Team building workshops have been an important part of learning at Rowntree for the past several years. In order to allow our students to come together in various team working scenarios, we have participated in numerous workshops.
We feel that it is very important to foster an understanding and respect for every member of the class, and to take our team building skills to the next level. Of course, during lesson time, there are always plenty of opportunities to work in groups and teams to achieve academic goals. However, we wanted to take this concept further. A number of external and internal workshops were set up in order to achieve this goal.
Our first team building activity was an internal workshop delivered in February. Students worked in teams as architects and designers to create strong structures. Their hands on, practical skills were tested.
Grade five went on a journey to the wilderness centre. Here, they were able to exercise and demonstrate their team work and leadership qualities in different outdoor activities, bringing the class together as one unit.
The Grade 5 students had a very creative and highly engaging workshop with ‘Skills Ladder’. Skills Ladder organizes interpersonal communication skills enhancing workshops for school children. Students worked on enhancing their Interpersonal communication skills in Active Listening, Getting Involved, Right Body Language and Conflict Resolution.
All of these skills may sound very ordinary, but are very desirable leadership and resilience building skills. These skills are rarely taught, but are required when working in a team environment. It was great to see Grade 5 students working with their teams and enjoying being a part of it. They had many opportunities to explore their Interpersonal communication skills while participating in the workshop. They learned how to listen, compliment and encourage each other while respecting different ideas. Most importantly, they learned about conflict resolution -a skill many adults struggle to master.
Students in grade 5 joined forces with our grade 6 class at leadership camp this year. This year’s camp focus was on the environment and energy conservation. Camp Ki-Wa-Y was held over 2 days and set up by the YMCA. The students took part in many outdoor activities with energy conservation as their focus. Students developed their teamwork skills through whole class, team, and small group activities that focused on recognizing each other’s strengths, exploring different ways of positive communication, and encouraging others to accomplish individual goals.
Our culminating teamwork challenge came in the form of a tree top trekking course set in the tree line of Heart Lake Conservation area. The students had to work together in order to complete the obstacle courses set up in the trees. Students showed tremendous respect and concern for their grade members, along with skills they have learned throughout the school year.
Click the link below to watch a clip of our students demonstrating their teamwork skills during a spirit day assembly
We look forward to seeing you and sharing with you the private school community of which we are so proud!
To learn more about Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS), continue browsing our website and ideally drop by any of our welcoming, friendly and family oriented campuses for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:00am-3:00pm. If you prefer, call to book an appointment for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:00am-3:00pm.
More details about Rowntree Montessori Schools‘ approach to education can be seen by clicking here.
