Build Team Chemistry! | Challenge Games in P.E

Need an activity to help your class work better as a group or team? Something that is simple, fun and can challenge students of every age? This group dynamics challenge has been my go to activity for many years now. You can use this challenge task with most year levels above Year 3 and all the way to Year 12 and adults. The great thing about this challenge is that it requires no equipment, just an open space or carpeted area. There are plenty of ways you can modify it and add your own spin to it. Most importantly- it is a really valuable tool to create dialogue on the importance of group cohesion and effective communication for the overall success of teams and groups.

A perfect way to start a lesson at the beginning of a school year for any subject area as it serves as a fun and easy icebreaker for new students and for yourself as a teacher to observe the varying personalities of your students.

‘The Letter Challenge’

It feels like I’m describing the perfect activity? well it kind of is…. provided it is used in the appropriate context. Give this a try and you will see why we are so excited by this game!

What Do You Need?

Open space
Minimum 15-20 students

How To Play?

Students are broken down into two teams
Each team is provided with a letter (A,B,C,D…)
Teams are then tasked with creating this letter on the floor using every person in the group
All group members need to be connected in some way
The team has 30 seconds to come up with a plan in a huddle but are not allowed to position themselves during this discussion
Teams are not allowed to talk once the challenge starts
Teams have 45 seconds to make the letter
After 45 seconds, the teacher then decides which letter looks the most accurate and decides the winner. This will be round one and this can go on for multiple rounds until a winner is decided (for example, first to 5 wins)

Key Rules:

Games can end in a tie or no score if neither team is successful
If a group member talks during the challenge the whole team is DQ
Students can use non-verbal communication during the challenge only
Students are making one large letter using all of their bodies and not individual letters

What Is The Goal Of The Game?

To work as a team to communicate verbally when needed
To develop and understand the importance of non-verbal communication
To understand that each member of the team regardless of their role is critical in the over success of the group

How Can You Modify iIt?

Make it easier!

Use easy letters
Make the teams larger
Allow some talking (1-2 people)

Make it Harder!

Students have to create numbers
Blind-fold one student
Make the groups smaller
Students create more than one letter
Reduce the time for the challenge
Only some of the team is allowed to huddle

What Are The Main Skills Being Utilised?

Verbal communication
Non-verbal communication
Social-emotional skills (Understanding, collaboration, decision-making, managing stress)

What does the evidence say about the important of developing Group Dynamic skills in the classroom?

Enhanced Learning Outcomes: Research shows that collaborative learning environments improve student understanding and retention of material. Group dynamics foster peer learning, where students can explain concepts to each other, leading to deeper comprehension. A study by Johnson, Johnson, and Smith (2007) highlights that cooperative learning results in higher achievement and greater retention compared to individualistic learning structures
Development of Social and Interpersonal Skills: Working in groups helps students develop essential social and interpersonal skills, such as communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, and empathy. These skills are critical for personal and professional success. According to a study by Slavin (1996), students who engage in group work show significant improvement in their ability to interact effectively with others, which is a key component of emotional intelligence and future workplace success
Increased Motivation and Engagement: Group dynamics can boost student motivation and engagement by providing a sense of belonging and mutual support. When students feel part of a group, they are more likely to participate actively and stay committed to their tasks. A study by Dörnyei and Murphey (2003) found that group work can enhance students’ motivation through increased interaction, encouragement, and a shared sense of purpose, leading to higher levels of engagement and academic achievement

Helpful Resources:

Sources:

Johnson, D. W., Johnson, R. T., & Smith, K. A. (2007). The state of cooperative learning in postsecondary and professional settings. *Educational Psychology Review, 19*(1), 15-29.
Slavin, R. E. (1996). Research on cooperative learning and achievement: What we know, what we need to know. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 21 (1), 43-69.
Dörnyei, Z., & Murphey, T. (2003). *Group Dynamics in the Language Classroom*. Cambridge University Press.
Slavin, R. E. (1995). Cooperative learning: Theory, research, and practice (2nd ed.) Allyn and Bacon