Do you remember the fun and excitement when learning in physical education? To be successful in the world today, kids need to learn how to work in groups to accomplish a task! Physical education is a unique environment that allows kids time to work cooperatively!
Our students live in a suburban area, with a very diverse population.
They thrive on social interaction. Middle school students are extremely attracted to peer and group interaction. In our PE classes we like to build on this and provide students access to activities that encourage team building, leadership, and cooperative learning. Our school has roughly 650 students, of which 100 are receiving special education services, in addition to over 50 English Language Learners. This makes for a very dynamic learning environment and the students are very accepting of individual differences! You couldn't ask for a better group of students that demonstrate exceptional character!
My Project
If we were donated this spider web cooperative activity each student in the school would be able to work in a small group to accomplish a task! This would enhance each classes dynamics, provide and opportunity for students to experience leadership, and encourage productive group work. This activity would definitely by introduced in the beginning of each school year, and could be performed 1-2 more times per year as class dynamics adjust and cooperative learning is re-assessed. Theoretically, it could be done using different groups a handful of times per year per class.
Physical education tends to emphasize team sports, and resources are typically footballs, basketballs, and soccer balls.
If we had more equipment designed to teach the basic human need of working in groups to accomplish a goal, our students would be even more successful in traditional team games. Exciting and challenging opportunities like this spider web game would affect the kids throughout their school day by enhancing peer relationships!
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Parker and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
