Northwest Fighting Arts
1200 SE Morrison St. Portland, OR 97214
We utilize the POWerful words program to encourage discussion about and reinforce concepts like courtesy, respect, and teamwork. Here is an example of our course:
We Have a New Word of the Month this Month! Teamwork!
Teamwork means working together towards a common goal! There are many times when we have to work alone-- whether we’re working on homework assignments or we’re practicing a skill on our own. Working alone is an good way for us to learn that we can rely on ourselves. But if you think about it, there are also many times when it’s important to work as a team. Our family works as a team, our class works as a team, and many activities rely on teams to get things done well. Working as a team can be great when we all pull together and use our strengths to work towards a common goal.
This week, we’re going to discuss what a team is and how we can use teamwork:
Week 1
First, review the meaning of the word of the month and what you discussed in the beginning of the week. Then say, last time we talked about what a team is and what a team isn’t. What is a team (works together)? What is a team NOT all about (i.e. one person, laziness). It’s about the power of...we! Today, let’s talk about how we can use teamwork. How can we use teamwork when we’re at home (i.e. baking, cleaning)? Why is it so important to use teamwork at home? How can we use teamwork at school (i.e. help each other learn)? Why is teamwork so important at school? How can we use teamwork here at our school (i.e. welcome new students, support, cheer)? Why is it so important to use teamwork here at our school and in class? Now think about the community. How can we use teamwork out in the community (i.e. volunteer)? Where else can you use it? Teamwork can be used everywhere!
If you have time: What would happen if we didn’t use teamwork here in our class or at our school-- what problems would happen? We love teamwork!
Week 2
First, review the meaning of the word of the month and what you discussed in the beginning of the week. Then say, last time we talked about what makes a team a successful winning team. How would you know if you were on a winning team with a winning attitude and a powerful winning character? Good! Today we’re talking about why some teams fail. Why do you think some teams fail (i.e. no teamwork, argue, bad attitude,one person hogs spotlight)? Have you ever seen a team like this (i.e. sports, in the movies)? When a team doesn’t work well together, they will likely fail. Is there anyway that an unsuccessful team can change and become a winning team that works together? What has to happen? What would you say to a team, if you were the leader, to help them go from being unsuccessful to a winning successful team? Do you think that leadership is important to a good team? How? Good!
If you have time: Can one person make it hard to work together? What do you think you should do if this happens? Has this ever happened to you?
Week 3
First, review the meaning of the word of the month and what you discussed in the beginning of the week. Then say, last time we talked about our strengths and how we can help a team shine! What are some things that you do well that can help a team become a winning team? Good! Today. let’s talk about how a team can help us become better. Now, this might be challenging, but I want you to think about what you GET from being on a team. How can a team make you better at something (i.e. support, teach skill)? What have you learned from a team? Teams can also help in other ways. Let’s say that you and your team need to organize a charity event. You might not be good at organizing but someone else on your team might be. You might not be great at performing in front of others but someone else might be. How can a team help each other by “pooling” or “sharing” their strengths? When have you done this?
If you have time: Sometimes when someone isn’t as good at a skill as their teammates, they want to quit. What do you think of that? What should they do?
Week 4
First, review the meaning of the word of the month and what you discussed in the beginning of the week. Then say, last time we talked about how we sometimes need to do what’s best for the team even if we’d rather do something else. When have you needed to do that? That’s good teamwork! Today let’s talk about when we shouldn’t go along with our team but rather, speak out. Let’s say you’re on a team and they’re doing something that you think is wrong-- like cheating, lying, or bullying someone. Is that a time to go along with the team-- why or why not? What should you do? What would you say or do if you were in that situation? Have you ever been in that situation-- what happened? Being a leader on a team means speaking up when you think something is wrong. You can inspire people to get back on track and become a winning team again-- a team that has powerful character and makes good choices!
If you have time: Finish this sentence, “I’m using teamwork when I...” (i.e. compromise, do my part, cheer people on). Are you a team player? Yes!
