Group Juggle Lesson Plan

  • Empathy

  • Group Dynamics

  • Sensitivity to Others

  • Interpersonal Communication

The students will work on group dynamics and sensitivity to other by making sure everyone is included and choosing to include someone who may not be a close friend. They will show communication by having the attention of the person they are throwing to. Realizing we all have different skill levels in catching and throwing will show empathy. 

S.T.A.R. Options:

Class Clap, counting, and rhythms. Teacher or one student lead. When the whole class sounds as one, try tow, then three, etc…

Math Counting (Multiples) Partner Counting. Clapping as a group to desired number. Add a partner and alternate count. Change partners.

Play + Connect Activity

Players should form a circle. As leader, find an object and put it in the center of the circle. Players must pass or toss the object around the circle for a minute, or until everyone has held the object. The group should then create a goal for the next round, using the same object. Example: Increasing speed, accuracy, taking turns, etc.) More or different object can be added to the circle to increase the challenge. This is a good game to practice realistic goal setting. 

Breathing Exercise Options:

Belly Breathing

5 belly breaths with mouth closed and hands on belly. Goal is to get students to breathe through nose and use their diaphragm. There should be very little movement of the chest and the belly should move in and out. Can do several rounds of this activity.

Accordion Breathing

5 belly breaths with mouth closed and hands on sides of lower ribs. Goal is to get students to breathe through nose and use their diaphragm. There should be very little movement of the chest and the students should feel movement outward on the inhale. Can do several rounds of this activity.

Learn + Grow Activity

You can make this more difficult by associating each person’s name with a shape, so it would be “Karen” and “Octagon”. You can connect it to odd and even numbers or prime and composite. Relate each person’s name to a character trait you would find in a story. 

Reflect Activity

Why is important to know everyone’s name? What helped you stay focused during the game to make the group successful? What should we do when someone makes a mistake?

Variations

Add more objects. Change size and shape of objects. 

  • CASEL Traits:

  • Self Management

  • Relationship Skills