Team Building Through Physical Challenges (book)

Throughout each challenge, kids learn teamwork. As they struggle, fail, reorganize, persevere, and finally succeed, students learn to brainstorm solutions, work together to develop a plan of attack, listen to others and consider their ideas, and praise and encourage team members. Each member of the group is important, because everyone must meet the challenge before the team can succeed. Team members learn, in addition to motor skills, important social skills by taking turns filling the roles of organizer, praiser, encourager, summarizer, and recorder.

Team Building Through Physical Challenges is easy for physical educators, classroom teachers, and recreation leaders to use. Cards that explain each challenge to your students are contained in the text; simply copy and laminate them, and they're ready to use. The activities require equipment that is readily available--tumbling mats, ropes, balance beam, cage ball, tires, and others. Diagrams show you exactly how equipment should be set up, and photos illustrate possible solutions for each challenge.

Watch your students develop self-confidence and new skills as they explore these physical challenges. Not only will they improve their fitness and motor skills, but they'll also learn important social skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Alphabet Balance Beam (introductory)--Group members attempt to rearrange their starting order while positioned on a balance beam. They begin in a random order and the instructor or members choose a way to rearrange (alphabetically by first name, by street address, etc.)

Bridge Over the Raging River (intermediate)--All group members must travel from one end of a gymnasium space (land) to the other end without touching the floor (river). The group can use only the following equipment: four automobile tires, two 8-foot length 2 x 4's, and 2 jump ropes (preferably sash cord).

Power Line (advanced)--Group members cross over a high horizontal bar by using an 8-foot 2 x 4 board to help transfer teammates from one side of the power line to the other side. Individuals cannot touch the bar (power line) with the board or their bodies.

AUDIENCE

Reference for upper elementary to high school teachers, recreators, coaches, and program leaders.

CONTENTS

Chapter 1. Developing Teamwork
* Why Develop Teamwork?
* Success Experiences
* Decision Making and Learning by Taking Risks
* Physical Education's Role in a Child's Development
Chapter 2. Warming Up to Team Building
* Introducing Physical Challenges
* Team Workout Warm-up
* Organizing the Challenges
* Adaptations for Special Children and Situations
Chapter 3. Introductory Challenges
* Alphabet Balance Beam
* River Crossing
* The Rock
* The Snake
* Stepping Stones I
* Teamwork Walk
* The Whole World in Their Hands
* The Tire Bridge
* The Wall I
Chapter 4. Intermediate Challenges
* Bridge Over the Raging River
* Human Billboard
* Jumping Machine
* Quicksand
* Tarzan of the Jungle
* The Wall II
* The Wild River
Chapter 5. Advanced Challenges
* The Black Hole
* The Electric Fence
* The Grand Canyon
* The Power Line
* Stepping Stones II
* Jungle Trail
Appendix

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Don Glover has taught physical education, including adapted physical education, since 1967 at the preschool, elementary, secondary, and post secondary levels. In addition, he teaches graduate classes in adapted physical education methods at St. Thomas University in St. Paul.

In 1981, Glover was recognized as Minnesota's Teacher of the Year, and in 1989 he was named the Minnesota Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year. He has published numerous magazine and journal articles on physical education and sport and has been a clinician at more than 50 workshops and clinics.

Glover earned his master's degree in physical education from Winona State University. He is a member of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD), and the Minnesota Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (MAHPERD), and the Minnesota Education Association.

Dan Midura is the elementary physical education resource teacher for the Roseville, Minnesota Area School District. He has taught physical education since 1970.

Midura received his master's degrees from the University of Minnesota and was selected Outstanding Physical Education Student in 1970. He is a member of AAHPERD and MAHPERD.

WORDS OF PRAISE

"Each physical challenge includes opportunities in communication, decision making, conflict resolution, risk taking and affirmation. For teachers the book can best be used at the beginning of a school year or between units to set standards for group work, acceptance, cooperation. etc. Recreators, coaches, youth sport leaders, church groups may choose to use activities in this book to build relationships among participants."

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