Lesson Plan
Problem Solving and Cooperation
Group work can build cooperation and problem-solving skills inside and outside of the classroom! In this lesson, students will discuss cooperation and practice using cooperative techniques in human knot and tower-building activities.
Grades:
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Learning Objectives
Students will be able to define the word "cooperation" and discuss ways the class may use cooperative skills when problem solving.
Introduction
(10 minutes)- Join students together in a circle, either seated or standing.
- Ask students to bring their right hand into the circle and to reach for another person's hand. Tell them to make sure not to grab the hand of the person next to them
- Ask everyone to reach their left in and to find someone else's hand (making sure it's not the person right next to them).
- Explain that they have just created a human knot!
- Ask students to work together to untangle their knot without letting go of hands.
- Explain that the goal is to end up in a circle, still holding hands.
- Tell them that they can go under or over arms or legs if needed!
- Ask them to get creative, but remind them that they can't break the chain or they will have to start over.
- Give students 5–7 minutes to complete.
- Play inspiring music (optional).
- Ask, "How did you work together to unravel your knot? How did you problem solve?"
- Ask, "How did cooperation play a role in this activity?"