Teamwork: Unit One of Establishing a Student-Run Foundation

Unit of 9 Lessons
Grade Levels: 
9
10
11
12
Subjects: 
Language Arts
Philanthropy
Social-Emotional Learning
Health and PE
Issue Area: 
Civil society
Focus Question 

How does getting to know one another and building trust help a team or community work more effectively?

Teenage Youth by World Bank Photo Collection is licensed under CC by 2.0

Unit Overview 

This is the first unit of the Resource Guide for Establishing a Student-Run Foundation. Developing teamwork skills is important in leadership and productivity. This unit has two parts: the first four lessons help students get to know one another and practice public speaking, and lessons five through eight teach cooperation and trust. The cooperation and trust-building exercises help students bond as a group and are enjoyable. 

Service Experience 
The service component of this unit is related to the whole project, which is establishing a student-run foundation that addresses a need determined by research and student interests. 
Lessons in This Unit 
Unit: 
Teamwork: Unit One of Establishing a Student-Run Foundation
Lesson 2 of 9
Grades: 
9
10
11
12

Students prepare a one-minute speech about themselves using an object as a device to share a story and help others remember their name and something about them. 

Subjects 
Unit: 
Teamwork: Unit One of Establishing a Student-Run Foundation
Lesson 5 of 9
Grades: 
9
10
11
12

Students reflect on what symbols and words communicate who they are. They design a T-shirt that reflects their personality, thoughts, and ideas. This represents their role in a world or community they make better by their actions.

Subjects 
Unit: 
Teamwork: Unit One of Establishing a Student-Run Foundation
Lesson 6 of 9
Grades: 
9
10
11
12

Play a fast-paced game to practice saying names. Discuss the importance of using names. 

Unit: 
Teamwork: Unit One of Establishing a Student-Run Foundation
Lesson 7 of 9
Grades: 
9
10
11
12

Students trust another to take them for a blindfolded walk. They discuss what it feels like to be in each role. They discuss the role of trust in communication.

Subjects 
Unit: 
Teamwork: Unit One of Establishing a Student-Run Foundation
Lesson 8 of 9
Grades: 
9
10
11
12

Students play a game that involves taking risks and watching out for others. They discuss their feelings in both roles and discuss the role of trust and responsibility in community.

Subjects