Classroom Community - Teamwork/Comm. Blindfolded Potato Head (SmartBoard)

TEACHER'S INSTRUCTIONS

GOAL: To build classroom community by having participants use communication and teamwork to successfully assemble Mrs. Potato Head blindfolded.

COMMON CORE STANDARDS:
SL 6.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.

SL 6.2 Interpret information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how it contributes to a topic, text, or issue under study.

SL 6.4 Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate main ideas or themes; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.

W 6.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.


OPTIMAL NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 3-7 per group depending on variation of activity (one Mr./Mrs. Potato Head per group)

MATERIALS: Between 5-10 Mr./Mrs. Potato Heads
Accessories for each (eyes, ears, legs, nose, mouth, arms, hat)
A blindfold for each child
Copies of the "Processing Questions" worksheet for each student


ACTIVITY VARIATIONS:

Option #1.
Without telling the group what they are about to assemble, blindfold them and have them sit on the floor in a circle. Next spread the disassembled doll and accessories in the center of the circle. Explain to the group that, "In front of you is your task; you need to work as a team to fully assemble it as accurately as possible. You have __ minutes to complete your task. Begin now!

Option #2.
Blindfold all of the group members except one, who will act as the team leader. Have all of the blindfolded members sit on the floor in a circle. Next spread the disassembled doll and accessories in the center of the circle. Have the team leader remain standing. Explain to the group that, "In front of you is your task, under the direction of your team leader, by his voice only, fully assemble it as accurately as possible. You have __ minutes to complete your task, begin now. (Do not let the team leader touch the pieces or physically interact in any way – he is to lead by voice command only.)

Option #3.
Appoint a team leader and have all of the remaining group members sit in a circle on the ground. In the center of the circle place a fully assembled Mrs. Potato Head. Explain to the group, "In front of you is your task; you have fifteen seconds to observe the doll your team will be assembling once you all are blindfolded. 15 seconds later blindfold the entire team and while they are blindfolded disassemble the doll. Next spread the disassembled doll and accessories in the center of the circle. Explain to the group, "You have __ minutes to complete your task of reassembling the doll. Begin now.