Children’s time in elementary school is a period in which they are learning critical skills that will be applicable throughout the rest of their lives. Some of these skills are related to academics, but not all of them.
In a Montessori elementary program, children also learn and practice key social skills. One of the most important is teamwork. Here’s a look at how elementary school kids can learn teamwork.
1. Scavenger Hunt
A good old scavenger hunt is a classic activity that any kid will find fun and exciting, but it also helps kids learn how to work together to achieve a common goal.
Challenging scavenger hunts include riddle-like clues that point students to their next find. These clues can take some thought to solve, but when the group puts their heads together, they can solve it faster. In a large enough class, kids can split into teams and compete, adding an even greater incentive to work together!
2. Tug-of-War
At first, a tug-of-war might seem like a game of brute strength. But anyone who’s played it can tell you it’s actually a great application of teamwork. To win, a team must coordinate their efforts, and that requires great communication skills and team spirit.
Additionally, an integral aspect of Montessori schooling is giving kids the chance to learn from one another. Just because one child on the team is quiet while another emerges as a sort of leader doesn’t mean the former isn’t learning.
3. Escape Room Challenge
A kid-friendly escape room challenge can help elementary students sharpen their teamwork and analytical skills right in the classroom, all while offering a compelling and adventurous time.
If you haven’t put together an escape room before, the setup process might sound daunting. But there’s no need to worry! You can easily find classroom escape room kits online that include everything you need, from puzzles and riddles to other challenges kids must work through to solve before they can escape.
4. Handling Practical Life Skills
One of the key features that set Montessori elementary schools apart is the fact that they teach kids practical life skills alongside academic skills. And often, coming to grips with those practical life skills requires a decent amount of teamwork.
When placed in groups, elementary students can tackle simple (but critical) activities, such as:
- Washing, drying, and putting away dishes
- Sweeping and mopping floors
- Organizing a toy shelf
- Putting a simple meal together
Though these are activities a person can accomplish on their own, working together makes each of them go by faster. For example, if a group of three students is asked to clean and put away dishes, they could decide who washes, who dries, and who puts the dishes away.
5. Creating an Obstacle Course
Lastly, you can encourage your elementary students to exercise while also helping them learn how to work together by asking them to create an obstacle course. You can do this activity indoors or outdoors, and you can let the kids choose the obstacles themselves. Always keep a close eye on safety, though. You don’t want any sharp-edged obstacles to cause an injury.
The Right Elementary School Experience Starts With Montessori
Not all elementary schools are created equal. And even though some parents believe that the quality of a student’s elementary school education isn’t as important as, say, their high school or college experiences, the truth is that elementary school lays the groundwork for all kinds of higher learning.
At Montessori School of Flagstaff’s Switzer Mesa Campus, we’re dedicated to give each and every child a world-class education that will prepare them for whatever path they choose in life. If you’re interested in enrolling or just want to learn more, contact us and schedule a tour today.