Team building activities are crucial for fostering a more cohesive, productive, and positive work environment. They enhance communication, build trust, improve morale, and boost overall team performance. By participating in these activities, students can develop stronger relationships, learn to collaborate effectively, and feel more engaged with their success in the gym.
3 Positive Functions that Team Building Brings to PE Class
1. Interpersonal Relationships
Interpersonal relationships concentrate solely on developing and strengthening the relationships within the team with the hope that it leads to a group that is not only cohesive but functions more effectively. This is one of the best strategies to help teams with low morale and/or poor performance with the group.
2. Goal Setting
Goal setting is the second most practiced team-building strategy that enhances activities. The objective is actually quite simple; one, to devise goals for the team or group. Next, is to identify the actions needed to achieve those goals. Many groups will need guidance in setting goals in a timely fashion.
3. Adventure
The adventure framework is a favorite way to help teams build stronger relationships because it involves fun outdoor activities such as tennis, lacrosse, pickleball and golf.
Student Favorite: The Mat Cooperative Team Challenge!
One of our student’s favorites is the Mat Cooperative Team Challenges. Assign groups of 3 – 4 a tumbling mat.
Teams will have 90 seconds to complete each challenge. If someone on the mat steps off the team must jog a lap and try again.
Level 1 = Begin by standing on an open mat and flip the entire mat over without any team members stepping off.
Level 2 = Begin by standing on top of a folded mat. Unfold mat without any team member stepping off.
Level 3 = Begin by standing on an open mat, fold mat without any team member stepping off.
Level 4 = Begin by standing on an open mat, flip the mat over without any team member stepping off. Also, nobody is allowed to speak or touch a teammate.
Level 5 = Begin by standing on top of a folded mat. Unfold mat without any member stepping off. Also no one is allowed to speak or touch a teammate. (additional challenge).
Level 6 = Begin by standing on an open mat, fold mat without any team member stepping off. Also no one is allowed to speak or touch a teammate. (additional challenge).
Level 7 = Begin by standing on an open mat, flip mat over without any team member stepping off. Also no one is allowed to speak or touch a teammate. Everyone is blindfolded except for 1 person. (additional challenge). Take off your blindfold before you run.
Level 8 = Begin by standing on top of a folded mat. Unfold mat with no team member stepping off. Also no one is allowed to speak or touch a teammate. Everyone is blindfolded except for 1 person. (additional challenge). Take off your blindfold before you run.
Level 9 = Begin by standing on an open mat, fold mat with no team member stepping off. Also no one is allowed to speak or touch a teammate. Everyone is blindfolded except for 1 person. (additional challenge). Take off your blindfold before you run.
Level 10 = Create your own safe and fun challenge
