Reflecting on Success and Improvement

An important part of teamwork is to be reflective. Whether you have successes or failures, always make time to reflect on what you did well and what you could do better or differently as a team. 

Materials

• Rope or yarn in a large circle tied together (large enough for all students to be able to stand and hold a piece of it)
• Bandanas or fabric
• Large open space

Activity Instructions (Part 1)

1. Place the rope/yarn in a circle on the ground and ask students to find a spot around it. Have students place their blindfolds on themselves and then pick up the yarn in front of them.
2. Students will now need to work together to turn this circle into a square. They can do anything to make the square except take off their blindfolds. 
3. Give the students five minutes to complete the task. When five minutes are up, ask students to drop the rope/yarn and step back to see how close they were to making a square.

Large Group Discussion Promopts

• What did you do well as a team?
  •  Guide the conversation by asking questions about their communication and collaboration.
•  What could you do better or differently next time?
  • This conversation may need assistance, as they may start talking strategy. Keep them on track by encouraging them to make a plan around how they will work as a team.

Activity Instructions (Part 2)

1. Put the rope/yarn back in the circle on the ground. Have the students find a space and put their blindfolds on. 
2. Students will have the same goal as the first time. Encourage them to think about what they said they could do better.
3. Give the students five minutes to complete the task. When five minutes are up, ask students to drop the rope/yarn and step back to see how close they were to making a square.

Large Group Discussion Prompts or Journal Prompts

• Think about the things your team said they could do better or differently. Did those changes help you be more successful?
• What other times could you consider what you did well and what you could improve on? School? Activities? Give some examples.