There are several activities for classroom teachers to complete that foster student teamwork, such as arranging student desks in small work groups. This allows children to interact with students they might have never talked to before. Assign students classroom jobs, giving them a sense of responsibility and pride in their team. Encourage students to work together by rewarding the class for compliments received by offering a special treat after the children have earned a set number of compliments.
Provide dramatic play opportunities for young students, such as a classroom store where students learn about math and money skills through working together. Have students complete classroom activities, such as learning center lessons or free choice activities in pairs or small groups. Sharing "Me Bags," small brown bags filled at home with objects that represent the child, gives students the opportunity to learn more about their classmates. Host three-legged races and relay races to encourage students to work together to meet a common goal.
Lead a classroom discussion about teamwork and the qualities represented by a good team. Have students brainstorm ways to make the classroom into a working team and implement student ideas. Provide students with a group problem to solve, such as a difficult math equation or a research assignment. Let each team assign their own roles to group members. Have students get to know other members of the classroom team by matching them up in pairs and letting the partners tell the class about their teammate.
Work as a group to create classroom rules for the year by leading a class discussion on what classroom requirements are important. Create a classroom mural to display on the wall, giving each student the opportunity to add to the artwork. Provide each student with a stack of thank you cards and encourage them to give a card to classmates who do something thoughtful for another student. Spend time at the end of the day or class period, discussing issues that arose and ways students solved them together as a team.