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23 Working Together

Page
80
from

23 Working Together

Start-Up Activity

Bring to school a loaf of bread, a plastic butter knife, a jar of jelly, and an apron. Ask for three volunteers. Place the apron on the first volunteer and say, "You are our chef. You are going to tell us how to make a jelly sandwich. But you don't get to use your own hands." Have the student clasp hands behind him- or herself. "Instead, this student will be your right hand" (have the student stand beside the chef, reaching in on the right) "and this student will be your left hand" (have the other student reach in on the left). "Hands, you can't speak. You need to listen to what the chef says and try your best to do it." Students will delight in the awkwardness and goofs that follow, though try to make sure that things do not get out of hand.

Afterward, lead a discussion about what worked well and what didn't work well. Ask what things people should always do when they cooperate. Ask what things people should avoid. Let them know they are about to learn more tips for working together.

Enrichment Activity: Review the “Teamwork Tips” (page 81). Whenever students work together in small groups, have them follow these tips.

Think About It

“Working together is all about sharing.”

 

Page 80-81 from Write One Student Handbook

Lesson Plan

Use this activity to let students experiment with working together:

  • Place students in groups of three to fill out "Letters and Words." Tell them all three students must agree on the answers that they write. Observe the ways that different groups work together to make and record decisions.
  • Afterward, lead a discussion about how different students worked together. Ask students how they decided what to write down. If one student just wrote down whatever he or she wanted, ask the other two if they felt included. Find out if any groups discussed their answers before writing them down. Find out if any groups voted. Show that every time people work together, they have to figure out how to make decisions.
  • Also, ask who wrote down the answers. Did one person write them all? Did students take turns? What methods worked best? Point out that whenever people work together, they must decide who will do what.
  • Create a list of "Ways to Work Together," including the discoveries that the students have made (and some of the tips on page 81). Display the list prominently in your classroom. Whenever students are involved in group activities and projects, remind them of good ways to cooperate.
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