Lesson in Team Formation

Team Sue/Jo had a mini lesson in Organizational Development today, based on the work of Bruce Tuckman.  The goal was to get the kids to understand that it's totally normal for there to be some bumps along the way, so that they don't get too tangled up each time the team has an issue to work through.  Here's what we talked about:

Image from http://www.leadershipjot.com/2009/04/20/4-stages-of-group-development/

If you have a chance, ask the kids to explain the four steps to you!

All Fun & Games

At our very first practice each kid received a core value to explain and track for their team.  (We have two newcomers, so we'll be separating out the core value that includes Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition so that those two concepts really get their due).  

Team A

Sally	We do the work to find solutions with guidance from our coaches and mentors. AND We have FUN!	Friday, September 6
Pascale	We share our experiences with others. AND We have FUN!	Friday, September 13
Sebastian	What we discover is more important than what we win. AND We have FUN!	Friday, September 20
Dominique	We display Gracious Professionalism® and Coopertition® in everything we do. AND We have FUN!	Monday, September 23
Ashton	We know our coaches and mentors don't have all the answers; we learn together. AND We have FUN!	Friday, October 4
Ainsley	We honor the spirit of friendly competition. AND We have FUN!	Friday, October 11
Fiona	We are a team. AND We have FUN!	Friday, October 18
Melena	We display Gracious Professionalism® and Coopertition® in everything we do. AND We have FUN!	Friday, November 1

Team B

Anna	We are a team. AND We have FUN!	Friday, September 6
Lilith	We share our experiences with others. AND We have FUN!	Friday, September 13
Gray	We honor the spirit of friendly competition. AND We have FUN!	Friday, September 20
Charlotte	We know our coaches and mentors don't have all the answers; we learn together. AND We have FUN!	Monday, September 23
Margaret	We do the work to find solutions with guidance from our coaches and mentors. AND We have FUN!	Friday, October 4
Will	We display Gracious Professionalism® and Coopertition® in everything we do. AND We have FUN!	Friday, October 11
Hudson	What we discover is more important than what we win. AND We have FUN!	Friday, October 18
Attia	We display Gracious Professionalism® and Coopertition® in everything we do. AND We have FUN!	Friday, November 1

Over the course of our practices, each kid will lead a team building activity with their group.  A couple of questions have come up about this:

• Why do some repeat?
  The concepts of Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition are unique to FLL.  Having two people from a team focus on the core value that includes them helps to make sure they get the focus they deserve.  And, as far as having fun... are we really having fun if EVERYONE'S not having fun?
• Does it have to be specific to their core value?  No.  Working as a team really helps to exercise all of the core value muscles, so focus on finding something fun and challenging that pushes the team in areas that need focus (cooperation, communication, listening, patience, etc.)
• How long should it take?
  Shoot for 5 minutes.  Sometimes it will go more quickly and sometimes, more slowly.  We'd like to have a little time for discussion and enough time to get to the project and robot game in practice also, so short and simple is the best bet.
• Where can I find some activities that we might try?
  Here are some links to get you started:
  Wilderdom Team Building Activities
  4-H Southern District Team Building Activities
  http://teambuildingactivitiesforkids.com/
  There are about a million more places to look, so don't be shy about seeking out your own!

Don't stress out if someone picks the game you had your eye on -- you can either pick a new one or try it again to see how the team is progressing!

Great Practice on Friday!

We started practice with the kids who looked at the project detail leading a discussion of what needs to be done with their teams.  Each team played a game that required great listening skills and teamwork.  And, have a look at this Coopertition -- two teams working together to make sure everyone understands the detail of the different missions.  

Homework before we meet again next Friday is FUN and EASY!

1. Have a look at this list of Billion-Dollar U.S. Weather/Climate Disasters 1980-2012 (from NCDC).  Which ones are most interesting to you?  This will help the teams in discussing possible project options. (There are more links to local disasters on the Helpful - Project page if you don't find something that interests you on this list.)
2. Play this  game from the United Nations:   Stop Disasters!  Choose your disaster and be prepared to come discuss what you learned with your team. 

IMPORTANT NOTE:  The list of natural disasters that are acceptable for the project are: 

• Avalanche or Landslide
• Earthquake
• Tornado or Cyclone
• Flood
• Tsunami
• Volcanic eruptions
• Hurricane
• Storm (wind, sand, blizzard or rain)
• Wildfire

Let's make sure we're learning about events we can use!