Team building games are a great way to boost morale, promote teamwork, and improve communication among school staff members. Whether you’re planning a staff retreat or a school staff meeting, incorporating fun and engaging team building activities can make a positive impact on the overall school culture. Here are 18 team building games specifically designed for adults that you can consider for your next school staff meeting:
- The Human Knot: In this game, staff members form a circle, cross their arms, and hold hands with two different people across the circle. The challenge is to untangle the human knot without letting go of each other’s hands.
- Two Truths and a Lie: Each staff member shares three statements about themselves – two true and one false. The rest of the group then has to guess which statement is a lie, promoting active listening and getting to know each other better.
- Scavenger Hunt: Create a scavenger hunt around your school or in the local community. Divide staff members into teams and give them a list of items or clues to find within a specific time frame. This game promotes problem-solving skills and teamwork.
- Office Olympics: Set up different stations with mini-games like pencil javelin, paper airplane toss, or desk chair races. Staff members can compete individually or in teams, fostering friendly competition and team spirit.
- Team Trivia: Create a trivia game with questions related to your school, educational topics, or staff members’ interests. Divide staff members into teams and see which team can answer the most questions correctly.
- Blind Drawing: Pair up staff members and have one person blindfolded while the other person gives verbal instructions on what to draw. This game encourages effective communication and trust.
- Escape Room Challenge: Transform a classroom into an escape room and divide staff members into teams. They have to solve puzzles, find clues, and work together to escape the room within a set time limit.
- Memory Wall: Set up a bulletin board or wall where staff members can post memorable moments or achievements. This activity fosters appreciation and unity among the team.
- Paper Tower: Provide each team with a limited number of supplies (newspaper, tape, straws, etc.) and challenge them to build the tallest freestanding tower. This game encourages creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork.
- Chariot Race: Divide staff members into pairs and give each pair newspapers and masking tape. One person sits on the “chariot” constructed by their partner using the given materials. The challenge is to race against other teams while staying connected to the chariot.
- Collaborative Art: Set up a large canvas or butcher paper. Each staff member adds something to the artwork, building upon what the previous person has done. This game promotes collaboration and creativity.
- Tug of War: Divide staff members into two teams and engage in a classic tug of war battle. This game promotes teamwork, strength, and encourages a healthy sense of competition.
- Who Am I?: Each staff member writes down the name of a famous person or a prominent figure on a sticky note. The notes are placed on their foreheads without revealing the names. Staff members then have to ask yes or no questions to figure out who they are.
- Lip Sync Battle: Divide staff members into teams and let them prepare and perform lip sync battles. This activity brings out laughter and boosts team spirit.
- Jigsaw Puzzle Race: Provide each team with a jigsaw puzzle and see which team can complete the puzzle first. This game promotes problem-solving skills and encourages friendly competition.
- The Perfect Square: Challenge staff members to form a perfect square using only a rope. This game requires coordination, communication, and teamwork.
- Minute to Win It Challenges: Set up various one-minute challenges like cup stacking, cookie face, or ping pong toss. Staff members compete individually or in teams to complete the challenges within a minute.
- Group Charades: Divide staff members into teams and have them act out phrases or movie titles while their teammates guess. This game encourages teamwork, creativity, and communication.
These team building games can add a fun and engaging element to your next school staff meeting, fostering a positive working environment and encouraging collaboration among staff members. So, pick a few games that suit your team’s preferences and get ready for an enjoyable and productive staff meeting!
