Team Building Through Physical Challenges

Leigh Anderson currently teaches in Minnesota, where she applies many of the concepts in her books. In addition to her elementary classroom and intervention experience, Leigh taught at graduate level in teaching and learning. This is the third book Leigh has coauthored that deals with best practices in education. She has also presented both nationally and internationally on the subject. Leigh holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. Daniel Midura is a former physical education specialist and coordinator in Minnesota. Now retired, Midura worked in the field for more than 40 years. In that time, he presented at more than 200 conferences and workshops and coauthored four books. Midura was named the Minnesota Physical Education Teacher of the Year in 1994 and has received a number of other teaching awards and honours. Donald Glover has taught physical education since 1967. He has taught at preschool, elementary and high school levels. He currently teaches adaptive physical education methods at the University of Wisconsin. In 1981, Glover was recognised as Minnesota’s Teacher of the Year and was named Minnesota Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year in 1989. He has written eight books, published numerous magazine and journal articles and been a clinician at more than 100 workshops and clinics.

Chapter 1. Introduction to Team Building
Emotional Intelligence and Social Emotional Learning
Growth Mindset
Leadership Skills
College and Career Readiness Skills
Building a Safe Community
Adventure Education and Team Building
Summary

Chapter 2. Setting Teams Up for Success
Facilitating Social-Emotional Skills Through Y-Charts
Brainstorming
Reflection
Facilitating a Growth Mindset
Teaching Effective Praise and Encouragement
Encouragement and Growth Mindset
Doing, Practicing, and Reflecting
Forming Teams
Team-Building Roles
Leader’s Role in Team Building
Setting Up Activity Spaces and Equipment
Selecting Appropriate Activities and Challenges
Summary

Chapter 3. Facilitating Growth Through Team Building and Assessment
Reflection
Weekly Reflection
Goal Setting
Portfolios
Summary

Chapter 4. Safety Strategies
General Rules
Spotters and Spotting
Equipment Safety
Safety Issues With Specific Challenges
Creative Ways to Obtain Equipment
Summary

Chapter 5. Icebreakers and Communication Activities
Agadoo
Memory Game
Mexican Hat Rock—La Raspa
Chicken Dance
Group Construction
Moving Team Juggle
Untying Knots
Where Do I Go?
The Great Communicator
Break My Stride

Chapter 6. Introductory Challenges
Construction Zone
Geography Masters
General Hospital, Emergency Room
Atom Transfer
Riverboat
Swamp Machine
The Whole World in Their Hands
The Snake
Get a Grip
Power of Six
Tire Bridge
Toxic Waste Transfer
The Rock
River Crossing
Lifeline
Magic Bases
Let’s Build Together
Building Character

Chapter 7. Intermediate Challenges
Island Escape
Plunger Ball
The Maze
Stepping Stones I
Bridge Over the Raging River
Jumping Machine
Human Pegs
Teamwork Walk
Stomp It
Great Balls of Color
Juggler’s Carry
Frankenstein
Dynamic Barrier
Tower of Tires
Factor In
Team Bean Bag Toss
I See Me
Meteor Shower
Building Blocks
Rainbow Swamp Trail
Character Connection Challenge
Lean on Me
Beanbag Boogie

Chapter 8. Advanced Challenges
Black Hole
Stepping Stones II
Alphabet Balance Beam
Knights of the Around Table
Electric Fence
Grand Canyon
Spider’s Web
Neutral Zone
Thinking Outside the Dots
The Power Line
Indiana’s Challenge