Teamwork and leadership skill development go hand in hand. To develop young leaders in the classroom consider a group art project. Divide the class into groups of four or five students. Provide them with a project that requires delegation, co-operation and communication, such as building a model of a home of the future. Students should discuss the project, identify the materials needed, assemble the materials, commence the project and complete the project, with each task assigned to a different team member.
A school-based Leadership Club brings young, civic-minded people together. One activity option is to operate a crosswalk safety patrol. Students in grades five and six can be trained to act as crossing guards for younger children at the beginning of the day, at lunchtime and after school. Students can be put into patrol teams that include a captain and can create their own schedules. This activity should involve local police in the training phase and as a support for administrative supervisors.
Student councils are another way to identify young leaders in your school. Councils can be volunteer, elected or appointed. Student council activities can include school spirit building, food drives, fundraising for a local charity or hospital, or environmental awareness campaigns. The important element is that the students themselves are responsible for identifying the projects and executing them by using their leadership skills. The greater autonomy students have in executing a plan, the greater their learning experience.
Working within the community is another leadership exercise for elementary students. Bring in a local group that wants to achieve a goal, such as refurbishing an old park. Involve student mentors from neighboring high schools to further enhance the experience for the elementary students. Build leadership skills by demonstrating the impact that teamwork and cooperation can have on the lives of everyone in the community. Meet with students involved in the project to talk about why each person is important to the success of the group and to identify how each individual's strengths make the team stronger.