Cooperative groups play a very important role in my classroom, so a big part of being responsible is striving to work well with others. I use these teamwork-building games to get students in the cooperative spirit. I begin each game by modeling for students each role involved, and giving them a chance to practice before we play. Besides being fun, these games help students see clearly how responsible each person is to the team's success. Have students sit back to back on the floor with legs stretched out straight.
Students then link arms and try to stand up together without using their hands against the floor.
Three-Legged Shuffle Use ribbon to tie one leg of each of three students together, and have them carry out normal classroom routines. To deal with the frustration that results, students soon learn they must cooperate. Body-Lift Place an exercise mat on the floor and have one student lie down. Invite other students to gather around this reclining student and slide their hands beneath the student's head, back, and legs in an effort to lift him or her up off the floor. Use ribbon to tie the inside pair of hands together so that only one student's writing hand is free.