Activity:

Follow the directions for  building a tunnel. Students learn about cooperation through working together in small groups.

Materials:

• for every 3 students, 3 large boxes (big enough to crawl through)

• Duct tape, scissors (all the cutting will be done by adults or older kids)

• Decorating supplies like markers, paint, magazine pictures , glue

• Drop cloths to protect floors 

• Aprons for the children when they decorate

Directions:

• Read the Boxitect story and ask guiding questions, defining and emphasizing the importance of cooperation

• Tell students they’ll be cooperating with each other to build a tunnel: organize students in groups of 3, teacher helpers will be needed

• Show students the decorating materials - each student will decorate one box after boxes are duct-taped together by classroom helpers

• Direct students to decorate boxes. Give them a time limit, 10 minutes at most. For those who finish quickly, provide quiet activities (puzzles, etc.) until 10 minutes is up. 

• Once tunnels are completed, allow each group of students to take turns crawling through their tunnel 

Wrap It Up:

Guide students in a discussion about the activity: (1) How did the team members help each other? (2) What did you like best about the activity? (3) Did you have any problems building the tunnel? (4) What does the word “cooperation” mean?