The Value of Teaching Children Teamwork

Most of the time we correlate teamwork with sports. Team sports are a great example of what teamwork is but not the only form.

Teamwork is when we form a unity and work together towards achieving a goal. Teamwork is a lifelong skill that children will use both personally and professionally. Implementing teamwork young means they will feel more comfortable using it as they grow.

So, what are some valuable skills in teaching teamwork to children? Communication, social skills, and emotional skills are just a few. Think about communication. Sure, they can talk to their friends but are they effectively communicating? Are they listening to understand or to respond? Teamwork gives children the opportunity to improve their communication skills. Listening is an important portion when it comes to communication. Children practice listening skills while working in a team as they actively listen to their team members. They’ll also pick up social cues in communication that they can add to their toolbox of social skills.

Teamwork promotes children to use an interpersonal way of thinking. Like any other skill, social skills are learned. Teamwork helps children to learn to work with others and negotiate through conflicts. They get an opportunity to voice their opinions and listen to the opinions of others. In return they gain self-concept, self-esteem and confidence. Teamwork also allows children to learn emotional skills. Emotional competencies such as self-regulation and motivation are just a few examples! They regulate their emotions by working through or coping with problems.

Motivation is an essential value in teamwork and in life. Ever notice how much effort a person will put forth when motivated? It’s the same for children. Teamwork encourages self-motivation and the ability to motivate their team members. As they get older they will understand what motivates them and use that to work at achieving the goal or task at hand. There are so many valuable skills to learn from teamwork. Not only will the skills they learn support them as children in learning but will also be an assets for them in their adult lives.

~Ms. Sarah W.
Professional Development Coordinator