Activity

Blowin' in the Wind

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This Blowin' in the Wind activity also includes:

Working together isn't as easy as it looks! Small groups of classmates try to keep a balloon in the air using only a straw, their breath, and team communication.

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Instructional Ideas
  • Use at the beginning of the year as an icebreaker to establish a collaborative class culture
  • Extend the activity by encouraging groups to use only body language to communicate
  • Incorporate into a language class in which group members can only speak their new language to each other
  • Introduce a professional development seminar or retreat with teachers in each subject or grade level on the teams
Classroom Considerations
  • Requires balloons and enough straws for each class member
  • Needs an area with a lot of space to run around, preferably indoors to prevent wind interference
  • Allows learners to sacrifice themselves to save the balloon; eliminate this rule if you think they will get too rowdy
  • Blowing at each other through straws could spread germs during flu season
Pros
  • Promotes teamwork and collaborative communication
  • Versatile for any subject
Cons
  • None