Learn About Cooperation
I have a lot of friends. Learning to play and work with others is very important to developing friendships and completing group projects. A very important skill when growing friendships is cooperation, one of the core values of character education.
Do you know what cooperation means?
Cooperation means people and pets working to complete a task together. Have you ever heard of teamwork? Teamwork involves cooperation. When you are working in a team you need to practice waiting, taking your turn, and following directions. You need to be patient and kind. You need to listen to others. These are all important core values of character education.
Do you want to learn how to improve your cooperation skills? Here are some fun activities.
Work with a partner or in a small group and:
Cook – Remember to have all your ingredients and steps organized. Everyone can do a separate job when cooking. Please remember to wait your turn, follow directions, and share.
Create Artwork – If you want to work in a team to create a group art project like a collage or wall mural, you will need to practice cooperation. Create artwork in a cooperative setting is a lot of fun too!
Help Others – community project – see Ani - Include 4th 5th grade students
Grow Plants – It is a lot of fun, and takes a lot of cooperation, to pot seeds and plant flowers and vegetables. The tasks involve digging holes, counting seeds, putting seeds in the holes, patting dirt over the seeds, watering, and watching to make sure the garden receives the right amount of sunlight.
Read a Book – You can always share a book and take turns reading together. After reading the book you can have a group discussion and learn how others think and feel about the story you just read. Cooperation will require you to take turns and listen to others. Reading a book together is an excellent way to do this.
If you are not in school you can still practice cooperation at home. Two easy tasks to practice cooperation skills at home are doing chores and playing games. Try them!
Reflection Time
Now is the time to ask yourself a question.
How can I be a more cooperative person?
Listen - Do not tell others what you think right away. Listen first to what they have to say.
Take turns
Share
Smile - Show and tell others you care about them.
Wag more and bark less - This is what I always try to do.
Circle Time at Blue Ridge Books
