Whether it be in the classroom, gymnasium, or as part of a field trip, team building is a great way for students grow at their own pace.
Over the years, of all the age groups I have taught, Middle school has to be my favorite. They are at that awkward time where they don’t know if they are children, adults, or somewhere in between. Some are coming out of their shells and becoming more social while others still haven’t figured that part out yet. What a perfect age for Team Building. Whether it be in the classroom, gymnasium, or as part of a field trip, team building is a great way for students grow at their own pace.
Team building allows students to work together in social situations just as they would in the classroom, their daily lives, or down the road in the workplace. How often are they challenged with a task to do with others where they don’t know how to work in these situations? Team building challenges students to problem solve and execute working with others. It shows them how to be accountable, such a great lesson for middle school students to learn.
Many facilitators including myself like to start groups off with something called icebreakers. They are just as it sounds, activities that break the silence and awkwardness when groups first come together. Even if a group has known each other for some time, team building exercises purposely take students outside of their comfort zone and can sometimes bring on some personal anxiety. Icebreakers allow students to laugh and relax. It brings them together to show them that though they may be challenged today, it is going to be a fun learning experience.
As the groups progress through the day it is great to tailor the activities specifically to achieve some goals with the group. Team building allows students to develop stronger relationships and trust among each other. Certain activities can be designed to improve communication and limit conflict in a group.
Team building often consists of two parts for each challenge or activity. You have the initial activity and then afterwards is time for reflection. This is a time where students truly show how much they’ve learned and how far they’ve grown. During this time as the facilitator I would present the group with questions to guide them into discovering how these concepts affect their everyday lives. Now they don’t typically have “ah-ha!” moments right away but as the day goes on they’re able to go from figuring out why an activity was successful or not and how to improve the next time to actually relating their experiences to their own lives. This is a time that you are not always fortunate to have in the classroom. Here we specifically set aside the introspective time for that growth and development.
Through many different games and activities, middle school students are able to build and develop many different skills that they may not have been able to elsewhere. It is a great time for new experiences and new challenges.
– Tony Prunesti
Adventure Guide, Educator, Team Building Facilitator, Terrapin Adventures
Team Building with Terrapin Adventures
Terrapin Adventures is conveniently located in Howard County, Maryland, between Baltimore and Washington DC. We offer both custom onsite and offsite team building solutions. Our experienced staff is able to create a customized program that exceeds your requirements to help increase communication and productivity of your group.
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At Terrapin Adventures, we can help your students unleash their full potential.
Get in touch with a Guest Relations Specialist today and ask about how Terrapin Adventures can help you plan your team building event. Call 301.725.1313 or email us at info@terrapinadventures.com. You can also follow Terrapin Adventures on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Google+, and Pinterest for up-to-date information on events, trends, and other fun and exciting outdoor activities.