NCJ Number
179179
Date Published
1999
Length
79 pages
Annotation
This book describes cooperative games to be used in the Peace Games curriculum, a Massachusetts program for kindergarten-through-eighth-grade students and their families designed to teach peacemaking concepts and skills.
Abstract
Cooperative games are games in which people must work together in a positive way to accomplish a prescribed task or reach a goal. Although some cooperative games use direct competition, the focus is on succeeding as a group and having fun while doing so. The games are designed to build skills in communication, cooperation, and other group skills that facilitate the creation of a cooperative community. The four primary goals of most cooperative games are to build and reinforce team and group skills; to create an environment for positive, safe physical contact; to foster and build cooperation; to develop communication and leadership skills; and to have a safe, fun time. The games in this book are grouped into the following categories: get-to-know-you games, get-to-know-you-more games, fun group games, community and team-building games, running and tag games, theater games, trust games, and closing activities. Each game is followed by brief information about the game, so as to facilitate choosing and planning games.