Cooperation

A continuum of Social relationships among human groups: (A link to a scale that shows how humans get along with each other): [|Continuum Link]

Trust Walk--see games to conduct this and build relationships. After/follow up: See the web site on [|Middle School Cooperative Games].

This is called "Remote Control": This game teaches effective verbal communication. Clear a large area and create a simple obstacle course using chairs, tables and other handy items. Instruct each student to choose a partner. One person dons a blindfold and walks the obstacle course as her partner instructs her on how to navigate the course. After everyone has completed the obstacle course, discuss as a class what the experience was like. Prompt the students to think about what instructions did not work and what kind of communication was more effective in helping their partners through the course.

Read more: [|Middle School Cooperative Games | eHow.com] [|http://www.ehow.com/info_7900146_middle-school-cooperative-games.html#ixzz1rwyz6Nnu]

Group Trust Activity Video: media type="youtube" key="wtxvJjDv7J0" height="315" width="420"

Group Trust Activity Video: (Another one--longer with some details): media type="youtube" key="eJu8KVWDmZs" height="315" width="420"

Lap Sit Activity--in a large group. media type="youtube" key="CPauhLDmp4I" height="315" width="560" Lap Sit activity videos. Moving lap sit video: media type="youtube" key="vS8v0Jfl3DE" height="315" width="560" The importance of teamwork: The Rabbit and the Turtle--modern story: media type="youtube" key="xevQ2yTyK9Y" height="315" width="420"

A good teamwork game is Lava Pit:

**Lava Pit**
Props: 20 paper plates, scotch tape. Purpose: Teambuilding, Communication Procedure: Make up a story that the group is being chased and they need to get across a field of hot lava. Give each group paper plates explaining that when they step on these plates they will not sink into the lava. (Give each team about 1/3 the number of plates as people.) The group must figure out how to get the entire group from point A to point B (both marked by scotch tape on the floor), from one side of the Hot Lava Pit to the other. Only one person can be on a plate at a time, and the plates may be picked up and moved. The key to the game is that only part of the team will be able to cross the field at a time and one person will need to work their way back across the field to help the rest of the team across. A time limit can also be placed on this game.

Notes: This game is sometimes called "Crossing the River" and can also be done with string/rope representing two "sides" of a river that must be crossed, etc. You could substitute pieces of carpet or cardboard for the paper plates.