PEACE Tools for Teachers

Working it Out -
Laughing Matters
Newspaper Games

These three cooperative games use newspapers. They are suitable for any age group and can all be done in about a half hour.

Overpopulated Island

Each team needs a folded newspaper. Teams get a few minutes to practice balancing as a team on the newspaper. They may hold onto each other, but can only put one foot on the paper. At a given time, see which team can balance the longest on their island.

Process: How was it to depend on other students? Did everyone like cooperating? Is it sometimes easier to cooperate that at other times?

Penny Pickup

Each team needs enough newspaper so that their whole team can stand on it together comfortably. Place five pennies on the edge of the paper. Working together, they are to pick up the pennies without stepping off the paper.

Process: Did this activity take planning? How did you have to cooperate?

Our House

Each team needs a pile of newspapers and a roll of masking tape. Give them about three minutes of planning time. They are to make a shelter large enough to protect the whole team. Every member must take part in building the house. Everyone must fit inside.

Process: Was everyone included in the planning and building? How did you cooperate? Did anyone feel that their ideas were rejected?

Working it Out

For more information about the Working It Out curriculum, contact Rosalyn Falcon Collier

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