Team Challenges by Kris Bordessa is a useful resource for teachers wanting to add lessons in problem solving, team work, and creative thinking to their curriculum.
In the first three chapters Kris offers advice, instructions, and an explanation of the types of materials she suggests using in the tasks involving construction or props. In the final chapter Kris covers troubleshooting problem areas based on her extensive experience working with her groups. The activities start small with "Tiny Tasks", which are great as a warm up or ice-breaker, or for children's parties or get togethers with relatives.
"Talk it up" is a section of verbal tasks, which are also excellent for first time introductions, or for passing time on wet weather days or when the noise of the more physical tasks would not be suitable. The Bordessa family use the verbal challenges to make long car journeys more interesting.
The longest section of the book deals with developing engineering, design, and construction skills. Although many of these tasks are variations around similar themes, there is an emphasis on the need to pay attention to instructions and not make assumptions that the same solution would work for a similar task.
It's easy to see how the challenges could help to develop a child's confidence as well as exposing children to career and skill development options. Solutions are not necessarily guaranteed and children can be encouraged to continue thinking a problem through when the time is up and to present further ideas later, or even try the task again.
The sections covering physical activities and improvisation skills are excellent for drama groups or more confident children and aim to develop quick thinking conversation skills and the use of humour. The story starter situations given for the improvisation tasks are pretty ordinary. It therefore requires a stretch of imagination to turn the skits into the bizarre and unusual which would score higher, and this could help to develop a child's ability to entertain themselves or rescue boring conversations. The skits can also be used to help children gain insight into career possibilities, or be used as discussion starters for many topics.
Team Challenges by Kris Bordessa is available from Amazon.com
Kris Bordessa is also the author of Great Colonial America Projects You Can Build Yourself!
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