Team-building Activities

We have done this from time-to-time. Works great if you have a big ugly plastic insect to put in the middle of the web when you are done!

Pass a ball of string from student-to-student to help middle schoolers understand team-building. Advisory time also is appropriate for team-building activities. Advisory time allows teachers to develop a personal relationship with each student in the group, and team-building activities provide students with a change to learn more about each other as well. Effective team-building activities for middle school students include the shoe game and tie a string. In the shoe game, each student takes off one shoe and places it in a pile. The teacher divides the class into two teams, and the first team to find all its members' shoes and sit down on the floor wins the game. In the string game, the teacher starts by passing a ball of string to a student, who then passes the ball on, leaving a trail of string behind it. The only person who can talk is the person holding the ball of string. Once that person is done sharing her feelings, she passes the ball on until everyone has had a chance to speak. The web formed by the string represents how we are all interconnected and how a group works.

Motivational Messages from Lehigh University

Recently the Lehigh University Men's and Women's Basketball Teams visited our school to speak to our 7th and 8th graders. The messages focused on goal setting, determination and not being afraid to fail at something as opposed to regretting not even trying. Our kids asked great questions and had opportunities to visit with the players. http://www.lehighsports.com/videos/lehigh_basketball_teams_visit_local_middle_schools_.aspx

The 5th and 6th graders had the opportunity to actually travel to the Lehigh University Campus to see a game. What inspirational young men and women! Thanks Lehigh!