10 Cooperative Games to Promote Teamwork and Communication for Kids
“Teamwork makes the dream work”, as the saying goes, but not every child finds it easy to collaborate with others. Learning to work together in groups or with a partner is a crucial skill in today's collaborative world. Whether children learn these skills at home, at school, or both, we can actively support their development, along with enhancing communication and critical thinking abilities.
Engaging in games is a fantastic way for children to develop crucial skills. We adore games because children adore games. Games naturally foster skill development through spontaneous occurrences. By thoughtfully designing games, we can target specific skills that individuals or groups of children need to practise. We've curated 10 active games suitable for as few as two children or as many as a classroom full of children in groups. Feel free to adapt, expand, or simplify these ideas to suit the needs of the children you're working with. Above all, enjoy these games as much as we did—they were not only loads of fun but also sparked some real "lightbulb" moments! Watch our learners in action trying out these games in our 10 Cooperative Games to Promote Teamwork and Communication video, and continue reading below for an outline of each game.
Tennis ball pickup
Children engage in a thrilling challenge as they endeavour to lift a tennis ball off the ground without touching it directly. Equipped with one racket each, they must collaborate to carefully manoeuvre the ball to the finish line using their rackets. This game not only fosters teamwork but also necessitates clear communication and coordination to achieve success. It may take several attempts for each pair of children to devise a strategy that works for them or one they can jointly agree upon!
Team tower building
Constructing towers is already enjoyable, but why not enhance the experience by introducing teamwork? In this game, participants take turns adding one cup (or block) at a time. They must communicate effectively about the structure's direction or be open to spontaneous developments. This game offers an intriguing look at teamwork dynamics. Will one child lead while the other follows, or will they agree on a vision together? Challenges such as cups or blocks falling add to the excitement. Setting guidelines beforehand or reflecting before and after can provide valuable insights. Experimenting with communication strategies can lead to valuable teachable moments.
Beach ball lift
Engaging children with exciting equipment can make any game more thrilling. This game incorporates pool noodles and a beach ball, making it irresistible. Participants work together to lift and transport the beach ball using only their pool noodles, without touching it with their hands. To succeed, they must communicate their strategy with their partner and move in sync to prevent the ball from dropping. This game is ideal for warming up in the classroom and can be played in relay teams with larger groups. Collaborating for a team victory encourages children to negotiate and cooperate effectively.
Three-legged race
This is a classic game that many of you may already be familiar with. It involves tying one leg of each player to the other's leg, and the challenge is to walk together to the finish line. The key skill honed in this game is communication. It only works if both players walk at the same pace and lift their tied legs simultaneously. Once players communicate and devise a strategy, walking to the finish line becomes much easier. This game is a fun way to showcase the importance of communication and cooperation, and it can be adapted for larger groups.
Crossing the river challenge
Get ready for a thrilling challenge! This activity is a real hit with children and can be enjoyed by pairs or teams if you have a big group. The challenge? Cross the invisible river without touching it! Children can use cushions or pieces of cardboard as stepping stones. The first person to cross lays down the initial stepping stone and moves to it, making way for the next person. The last person to cross picks up the last step and passes it to the front. Make sure there are enough steps for everyone to cross the river successfully!
Ball squeeze
Get ready for some beach ball excitement! In this fun game, children work together to squeeze a beach ball between them and race to the finish line. You can adjust the difficulty level by changing how the children squeeze the ball. The easiest way is to squeeze it between their fronts, then between their sides, and the most challenging is squeezing it between their backs. As they move, they must keep the ball in place—if it slips, they'll have to start over. Encourage them to communicate and cooperate to find the best strategy for their speed and coordination!
Wheelbarrow race
Get ready for a classic game that's sure to bring giggles! One child becomes the wheelbarrow and uses their hands to walk, while the other child holds their feet and "pushes" them forward. Sounds simple, right? But if they don't communicate and cooperate, it's a recipe for collapse! The pusher needs to find the right pace to avoid a tumble. Once they sync up, they'll be off—though they might also collapse in fits of laughter along the way!
Blindfold obstacle course
Get ready for a game that's all about clear communication and careful listening! One child wears a blindfold and stands at the starting line, while the other child gives directions from the sidelines. The goal? Safely guide the blindfolded child through the obstacles to the finish line. The guide must give clear instructions, like "take 3 steps forward" or "walk forward slowly, then stop." Meanwhile, the blindfolded child must listen carefully and move through the course with caution. It's a test of teamwork and communication skills!
Keep the hoop up
In this exciting game, children must work together while staying apart! Attach hoops together, one for each child, using ribbon, string, or chenille sticks. Each child stands inside a hoop and pulls away from their partner to keep the hoop around their waist. Working as a team, they must communicate to reach the finish line. They'll need to balance pulling apart to keep the hoops up while moving forward together.
Ball balance
This one-of-a-kind game is all about teamwork and coordination! All you need is a large piece of cardboard and a ball. Children stand on opposite ends of the cardboard and work together to roll the ball from one end to the other. They'll lift and tilt the cardboard to guide the ball along its path. To start, they can sit down to get the hang of it. Then they can challenge themselves by standing up for an extra twist! It's a fun way to develop teamwork skills and coordination.
