Creating a Strong Cohort Team

OBJECTIVE:

No goals, just fun! Have fun with this bonding activity

MATERIALS:

Spaghetti, Mini Marshmallows, Sidewalk Chalk, Camera phone

REQUIRED PREP:

Take the group outside for activity 2

Opening Huddle

Goal: Conduct the cohort ritual and mood check

Feel free to play music to generate energy and set the vibe!

Opening Ritual: Conduct your opening ritual! 

Mood Check: Gather the students into a circle (standing or sitting – keep comfort in mind)!

Activity 1: Spaghetti Tower

Goal: Students will learn to work together and continue building their bond.

Take the group outside for this activity.

Provide directions to students. 

  • Divide students into groups of 3-5. 
  • Give each group a box of spaghetti and a bag of mini marshmallows.
  • Set the timer for 10 minutes. 
  • Each group should work together to build the tallest tower. 
  • At the end of the time, select the tallest tower and ask the winning team the reflection questions below. 

Please walk around the room while students are working and ask them about their tower and strategy.

Activity 2: Crossing the Line

Goal: Students will learn to work together and continue building their bond.

Take the group outside for this activity.

Provide directions to students. 

  • Draw a straight line on the ground and have the students stand on one side of the line.
  • Then, when you say go, they have to cross the line at the same time. (It sounds easy, but it is not. It takes a few tries and some creative problem solving to know how they can all cross the line at the exact time.)
  • Take pictures of the group throughout the activity and certainly when they have accomplished crossing the line at the same time. Share with your Site Coordinator so we can post it on social media!

Reflection Questions

Goal: Debrief the exercise facilitating a conversation about the need to work together and the roles students took on.

Lead discussion with the following questions. 

  1. What did you learn about the group during this exercise?
  2. What did you learn about yourself during this exercise?
  3. What did you need to do to work together
  4. What was the most challenging part?
  5. What was your group’s strategy?
  6. Any other observations?

If you have extra time left, select a jump – in to spark intriguing conversations!