Guest blogger David Priestley is an experienced outdoor education and team building specialist who started out as an activity instructor. His website teambuildinghub.com features free game ideas, ice breakers and challenges you could do with your pupils and children.
Here are David’s 6 reasons why you should give team building a try:
To Develop Learning
Most people learn best when they’re happy, engaged and most importantly… having fun. It’s amazing just how much children can learn through play. When exposed to new experiences such as team challenges, children will develop new skills that they can use back in the classroom.
To Improve Learner Engagement
Alon Banks
By taking children outside of the classroom you’ll find plenty of opportunities to make learning concepts real and relevant. Many concepts which seem difficult to grasp in the classroom are easier to understand when set in a different and more relevant environment. All of these things combined mean children are more engaged and motivated to understand and learn, you might even find that they enjoy themselves.
Appealing to Different Learners
Children who do not thrive in the traditional classroom setting will learn better when they are exposed to a new environment. There have been many times when I have taught a group and the shy and reserved child or the apparent ‘trouble maker’ surprises everyone. Give all of your students an opportunity to shine by taking them outside and trying something new.
Why not reward them with some fantastic achievement stickers to show how well they’ve done.
Develops New Skills
Outdoor learning and team activities also support problem-solving skills and nurture creativity. There are countless other educational benefits including: communication, listening, trust, support, leadership and critical thinking.
Not only are these skills great for aiding academic achievement but they also provide young people with fundamental life skills.
Builds Relationships
Team based challenges offer the easiest and most effective method of building relationships. Team Building gets students working together, improves self-confidence, develops trust and breaks down communication barriers. Great when working with new classes at the start of the school year.
Limitless Resources
There’s no excuse for not giving learning outside of the classroom a try. You have a well-stocked resource cupboard – and a most of it is free! No matter how tight your school budget is, you can be sure there’s plenty of team challenges to try that require limited or no equipment.
Need Inspiration? Try the Human Knot
Take your class outside and find an open space. Organise the group into an inward facing circle. In the circle, get your students to connect hands with two others people to form the human knot. Working as a team, they must then try to unravel the “human knot” by untangling themselves whilst staying connected at all times.
Watch the video below for a more in-depth explanation of the activity.
More Ideas…
Visit the Team Building Hub for over 250 free team building challenges, ice breakers and group games for fun! They’re great for all ages, abilities and occasions.
What we Love to Do
At the Team Building Hub we are passionate about providing outdoor learning experiences for young people. Our specialist in-school team building and activity choice courses combine energy, fun and learning and start at just £350 for the full day! For more information visit Team Building for Schools