to stand in the middle of the circle.
The person in the middle will then start by saying “Have you ever…?” and they will
finish the sentence with something that they HAVE done before. For example “Have you
ever been to Colorado?”
Each person that has done whatever is was that the caller stated, then raises their hand
and they must trade places to another dot which will be vacated by other individuals that
the statement applies to.
Individuals may not trade places with a dot immediately to their left or right side. They
must travel across the circle.
The person who was the initial caller also goes and finds a dot.
There will be one individual left who does not have a dot.
This individual now goes to the middle and creates a new statement of “Have you ever?”
2
Robot Master
Objective:
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Teamwork
Communication
Problem Solving
Directions:
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In a confined area with many groups of two, each group will have a robot and a robot
master.
The robots begin back to back, and walk away from each other in a straight line only.
Whenever a robot comes to an outside line, or anything like another robot gets in their
way, they must stop and begin beeping.
The robot master must run and turn them in a new direction to move again.
In round two, the robot and robot master switch roles.
*Have the groups come up with an animal noise instead of beeping…. Also have the robot
master skip around the outside of the gym until they hear the animal noise from their robot.
When they hear their robot they can run over and turn them, then remain skipping around the
room.
Cluster
Objectives:
 To work as a team
 To get as many objects in your hoop as possible
Directions:
 Divide participants into teams of 3-5 and give each team a hoop somewhere in the
playing area.
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Spread random balls, stuffed animals, and other random equipment around the playing area.
On go, one of the team members stays at the hoop. The other team members run and try to get as
many objects as they can, one at a time.
The team member that has the object cannot run and must throw the object to another team
member before moving.
3
THIS OR THAT
The idea is simple…draw a line in the sand and invite everyone to choose the side that they
identify with more closely. This is a great warm-up activity, an easy ice breaker, and a great way
to get a “read” on the group.
1. Coke…Pepsi
2. Cold Drink…Hot Drink
3. Superman…Batman
4. Telephone…I.M.
5. Steak…Chicken
6. Grass…Sand
7. Lake…Ocean
8. Flowers…Chocolates
9. PB&J…Tuna Sandwich
10. Spring…Fall
11. Winter…Summer
12. Breakfast…Dinner
13. Movie…Sports
14. Salt…Pepper
15. Vacuum…Windows
16. Blues…Jazz
17. Visit Hawaii…Visit Alaska
18. Mountains…Shore (Beach)
19. Jimi Hendrix…Eric Clapton
20. Classic Rock…Country
21. Ray Charles…Stevie Wonder
22. Active Vacation…Chillin’ Vacation
23. Dogs…Cats
24. Ketchup…Mustard
25. Load the Dishwasher…Unload
26. Cake…Pie
27. Sweet…Sour
28. Sugar…Salt
29. Hot Tub…Pool
30. Gum…Mints
31. Cereal- Hot…Cold
32. Eiffel Tower…Taj Majal
33. England…Ireland
34. Long Pants…Shorts
35. Snow Ski…Water Ski
36. Newspaper…Magazine
37. City…Country
38. Buttons…Zipper
39. Shoes…Bare Feet
40. Car…Truck
41. Jell-O…Pudding
42. Soccer… Football
43. Tag…Ultimate Frisbee
44. Motorcycle…Bicycle
45. Orange Juice…Coffee
46. Rake…Mow
47. Butter…Margarine
48. Maple Tree…Palm Tree
49. Blue…Green
50. Yellow…Orange
51. Italian Food…Mexican Food
52. Thanksgiving…4th of July
53. Pizza…Burger
54. Soup…Salad
55. Democrat…Republican
56. Board Game…Card Game
57. Comedy…Romantic
58. Money…Power
59. Morning Person..Evening Person
60. Hula Hoop…Jump Rope
61. Math…Science
62. Music…Art
63. New York City…San Francisco
64. Foreign Travel…U.S. Travel
65. Read a Book…Go for a Run
66. Pasta…Meat
67. Giving a Gift…Receiving a Gift
68. Cursive…Print
69. Hike…Bike
70. Shopping- Mall/Outlets…Online
71. Skydive…Scuba Dive
72. Silver…Gold
73. Hat…No Hat
74. Perfume/Cologne…Not
75. Disney World…Cruise
76. Eyes…Smile
77. Nap…Exercise
78. Sunrise…Sunset
79. Go to a Play…Concert
80. Mountain…Cave
4
Name Game
Props:
 Throw Toys (pig, chicken, fish)
Purpose:
 Learn each participant’s name
Game Setup:
 Have all participants form a circle
 Start out by tossing one object to someone across the circle.
 After the person catches the object they say “thank you ____ (person who threw it to
them), my name is ____ (your name)”!
 Once they have said their name they toss the object to someone else, not right next to
them, and continue this process until everyone has had a turn.
 You will need to tell them to remember whom they tossed it to and who tossed it to them.
 Try to pick up the pace and start it over again.
Challenges:
 Add more objects to the process
 Have the participants set a time goal.
Star Names
Objective:
 Teambuilding
 Get to know each other
Directions:
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Divide into groups of 5
Give each group an object such as a ball or bean bag that they are able to toss and catch.
Instruct group members to introduce themselves to each other.
To begin the game, have the group member holding the object to be tossed say the name
of another group member and toss them the object.
Members must make a star shape with the direction the object is being tossed.
After a couple rounds, switch the order of groups allowing members to toss to different
members in order to learn each person’s name.
5
Egyptian Horse Race
Objectives:
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Teamwork
To get your horse (hoop) to the finish line the fastest.
Equipment:
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Hula hoops
Bean bags
Directions:
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Divide into teams of 2-5 depending on size of group.
Give each team 1 hoop to represent their horse.
Give each team member a bean bag for sliding their hoop.
Allow teams to name their horse.
Designate a starting line and a finish line for the racetrack.
Instruct groups to, 1 at a time, slide their bean bags across ground into their hoops in
order to move the hoops forward. Each time a group member slides their bean bag, they
must go retrieve their bean bag and return to the starting line where they may slide again.
Group members must work as a team in order to push their hoops across the finish line.
Hoops may only move by team members sliding their bean bags into them.
6
Kinect 4
Purpose:
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Strategy
Problem Solving
Communication
Game Setup:
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Divide the groups evenly depending on how large the group is
There are 6 different colors that can be used to create teams
To gain a score they must have four of the same color in a row either in a line or
diagonally
To block a team you must put your teams colored marker down on your given turn
The object is to gain points by either blocking some other teams attempt to score, or by
scoring themselves
They need to be stationed back far enough that the team can still see the playing field but
yet far enough they have to run up to place down their square in their chosen spot
The game is over when they run out of squares or time has expired.
Modification:
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Divide the groups evenly
Stack the 6 different colors at the corners of the room to represent 6 different teams
On go, 1 person from each team will run to the given buckets and grab 1 paper matching
their team color
This person will run it back to their team and as a team they will complete the task given
After task is completed that person will run and put a Kinect 4 piece in a spot they choose
on the board. When they return the next team member can go and repeat the process.
To gain a score they must have four of the same color in a row either in a line or
diagonally
The object is to get 4 in a row, once, twice, or three times (whatever you as the instructor
want them to complete) before the other teams.
7
Noodle Race
Objectives:
 To work as a team
 To work on communication
Directions:
 Divide participants into two teams.
 One team sits in a circle, crisscross, knee to knee, the other team is standing around the
seated circle shoulder to shoulder.
 Each team needs three noodles.
 On go, both circles try to pass the noodles around their circle as fast as they can.
 Teams can only pass one noodle at a time.
 First team to pass all three noodles gets one point.
 Play until a team gets to 5 points, switching sitting and standing every round.
8
Pipeline
Pipeline is a Project Adventure activity that is geared towards developing a sense of
teamwork…and fun!
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The goal of the activity is to transport the rolling object from the starting line to the drop
container using only the pipes. Participants may not touch the ball. The ball may not stop,
drop, or go backwards. A participant may not move his/her feet while the object is in
their pipe.
There are two different formats that can be presented to the group as their challenge:
Each member of the group is given a pipe, and as the ball moves through the pipeline,
each person simply cycles to the front, allowing the ball to continue toward the drop
container, OR…
The group is only given 4 pipes and each person must wait at the starting line for a
teammate to bring a pipe back from the pipeline. This next person runs out to the front
with the pipe. In other words, after the ball rolls through my pipe, I may not cycle to the
front, but must take the pipe back and hand it off to the first teammate in line. He/she
must then run out to continue the pipeline. As the 4 pipes get farther from the starting line
this becomes an increasingly difficult challenge.
Once a group has success in the basic format, then the following variations can be offered to the
group:
1. Try different rolling objects/different length pipes/closed pipes, etc.
2. Hide the drop container, or move it farther away, or crisscross the buckets with other
lines (very cool when the lines work together to reach the crossed buckets).
3. Use only an overhand grip, creating a tunnel that the ball must roll through.
4. Place the drop container at the top of stairs, or bleachers (any elevation change).
5. How far can the group move the object away from the starting line?
6. Place obstacles in the way that teams must pass the ball over, under, through, around, etc.
(through a door/window, over or under a table, around a tree, etc.)
7. The ball must pass through the legs of each person.
8. The pipes must be held over the head of each teammate.
9. The pipes must be on the floor, and may not loose contact with the floor.
10. 2 people/2 pipes
11. Water…yes water- Have enough pipes available to reach from the starting point to the
catch bucket. Teammates without pipes use cups to retrieve water from a large source and
bring it back to dump into the first pipe. Change roles every 30 seconds. This is fun when
the pipes are held over head and it is hot out.
9
Switch, Change, Rotate
Objectives:
 To work as a team
 To work on communication skills
Directions:
 Divide participants into lines of 4 or 5.
 On go, the teams begin moving around the playing area as instructed (skipping,
galloping, jogging, etc.)
 When the teacher yells Switch, the first person in line goes to the back and the person in
the back of the line goes to the front.
 When the teacher yells out Change, the entire line switches directions so the first person
becomes the last person and the last person is now the leader.
 When the teacher yells out Rotate, the first person goes to the back of the line.
Group Soccer Relay
Objectives:
 To work as a team
 To work on communication skills
Directions:
 Divide participants into teams of 6 or 7.
 Each team will need a soccer ball.
 The teams lock arms around their shoulders to form a close circle.
 On go, the participants must keep the soccer ball in their circle as they dribble it toward
the other end of the playing area.
 If the ball leaves the circle, the team must start over from the beginning.
 To make it more difficult, put obstacles in the way that the teams must maneuver around.
10
Tarp Time
Begin the challenges with several students standing on the tarp.
Challenges:
Students are not allowed to touch the ground with any body parts. They must stay on the tarp at
all times.
 Stand on the bottom of the tarp (turn the tarp over without leaving it).
 Fold the tarp in half (1/2). Fold it in half again. One more time!!
 Shape the tarp into a diamond or triangle, or a house, cube etc.
 Magic Carpet -- How can you move the tarp across the floor?
 Cover as much of the tarp with your bodies as possible.
 Cover the least amount of the tarp as possible.
Challenges:
Students are allowed to touch the ground. Encourage the students to cooperate with other groups.
 Can your group make a people sandwich?
 Can your group make an igloo (no part of the body can be expose to the freezing cold!)?
 Can your group use the tarp as a stretcher to rescue others? What type of activity can we
create to rescue others?
 Acid Rain is in the forecast. Cover the entire class in a giant umbrella.
 We are going to create our own Chinese New Year Dragons. Let’s start with small
dragons and then create a giant dragon!
 Musical Tarps. When the music begins, all of you must skip, jog, bear walk, etc. around
the outside of the tarps. When the music stops, you have 5 seconds to get on a tarp.
Continue to remove tarps until everyone is on 2 or 3 tarps.
 All students will stand on the floor holding the edge of the tarp. All sit down together
without letting go of the tarp. Now, try to standup together without letting go. Continue
combining groups until the entire class is working together.
 Now, let’s try something that is very active. Two tarp groups get together. Both groups
will hold onto the edges of their own tarp. One group will go around the other group’s
tarp, three times. Then they will go over three times and then under three times. When
this group is finished the other group repeats the challenge (3 times around, 3 times over
and 3 times under).
 Time for The People Mover! Each group will hold their tarp end to end with the other
groups (waist level), forming a long conveyor belt. A brave person will then stand at one
end of the belt. On signal, this person climbs onto the belt and begins to crawl, walk, roll
or use any movement means to move along the conveyor. After the person has passed one
segment of tarp, the people holding that tarp must run to the front of the conveyor and
attach. This process continues until the person on the belt reaches a specified destination.
If the belt person touches the ground, the entire group must return to the starting point.
 Cube It: Explain to the students that a cube has six faces or sides. Examples might
include ice cube, dice, box with top and bottom, etc. I set this up by having six groups
working with tarps. If you do not have enough students to make up six groups, place a
few extra tarps (equal to six total) on the ground nearby.
11
Back Writing
Time:
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10-15 minutes
Equipment:
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Sheet of paper
Pencil
Game Setup:
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The group is divided into small teams and each small team lines up front to back sitting
close enough to reach the person in front of them.
The person in the back is shown a picture such a as a smiley face or a star.
Then the people at the back of their lines use their finger to draw on the back of the
person in front of them - - attempting to transmit the message in such a way that enables
that person to then draw on the back of the person in front of them.
Start with easy pictures and move to more difficult.
The "message" (diagram) is sent through the line (organization) and the last person in line
must draw an exact duplicate of what they feel drawn on their back onto a piece of paper.
The only rule is no talking. After one message is sent, have the people switch places and
let everyone have a chance to be at the back and at the front.
12
Color Pyramid 6 Goal Soccer
Age:
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3rd through adult
Props:
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6 different color dome cones (2 in each set)
6 different color small cones (5 in each set)
6 different color gatorskin large dodge balls or soccer balls.
Game Setup:
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You should place 6 different goals designated by color around the wall area of the room.
Then give each team a set of their color match of 5 small cones.
Place those small cones stacked to the outside of the goal.
There will be six teams. You can use wristband colors to distinguish teams.
Each team should have a goalie, defender and at least two offensive players. Goalie is
allowed to use their hands to prevent balls going through the goal. Defenders are only
allowed to use their feet and protect their goal. Offensive players are only allowed to use
their feet and score at each designated goal but their own.
If a score is made at a goal the team that scored the goal collects one small cone from that
teams color.
Once a team has collected one of each designated small cone colors (5 different cones
and color) they then go to the middle of the floor and build a pyramid using the 5
different color small cones to win the game.
Other teams are allowed to knock down the pyramid with the ball before they get it built
without using their hands to knock it down.
All teammates can come out to help defend the pyramid while it is being built.
13
Card Fitness Race
Objective:
 To increase muscular strength and endurance
 To increase cardiovascular fitness
Directions:
 Students start on one end of the playing area.
 Teacher or caller assigns exercises (1 for each suit).
 Students begin performing the exercise they choose to identify the suit they picked.
 Teacher or caller draws one card randomly from the deck.
 The group that is doing the exercise that matches the suit drawn gets to move closer to
the other end of the gym.
 The groups that didn’t match the card drawn must stay in the same spot.
 Teacher or caller assigns new exercises to the suits and draws another card.
 This continues until at least one student makes it to the other end of the playing area.
Find Your Name
Time:
 5-10 minutes
Purpose:
 Ice-Breaker
Props:
 None
Game Setup:
 Have everyone stand in a circle.
 Start the Game as your own name.
 Proceed to meet someone and greet them saying your name. You will then switch names
with the person you met.
 The next person you introduce yourself to with your switched name and then switch
names again.
 The game continues until you meet the person with your name. Once you meet them
switch names and then take yourself out of the game.
 The game ends when everyone meets their original name and takes themselves out of the
game.
Processing:
 How hard is it to really learn someone’s name?
 Are there areas in your life where you need to be doing more listening?
 What causes us to hear and not listen?
 Are there distractions in your life that cause you not to listen?
14
Communication Barrier
Purpose:
 To have a better concept of the types of barriers to communication and how to overcome
them.
Game Setup:
 Choose three groups
 1st group could be the most significant leaders.
 2nd group could be the individuals who usually relay the information to other.
 3rd group could be the individuals who receive the information
 The first group is positioned behind the first line approximately 15 feet away from the
work area.
 Your directions to them are having been reduced from the resource of voice for the entire
game.
 Explain to them you are going to place 50 tossable items in the work station.
 Their job is to communicate to group 2 the information for group three to secure 50
tossable items and place them in the bag.
 Then place the second group approximately 8 feet away from the 1st group.
 Tell them they can talk and see but they at no time can turn or look to the side of them.
 Inform them they will be given all the information to complete the task by the rest of the
team.
 Group three is another 8 feet away from group two and they will be blindfolded by the
second instructor once the directions have been given to the first two group.
 Inform them they will be given all the directions to complete the task by their teammates.
 Do not place the toss-able down until they are blindfolded.
 Once all directions have been given, blindfold them and have them stand perfectly still
until you put down all the items and the bag in a large rectangle or square roped off area.
Second Round:
 Switch roles, place group 3 as 1 and group 1 as 2.
 This time you have specific items that must be picked up as 5 cows, 5 elephants, rather
than 50 objects and then watch the change in dynamics.
Processing:
 Ask group three, two, and one what they felt during the process?
 How did the group find success?
 How did the process of coming up with a working strategy happen?
 How did the role reversal feel?
 Do you have a different feeling toward the line of communication? If so what?
 What aspect of this game can you most utilize in the way you communication in your
own like or at work?
 What things can you identify you would like to change?
15
Jedi Knight
Time:
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10-15 minutes
Purpose:
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Teamwork
To score on the other side
Props:
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Large Foam Ball
Boundary
2 Noodles
6 Hula Hoops
Game Setup:
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Line foam balls at the half court line
Place 3 hoops on each side of the court with one being on the baseline
The hoop in the back will have the noodle
Divide the class in half with a team on each side
Each team will have a Jedi Knight who will hold the noodle. This Knight is allowed to be
inside the hoops where he/she will remain safe but no one else is allowed to be in the
hoop
On go, the teams will try to eliminate the other team by hitting their Jedi Knight
The Jedi is safe in the hoop but has to make it across the playing field to the other teams
baseline hoop
If the players get hit with a foam ball they must kneel down and cannot pick up a ball
until the Jedi Knight tags them back in play with the noodle
Keep in mind that the Jedi is only safe in the hoops so if the Jedi is running free to tag
players back in the game they are also free to get tagged by the other team.
Your team wins when either your Jedi Knight makes it to the other team’s baseline hoop
or by throwing a ball and tagging the other teams Jedi Knight.
16
Triangle River Crossing
Time:
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20+ minutes
Purpose:

Communication
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Teamwork
Problem Solving
Props:
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Poly Spots
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Poly Squares
Rope
Game Setup:
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Lay out rope in a triangle design
Place different colored dots at the tips of the triangle
Place the same colored squares across from the dot inside the triangle
Place poly dots of the same color all over the interior
Divide the group up into three teams
Explain that their objective is to get to the same colored square and touch it and return
back to the outside of the triangle where they started
However, the key is that once a dot is stepped on it must be remained in contact with at
all times or it will be taken away
If for any reason they would lose all their dots inside the triangle they might have to start
over, this is a good time to process what just occurred and what they might want to do to
correct it
Processing:
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What was the first attempt like?
What happened?
How well did you all work as a team?
How good was the communication process?
Was there a plan that everyone was a part of or just one team?
Did the second attempt change from the first? How?
What made a difference?
How does this apply to the way we do things in life situations?
17
Bounce Brigade
Time
 10-15 minutes
Purpose:
 Students will use cooperation, eye hand coordination patience, strategy, and teamwork.
Props:
 Based on a class of 48 students (8 teams of 6 players)
 5 Gallon Buckets (8)
 2 Plastic buckets per team
 Hula Hoops (1 per team)
 Wiffle balls in different colors (24, 3 balls in the same color for each team)
Description:
 Before students arrive set out the eight buckets. Place four hula hoops at each end of the
gym and put three tennis balls and 1-2 buckets inside each hula hoop.
 The object of the game is for teams to transfer each of their three balls to the buckets
located on the opposite end of the gym. Teams race against each other to determine who
will accomplish this feat the fastest. No positions are assigned. Players are responsible
for choosing what equipment to use and how they want to contribute to the game.
 Divide the class into eight teams of six. Explain that each team will decide who will be
the Canners and who will be the throwers.
 Play begins with one player standing inside the team’s hoop to advance a ball to a
teammate down the court.
 Throwers may toss or throw the balls, but one bounce and no more must occur before a
Canner may catch a ball.
 Throwers and Canners may switch positions with each other any time during the game.
 Players must follow a Thrower-Canner progression to advance the ball to bounce one
time. The same Thrower or a new Thrower will then advance toward the bucket to allow
the Canner to toss the ball out of the can for the thrower to catch it after allowing the ball
to bounce one time.
 Teams can split up and work as partners with multiple teams in the Thrower-Canner
progression or work in groups of three or more to advance a ball toward a bucket.
 Any ball that is caught before bouncing once or is caught after bouncing more than one
time must go back to the beginning to be reentered into the game. Any ball that is
dropped must also be returned to the beginning. Each team continues the ThrowerCanner progression until they score by bouncing a ball into the bucket. All misses result
in returning the ball to the team’s hoop and starting over.
18
CATCH 5
Time:

10-15 minutes
Purpose:


Teamwork
Cooperation
Props:

One football (or other ball) for every group of 6-8 players
Game Setup:











The students form teams of 3 to 4 players. This game is played either 3 vs 3 or 4 vs 4.
You can have more than one game going at a time
Mark off boundaries for each game approximately 30-40 feet by 30-40 feet.
One team starts on offense and has the ball. The other team is on defense.
The object is for the offensive team to pass the ball to each other, trying to make five
consecutive passes and catches without dropping the ball or having the defensive team
intercept it or knock it down.
If five successful passes and catches are made, the team scores one point and the ball now
goes to the other team.
If the ball is dropped, knocked down or intercepted by the defensive team, the defensive
team takes possession of the ball and goes on offense.
The game continues for a predetermined amount of time or until one team scores a
predetermined amount of points.
Defensive players are not allowed to touch offensive players who are trying to make a
pass. If they do, the thrower is allowed to throw again.
If the defensive player touches an offensive player who is attempting to catch a pass,
“interference” is called and the catch counts, and the offensive team continues.
Throwers cannot travel with the ball, but they are allowed to pivot their feet as in
basketball, but must stay in one place.
Other players can move anywhere within the designated boundaries
19
King Tag
Time:

10-15 minutes
Purpose:



To be aware of your surroundings
Communication
Teamwork
Props:


Large Foam Ball
Boundary
Game Setup:






Select a participant that can throw the ball well to be the first KING
The King begins with the foam ball
The way the King can get all the Queens on his side is to tag them shoulders or below
with the foam ball
Every time you tag a Queen they become a King and help you tag the rest of the Queens
The Queens have to remember who has been tagged to stay away from the Kings
Once all the Kings tag all the Queens the last Queen starts the game over as the new King
Processing:





Did you see the game as a competition or an opportunity to work together? How and
Why?
What did it feel like to be the Kings and how did you make it work?
What took place when there became more Kings?
What did it feel like to be a Queen?
If they started to work together ask them how and when they realized it worked better if
they communicated and became a “network” or a “team” to get more Queens on their
side.
20
Slingshot Launch
Age:

3rd through adult
Watch student teams “Slingshot Launch” in a cooperative game that will allow students the
opportunity to explore various ways to develop and improve ball manipulation, and slingshot
skills of trajectory, force, and accuracy.
Equipment:




Flat Resistance Exercise Bands. An Exercise Band is a rubber latex flat band that comes
in various lengths and resistances. Recommend purchasing a medium resistance roll
(usually the color green) and cutting it into lengths of 1.5 to 2.0 feet segments.
Small soft gatorskin balls about the size of a tennis or baseball.
You could give out sticks or wristbands for successful completions.
Game Setup:







Instruct students to form groups of 2- or 3-Player teams.
Each 2- or 3-Player team may now get one ball and one slingshot and then go to the end
line on one side of the gym.
The object of the game is for each team to score more points than the opposing team by
slingshotting and hitting more walls located on the opposite end of the gym than any
other slingshot team.
To Begin: On the signal “go”, The teams must start from behind the end line and begin
experimenting with ways on how to aim and shoot the ball at different angles and
trajectories as well as determining fair ways of taking turns on who will hold and who
will shoot the slingshot each time.
Teammates must always use caution when pulling back and releasing the slingshots to
avoid hitting anyone with the therapy band or ball!!!
The goal for each team is to slingshot the ball, attempting to hit the wall on the opposite
side of the gym.
After the first shot and each shot thereafter, teams must retrieve the ball from where it hit
while in the air, and not where it comes to rest. The process of launching balls will
continue until the ball physically hits the wall. Note: A score is considered successful if
the ball hits the wall in the air. The captain or one player from each team is allowed to go
and get one stick from the bucket after each score against a wall. After the stick is
collected, each team will start the process of launching the ball from behind the end line
of the wall that was just scored against. Option: allow teams, each time they collect 10
sticks, to trade them in for one wristband. Each team will continue the process of
slingshotting balls, traveling back and forth across the gym to hit as many walls as
possible until the 10-30 minute time limit has expired or a pre-determined score has been
reached. Tally each team’s score by adding together each 10-point wristband with the 1point sticks. 1-10 sticks = your team is alright!
21
Bump the Ball
There were a number of similar games played by Indians of the Northwest Coast. The games
were usually played by boys. Inflated bladders taken from sea mammals were used for a variety
of games. Eskimo boys used the bladders for throwing and kicking games.
Time:
 15-20 minutes
Props:
 1 Utility Ball
 2 Foam Balls per field
 4 Small cones per field (goals)
 4 Large cones per field (boundaries)
Description:
 Mark off mini-fields boundary lines (25 by 25 paces)
 Set goal cones at each end of playing field 5 paces apart. Place foam ball 5 paces in front
of goal cones on both sides of field. Place utility game ball in middle of playing field.
 Divide class into teams of 5 or more, pair up teams and assign to playing field. Distribute
pinnies to one team per field.
 Select a leader for each group. Team wearing pinnies gets utility ball first.
 Position teams on field, facing one another. The side of the field that team is on is their
goal and they will defend other team from bumping the foam ball into their goal. They
will also try to score a point by bumping their opponent’s ball into their opponent’s goal.
 On “Go”, team leader tosses game ball to team members. The team moves toward their
opponents goals to try to bump the foam ball into the goal with the game ball.
Game Setup:
 The object of the game is to pass the game ball to teammates towards the opponent’s goal
and bump the foam ball into the goal with the game ball.
 On “Go”, the team with the ball moves toward their opponent’s goal by tossing the ball to
team members.
 Be ready to catch the ball! Hands up!
 The other team tries to get the game ball away by intercepting or deflecting it.
 Once you get the game ball away from your opponent, move toward your opponent, and
move toward your opponent’s goal to score a point for your team by bumping the foam
ball into the goal.
 Rules of 3’s – Three Passes before trying to score, ball must be passed to 3 players before
bumping the ball, player can only take 3 steps before passing, player can wait 3 seconds
before passing and opponents have to stand 3 feet away when guarding.
22
Keypad
Time:

10-15 minutes
Purpose:


Teamwork
To figure out the pattern
Props:

16 Poly Spots
Game Setup:

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







Make a pattern that students will have to figure out
Place 16 poly spots on the floor making a 4x4 square
Divide the class into 4 groups, line them up on each side of the square
Designate the starting point
Students will move on spot at a time trying to figure out the pattern
They can only move to a spot directly next to the spot they are on. They can move
forward, left, right and diagonal.
Students can only touch each spot one time during the pattern.
If a student moves to the wrong spot, it is the next teams turn
Once a team makes it through the entire pattern have the other teams make it through the
pattern
If time allows, have the students do another pattern
23
Get in Order!
Purpose:
 Children will work together as a team to accomplish the tasks of lining up as listed
below. Communication skills.
Supplies:
 None
Game Setup:
Height:
 Level 1: Line everyone up according to height (children may speak & use motions).
 Level 2: Do this task without talking.
 Level 3: Do this task without talking or using hand signals.

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

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


Birthday:
Level 1: Line everyone up by the month of their birthdays (group of January, etc.)
Level 2: Line everyone up by the month and day of their birthdays
Level 3: Do this task without talking
Spelling:
Level 1: Give each student a letter and line them up from A to Z.
Level 2: Split the students into small groups. Give each student a letter and have them
line up within their group according to the spelling word given to them.
Level 3: Do this task without talking
Math:
Level 1: Give each student a number and line them up in order starting with 1.
Level 2: Give each student a number and line them up by 2’s, 3’s, etc.
Level 3: Split the students into groups. Give each student a number or decimal and say a
number out loud and the students have to get in order matching the number you’ve stated.
($1,214.
24
Follow the Leader
Purpose:



Communication
Teambuilding
Trust building
Game Setup:




Divide the group into equal teams and form lines facing the front.
Everyone but the person in the front must wear a blindfold. The people behind the leader
place their hands on the shoulders of the person in front of them. The person in the front
is the only person that can speak.
On the start signal, the person in the front will lead their group around the available
space. It is important to make sure the person in the front of the line communicates to
their team about where they are going and what is coming up.
After a few minutes, switch places in line so that everyone gets a chance to be the leader.
Modifications:


Lay things in the play area such as noodles, chairs, tables, etc. that the lines have to step
over or walk around.
Take the lines up or down stair or around obstacles that will create more communication
by the leader.
25
Quick Line-Up Games
Time:
 5-20 minutes
Purpose:
 A quick classroom brain break that
will allow students to problem solve,
work together cooperatively, and
think on their feet.
Props:
 Students
Description:
There are many ways your students can line up as quickly as possible. You can time them, and
then ask them if they think they can improve their time.







Height
Alphabetical
Birth month/date
Shoe size
History- events
Presidents
Money
Students can execute different motor skills (hopping, skipping, etc.) to move to their correct
places.
After your students have mastered these, ask them to do the task without talking. This requires
the students to communicate in an entirely different way.
For older students, after they have mastered these, and feel safe in their group, they can attempt
to do these blindfolded.
26
End Zone Football
Objectives:
 To work as a team
 To score as many touchdowns for your team as possible
Directions:
 Divide participants into 2 teams.
 You can use scarves, wristbands, pennies, jerseys, etc. to ensure teams can tell the
difference between each other.
 Each team will defend a designated end zone on opposite sides of the gym.
 Each team will try to score by throwing and catching the ball in the other team’s end
zone.
 Spread as many dodgeballs, footballs, and other various soft or foam balls you have
around the gym.
 On go, the participants can pick up one ball at a time and work with another team
member or team members to move the ball down the field toward the end zone.
 The participant that has the ball cannot move. The other teammates must move down the
field and try to catch the ball that their teammate will be throwing.
 Once a ball is caught in the end zone, that team is granted one touchdown. Keep track of
the teams’ scores and play to a certain number.
 Encourage the participants to plat offense, but also to defend the other team from scoring
in their end zone.
 Participants are not allowed to make contact with another player whether on offense or
defense.
27
Free Agent
Time:
 5-10 minutes
Purpose:
 Ice Breaker
Props:

Raccoon Circles ( or hula hoops)
Game Setup:





Spread several raccoon circles around the room/space. Approximately 1 circle for every
six people. Use hula hoops as an alternative to raccoon circles if you need to for
grouping.
Everyone in each group stands inside their raccoon circle, or holds onto the hula hoop.
Ask various get to know you questions such as: Who is the tallest? Who has the most
brothers and sisters? Who is the youngest? Who has the most children? Who has visited
the most countries? Etc. This person leaves the group and is now a “free agent”.
“Free Agents” can join any group they are invited to. A group can invite more than one
“free agent” as well.
Continue asking questions until you have only a couple of medium sized groups, or one
large group.
Essential Staff Training Activities. Jim Cain, Claire-Marie Hannon, Dave Knobbe. 2009
28
Team Handball
Objectives:
 To work as a team
 To score as many points for your team as possible.
Directions:
 Divide participants into teams of 8 to 10.
 You can use scarves, wristbands, pennies, jerseys, etc. to ensure teams can tell the
difference between each other.
 Each team will defend a designated goal (Soccer goal, between two lines, between two
cones, etc.) on opposite sides of the gym.
 Each team will try to score by throwing and catching the ball in order to move it down
the court. The person with the ball can only take two steps and then must freeze. They then must







pass the ball to a teammate before they can move.
Each team can choose a goalie to help block the ball from going into the goal.
The team with the ball must move the ball down the court by throwing and catching the ball.
Once they are close to the goal, but outside the 3 point arc, they can try to score by trying to
throw the ball into the designated goal.
Defenders are the only players allowed inside the 3 point arc on their end of the court. Offensive
players are not allowed inside the 3 point arc.
When defending, players are not allowed to make contact with other players.
A goal is scored when the ball is thrown past the goalie from outside the 3 point arc.
You can play timed halves or until a team reaches a certain number of goals.
Make sure each team (if there or more than 2) get equal amounts of time on the court. To speed
the games up, play to one goal and the team the scores stays on the court and a new team steps on
to challenge.
29
Team Maze
Time:
 10-15 minutes
Purpose:
 Teamwork
 To figure out the pattern
Props:
 16 Poly Spots
Game Setup:










Make a pattern that students will have to figure out
Place 16 poly spots on the floor making a 4x4 square
Divide the class into 4 groups, line them up on each side of the square
Designate the starting point
Students will move one spot at a time trying to figure out the pattern
They can only move to a spot directly next to the spot they are on. They can move
forward, left, right and diagonal.
Students can only touch each spot one time during the pattern.
If a student moves to the wrong spot, it is the next teams turn
Once a team makes it through the entire pattern have the other teams make it through the
pattern
If time allows, have the students do another pattern
End
Start
30
Partner Bingo
Objectives:
 To work as a team
 To complete as many bingo patterns as possible with your partner
Directions:
 Divide participants into team of 2 and give them a cone to stand by.








Each team will get a ball (dodgeball, football, tennis ball, whiffle ball, etc.)
On go, one person from the team runs to the pile of bingo cards, grabs one, and returns to their
teammate.
The two teammates work together to complete the pattern on their card. The do this by one
teammate runs to the hoop that corresponds to a spot on their card. The teammate that stays then
throws the ball to their teammate.
If the teammate catches the ball inside the hoop, the team can mark that spot off of the pattern
they are trying to make.
The teammate with the ball runs it back to the cone and the other teammate goes to the next spot
on the pattern.
Continue switching until the pattern is made.
When the team finishes a pattern, they run it back to the pile and grab a different pattern card.
Let students play for 10 minutes or so to ensure that all teams are successful.
31
19.06.02