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20 Leadership Activities for Middle School Students

June 21, 2023 //  by  Molly Miller

Teachers try to encourage positive characteristics and help our middle school students become leaders and not bosses. Below are plenty of activities and leadership games to help to refine the leadership skills and leadership behaviors of your students.

1. Tower Challenge

This fun activity will encourage your students to work cooperatively and communicate effectively. Start by splitting them up into small groups before setting them off on a race against time to see which group can build the highest towers using simple materials such as marshmallows and uncooked spaghetti.

Learn More: Mad About Science

2. Trait Envelopes

Split students into teams to break down the list of leadership qualities and then come up with a list of real-life applications. After the teams have discussed, the whole class discusses in order for all students to make connections between academics and life tasks. This simple activity can turn any class into a leadership class.

Learn More: Session Lab

3. Cup Stack

This is a fun activity wherein the teacher splits students into teams that must work together to build a stack of party cups. In order to correctly stack the cups, the students must communicate and work together to stack the cups holding only the strings that are tied to the band.

Learn More: Ms. Sepp’s Counselor Corner

4. Boss vs. Leader Sort

This quick activity leads to valuable discussions and can be left up all year long. Leadership skills are important for students to recognize. Give each student a trait on a small sheet of paper. Then discuss each one and decide if it’s something a boss or leader does. Students will stick their slips under the correct heading. As a class, discuss each element. This is a great precursor to the student council discussion which requires a list of leadership qualities.

Learn More: 3rd Grade Thoughts

5. Twizzler Tie Up

This fun activity requires students to work together. Split students into teams of 2. Students have 10 Twizzlers. Set a time limit and have the students tie each of the 10 together using only one hand. What worked and what didn’t? Active listening and communication are valuable skills.

Learn More: Pinterest

6. Classroom Teams

These are similar to classroom jobs, however, the twist put on these for upper grades is that the requirements shift as do the positions. Students learn the behavior of leaders and valuable skills like delegating, supporting, and job completion.

Learn More: The Teacher Oasis

7. Lego Replicating Structure

Students are split into groups. The captain directs the build of the Lego structure. The captain may not show the team the picture or touch the structure in any way. The team that has the most complete structure wins. This fun activity is a great team bonding task that requires active listening. Have students discuss what worked and why.

Learn More: Leadership Ahoy

8. Group Directed Drawing

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This activity helps students develop their communication skills while also working collaboratively. Split students into teams and give them pieces of paper. One partner will draw a simple image on the blank piece of paper and then give directions to their partner. Then at the end, the partners will compare their results.

Learn More: 20 Directed Drawing Activities That Will Make Every Kid An Artist!

9. Minefield

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An easy obstacle course that doubles as a fun game that can be done within your classroom or outside. Another highlight of this is that it will highlight an autocratic leader who needs help. One of the partners wears a blindfold and the other must guide the blindfolded student through the obstacle course while giving them clear and specific directions. Discuss what worked, what didn’t, and how they could improve.

Learn More: TOOBEEZ

10. Peer Counselor 

This is a well-known strategy that promotes communication skills that is similar to student council. Ultimately, the responsibility for this type of activity would fall on a school counselor, but it’s never too early to start. Students volunteer to be peer counselors and learn valuable leadership skills, including empathy. Proper training and careful rules will help prevent a problematic scenario.

Learn More: Brookes Blog

11. Volunteer Crew

This is an excellent extracurricular activity to begin at any time you have willing participants. This group of kind-hearted students would endeavor to volunteer their time to whatever needs your committee may have. Successful leaders know the value of this type of leadership workshop.

Learn More: Saint John the Evangelist Catholic School

12. News Crews

While announcements may be seen to take time away from instruction, they are vital for fostering the school community. Students who are part of or even run the announcements, take more ownership over the messages being shared. Thought-provoking questions can be shared school-wide. Like those on the student council, this becomes another leadership class for middle school students.

Learn More: KQED

13. Podcasts

School newspapers are falling to the wayside. Middle school students love their cell phones. Schools and students can make the most of this by offering student-led podcasts that serve as leadership classes to everyone. Additionally, issues that would be in the school-sponsored newspaper can be addressed, like lessons for teens specifically.

Learn More: NPR

14. Safety Patrols

Goodbye hallway monitors. Safety patrols now consist of the kids working towards being admirable leaders. This leadership exercise can help reduce hallway misbehavior and bullying and even help the lost new student find their way. Safety Patrol students are looked to as models for expectations and are put in situational leadership roles.

Learn More: SW News Media

15. Student Council

This leadership program is a partnership that helps students become successful leaders as they are actively involved with their school community. With clear and specific criteria for their student leaders, the student council can offer a multitude of leadership situations. The student leadership can also advise faculty of their concerns.

Learn More: Severn School

16. Student Conferences 

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Students are in the driving seat with this type of conference. Middle school students are often quiet about school. In this time-limited activity, split students into teams of 3-4 students for a set time. They walk their parent through their work, their successes, and of course their current needs and opportunities for growth. The teacher takes a back seat and lets the student run the meeting. This type of meeting helps the student become an influential leaders in a safe setting where they are able to explore their leadership philosophy.

Learn More: Edu Topia

In this simple activity, blindfolds for students are worn and they have to organize themselves in height, tallest to shortest. Discussion is key. The teacher can serve as the judge. The first group to scare them away by saying, “boo” and being correct, wins.

Learn More: Mom Junction

18. Puzzle Conundrum

Split students into teams and each team is divided into sub-teams. The sub-teams are given the pieces to a part of the puzzle. Each sub-team must assemble their portion before the team can put the entire puzzle together. This team-building game further develops communication.

19. Rope Loops

Each member of the team begins with a looped rope around their ankles. Then slowly, without the use of their hands, the team must all get the rope to their shoulders. The building blocks of an influential leader are communication, critical thinking, and cooperation.

20. Hula Pass

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This is a great outdoor activity to get your whole class to work together and communicate. They join hands and the person on the end is given a hula hoop which must be passed all the way down the class. They cannot let go of their hands or grab the hula hoop. This allows for the varied leadership styles within a class to shine. This is also a great activity for adults.

Learn More: Guide, Inc.

OhMyClassroom.com

23 Captivating Leadership Games for Middle School Students

Fostering leadership skills in middle school students is a pivotal step in preparing them for future challenges and responsibilities.

Engaging young minds through interactive and enjoyable activities not only makes learning fun but also instills essential qualities such as communication, teamwork, and decision-making.

Leadership games designed specifically for middle school students play a vital role in developing their leadership potential while promoting creativity and problem-solving abilities.

In this compilation, we present captivating leadership games for middle school students .

Whether it’s in the classroom, a youth group, or any other setting, these games will inspire young leaders to emerge, thrive, and make a positive impact on their peers and the world around them.

So, let’s dive into this assortment of activities that blend fun and learning to nurture the leaders of tomorrow.

Activity 1: “Mission Impossible”

20 Captivating Leadership Games for Middle School Students

In this thrilling leadership game, middle school students are divided into teams and assigned a series of challenging missions. Each mission is designed to test their communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. The tasks may range from deciphering codes and solving puzzles to navigating obstacle courses blindfolded. To succeed, students must collaborate effectively, delegate responsibilities, and strategize together. This activity fosters leadership qualities as students take charge, assign roles based on individual strengths, and motivate their team to accomplish the missions. The competitive nature of “Mission Impossible” encourages students to embrace leadership roles, think critically under pressure, and build trust within their teams.

Activity 2: “Leadership Charades”

fun leadership activities for middle school students

“Leadership Charades” is a fun and interactive game that enhances middle school students’ communication and decision-making skills. Students take turns acting out various leadership scenarios without using words while their peers try to guess the situation being portrayed. These scenarios can include resolving conflicts, guiding a team through a crisis, or motivating a group to achieve a common goal. This activity prompts students to think on their feet, communicate non-verbally, and make quick decisions—essential qualities for effective leadership. Through this game, students gain insight into different leadership approaches and styles, encouraging them to develop their own leadership identities.

Activity 3: “The Great Debate”

fun leadership activities for middle school students

In this intellectually stimulating activity, students engage in a structured debate on various leadership-related topics. The class is divided into two teams, with each team taking turns arguing for or against a given proposition. Topics could include “Leaders are born, not made” or “Effective leaders prioritize empathy over authority.” By participating in “The Great Debate,” middle school students practice articulating their viewpoints, listening actively to opposing arguments, and constructing well-reasoned responses. They also learn to appreciate diverse perspectives and the value of respectful communication. This game not only nurtures leadership skills but also cultivates critical thinking and persuasive abilities. Related: 20 Exciting Blindfold Games for Kids

Activity 4: “Leadership Team Building Retreat”

fun leadership activities for middle school students

The “Leadership Team Building Retreat” is an off-campus activity designed to strengthen the bond among middle school students and enhance their teamwork and leadership skills. During the retreat, students participate in a series of fun and challenging team-building exercises, such as trust falls, problem-solving games, and outdoor activities. The retreat provides a safe and supportive environment for students to build trust, communicate effectively, and collaborate to overcome obstacles. Through shared experiences and reflection sessions, students develop a deeper understanding of the importance of teamwork and its role in effective leadership.

Activity 5: “Leadership Panel Discussion”

fun leadership activities for middle school students

In the “Leadership Panel Discussion,” middle school students organize and participate in a panel discussion with guest speakers from various leadership backgrounds. The panelists, who can be community leaders, teachers, or older students, share their personal leadership experiences, challenges, and advice. The students ask questions and engage in thoughtful conversations with the panelists. This activity fosters active listening, critical thinking, and the ability to learn from others’ experiences. The panel discussion provides students with valuable insights into diverse leadership paths and inspires them to take on leadership roles with confidence and purpose.

Activity 6: “Leadership Book Exchange”

fun leadership activities for middle school students

The “Leadership Book Exchange” activity encourages middle school students to share their favorite leadership-related books with their peers. Each student selects a book they have found inspiring or informative about leadership and writes a brief review explaining why they recommend it. Students then exchange books with one another, allowing everyone to explore different perspectives on leadership. This activity promotes a love for reading, fosters a culture of sharing knowledge, and broadens students’ understanding of leadership through diverse literary works. Related: 20 Fun and Galore Pillow Games for Kids

Activity 7: “Leadership Myths and Legends”

fun leadership activities for middle school students

“Leadership Myths and Legends” is an engaging activity where students explore mythical and legendary leaders from different cultures and historical periods. Through storytelling and research, students learn about figures like King Arthur, Mulan, or Joan of Arc and analyze the leadership qualities attributed to them. They discuss how these legendary leaders inspire and influence notions of leadership. This activity encourages cultural appreciation, critical analysis of storytelling, and an understanding of the timeless aspects of leadership found in myths and legends.

Activity 8: “Leadership Time Management Challenge”

fun leadership activities for middle school students

In this time management challenge, middle school students must balance their academic, extracurricular, and personal responsibilities effectively. Students are given a simulated schedule that includes schoolwork, club meetings, sports practices, and personal time. They must organize their time wisely, prioritize tasks, and meet their commitments efficiently. This activity promotes time management skills, self-discipline, and the ability to handle multiple responsibilities—essential qualities for effective leaders in both school and future endeavors.

Activity 9: “Leadership Outdoor Adventure”

fun leadership activities for middle school students

The “Leadership Outdoor Adventure” takes students on a thrilling outdoor excursion where they must navigate challenging terrains and work together to overcome obstacles. Activities such as hiking, rock climbing, or canoeing require students to demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in a dynamic environment. The adventure fosters resilience, adaptability, and effective communication as students learn to lead and support one another. This hands-on experience helps students develop confidence in their leadership abilities and provides valuable insights into the importance of teamwork in leadership.

Activity 10: “Leadership Debates and Mock Trials”

fun leadership activities for middle school students

In this intellectually stimulating activity, middle school students participate in debates and mock trials centered around leadership-related topics and ethical dilemmas. Students are divided into teams, with each team representing different sides of a given issue. They engage in rigorous debates or mock trials, presenting evidence, and arguing their positions persuasively. This activity fosters critical thinking, public speaking, and the ability to construct well-reasoned arguments. By debating real-life leadership scenarios, students develop a deeper understanding of complex leadership challenges and the importance of ethics in decision-making.

Activity 11: “Leadership TED Talks”

fun leadership activities for middle school students

In this activity, middle school students are encouraged to prepare and deliver their own “Leadership TED Talks.” Each student selects a leadership topic they are passionate about and researches, organizes and creates a compelling presentation. Students can use multimedia tools such as slideshows or videos to enhance their talks. This activity fosters public speaking skills, critical thinking, and the ability to convey ideas effectively. It also allows students to inspire their peers with their unique perspectives on leadership, making them more confident in expressing their ideas and taking on leadership roles.

Activity 12: “Leadership Mentorship Program”

fun leadership activities for middle school students

In this activity, older students or community mentors are invited to become mentors for middle school students interested in developing their leadership skills. The mentors and mentees meet regularly to discuss leadership concepts, engage in team-building activities, and explore leadership-related challenges. The mentorship program provides a supportive environment for students to learn from experienced leaders, receive guidance, and set personal leadership goals. This activity not only helps students gain valuable insights but also builds a sense of community and support among participants.

Activity 13: “Leadership Innovation Challenge”

fun leadership activities for middle school students

The “Leadership Innovation Challenge” encourages middle school students to think creatively and develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. Students form teams and are given a specific challenge related to a current issue. They then brainstorm and devise creative strategies to address the problem effectively. This activity promotes leadership qualities such as creativity, adaptability, and entrepreneurial thinking. Students learn to lead by example and take initiative in seeking solutions to complex problems, fostering a culture of innovation and positive change.

Activity 14: “Leadership Podcast Book Club”

fun leadership activities for middle school students

In this activity, students combine the elements of podcasting and book clubs. They form small groups and select leadership-themed books or podcasts to listen to together. After reading or listening to each material, students come together for book club-style discussions, sharing insights, and analyzing the leadership concepts presented. This activity encourages active listening, critical analysis, and collaborative learning. By engaging with podcasts and books, students gain a deeper understanding of leadership and its diverse interpretations.

Activity 15: “Leadership Simulation Games”

fun leadership activities for middle school students

Leadership simulation games involve interactive scenarios where middle school students take on roles in simulated situations. These scenarios could include leading a space expedition, managing a virtual business, or organizing a disaster response team. Students face various challenges and decisions that test their leadership skills, critical thinking, and adaptability. These games provide a risk-free environment for students to experiment with leadership strategies, learn from mistakes, and develop effective leadership techniques. The debriefing sessions after the simulations encourage students to analyze their choices and outcomes, enhancing their learning experience.

Activity 16: “Leadership Board Games”

fun leadership activities for middle school students

“Leadership Board Games” bring an element of fun and strategy to the exploration of leadership principles. Middle school students play specially designed board games that incorporate leadership challenges and decision-making scenarios. These games may involve leading a team through a series of tasks, managing resources effectively, and navigating unexpected obstacles. By engaging in friendly competition, students develop critical thinking skills, teamwork, and strategic planning. “Leadership Board Games” provide an enjoyable way for students to apply leadership concepts in a playful setting while learning valuable lessons in leadership dynamics.

Activity 17: “Leadership TED Talk Challenge”

fun leadership activities for middle school students

Inspired by TED Talks, the “Leadership TED Talk Challenge” invites middle school students to prepare and deliver short TED-style talks on leadership topics of their choice. Students practice public speaking skills and learn how to condense complex ideas into engaging and concise presentations. The talks can cover personal experiences, leadership lessons from history, or innovative ideas for positive change. This activity empowers students to express their ideas with confidence and become effective communicators, inspiring their peers with their leadership insights.

Activity 18: “Leadership in Sports”

fun leadership activities for middle school students

In this activity, students explore leadership principles and teamwork through the lens of sports. They analyze the leadership styles of renowned sports figures and reflect on the leadership qualities needed to excel in team sports. Students also discuss the parallels between sportsmanship and leadership, emphasizing qualities such as discipline, resilience, and collaboration. This activity highlights how leadership in sports extends beyond the playing field and can have a positive impact on all aspects of life.

Activity 19: “Leadership Virtual Reality Experience”

fun leadership activities for middle school students

The “Leadership Virtual Reality Experience” allows middle school students to step into simulated leadership scenarios using virtual reality technology. Students encounter challenging situations where they must make decisions, collaborate, and solve problems. The immersive nature of virtual reality enhances students’ engagement and empowers them to practice leadership skills in a risk-free environment. This activity promotes adaptability, decision-making, and confidence in leading under different circumstances.

Activity 20: “Leadership in Action Showcase”

fun leadership activities for middle school students

The “Leadership in Action Showcase” provides middle school students with an opportunity to demonstrate their leadership skills and accomplishments to their peers, teachers, and parents. Students present projects, initiatives, or activities they have led, showcasing the impact of their leadership in various areas, such as community service, academic achievements, or sports teams. This activity boosts students’ confidence and public speaking abilities while celebrating their leadership efforts and recognizing the positive influence they have had on others.

Recommended:

  • 21 Easy Social and Emotional Activities for Preschoolers
  • 23 Fun Indoor Obstacle Course Ideas for Kids
  • 20 Fun Disney Activities for Preschoolers

fun leadership activities for middle school students

Sohaib Hasan Shah

Sohaib's journey includes 10+ years of teaching and counseling experience at BCSS School in elementary and middle schools, coupled with a BBA (Hons) with a minor in Educational Psychology from Curtin University (Australia) . In his free time, he cherishes quality moments with his family, reveling in the joys and challenges of parenthood. His three daughters have not only enriched his personal life but also deepened his understanding of the importance of effective education and communication, spurring him to make a meaningful impact in the world of education.

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12 Leadership Activities for Middle School Students

WhatToGetMy Instructional Article

Leadership activities for middle school students should be added into the classroom to teach the kids valuable skills such as communication, collaboration, decision-making, problem-solving, critical thinking, and many others. It’s never too early to teach children about leadership because a lot of activities can be adapted to fit any age group. The sooner they develop valuable skills, the better they’ll perform in the future.

Teachers and educators can incorporate plenty of activities throughout the school year that can be useful for development. Even the simplest of games can challenge children and help them improve their skills. We’re going to give you some examples of activities you can add to the classroom, so be sure to keep scrolling.

Before we get further down the article, we’d like to mention two things:

  • These games are all about stealth learning. Kids will be excited, engaged and they’ll learn new things while playing and having fun.
  • Most games are better when playing in large groups because they build trust between kids while boosting their confidence and improving communication.

leadership activities for middle school

Source Link: https://whattogetmy.com/leadership-activities-for-middle-school-students/

What are the middle school leadership activities ?

Table of Contents

A variety of activities can teach leadership skills to students. These activities are designed to help children develop skills necessary for good leaders. In today’s world, it’s crucial to work on improving critical and creative thinking, strengthening communication and collaboration skills, learning how to inspire others, etc.

A lot of extracurricular activities revolve around the development of leadership skills such as debate class, student council, sports games, school theater, etc. However, you can also add simple team-building activities during regular classes. They don’t take much time and provide valuable lessons. Encourage your students to be active and engage in activities helpful for their personal growth. When they become enthusiastic about learning, everything else in life becomes easier.

Leadership game ideas are various, from team-building games to group discussions. These activities are for everyone. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a kid or an adult because life is a journey and every day we learn something new. Adults, of course, make activities more challenging. Below we’ll give you some activities you can incorporate into your leadership lesson plans for middle school students.

Having role models

It’s very important for students to have someone they can look up to. It doesn’t matter if that’s a parent, a teacher, or a public figure. You should utilize role models to teach kids about values. Talk about admirable leaders and what are leadership qualities. Speaking about leadership, you should help children differentiate between positive and negative qualities too.

People you admire

Start by forming groups that have a task of discussing admirable people. After some time, each group should pick only one person and explain the reasons behind the choice. Reflect on the positive leadership traits that this person has. You can also comment on negative behaviors that should be avoided.

A lot of children have someone they idolize, so it’s a good idea to talk about those people. Whether kids look up to celebrities or family members, you can discuss the qualities people possess. After this activity, try having a brainstorming session about good and bad leadership traits.

Pick your quote

Before you engage in this activity find inspiring quotes about leadership and write it on the paper. Try to reflect on different approaches to leadership. When kids come, place the quotes across the classroom.

Tell children to read the quotes and stand by the one that fits their views. When everyone selects a quote, ask each kid to explain his/her choice to the class. While they’re talking, write some key ideas on the board. Make sure to leave enough time for discussion about different types of leaders afterward.

Guess the leadership qualities

This activity starts with your students making a list of leadership qualities. Choose one kid that will write on the board while others give their ideas. Middle schoolers will probably mention qualities such as empathy, strength, decision-making, etc. While they’re writing ideas on the board, you should choose the qualities essential for improving leadership skills for middle school students . Write them on small pieces of paper and put them in a bowl.

The next stage is forming teams of 3-4 students. Each team gets one of the qualities from the bowl. Challenge them to create and act out the scenario where that quality is displayed. When one group is acting, others should try to guess the displayed characteristic.

Students shouldn’t have a problem with guessing the quality because every option is displayed on the board. Demonstrating one situation can, of course, include other leadership qualities. Note each one within the same acted scenario, so you can have a small discussion after each group’s skit.

The strength of every good leader comes from collaboration and empathy. Team building activities for middle school students should be a part of kids’ education. Knowing how to work in teams and communicate with others is crucial for kids’ development. Children team building games join a class together and make a community. Students get to know each other and build trust.

Electric fence

The goal of the game is to cross the wire without touching it, hence the name electric fence. Have students form a chain on one side of the wire by holding hands. Students need to get the entire team from one side to another, so they need to cooperate and help each other. To see how this looks like, check out the video below.

Hula-hoop pass

Similarly to the previous activity, the goal of the game is to work together towards a common goal. In this case, the goal is to pass the hula-hoop as fast as possible without breaking the chain. Students will form a circle holding hands, you’ll give them a hula-hoop and the game can begin. We’re sure your student will have a blast like the ones in the next video.

Leading the blindfolded

This activity is a race between teams. Before the game begins, set a starting and finish line. Divide the students into small groups and ask them to pick a leader of each group. All players except the leader should be blindfolded and the game can begin.

This middle school team building game also revolves around building trust. You need to be confident in your “leader” and let him/her guide you to the finish line while you’re blindfolded. For a bigger challenge, instructs the students leading to use only a couple words such as left, right, straight, etc. Make sure that every student has the chance to be a leader of the group at least two times.

Form a shape

This game teaches how to communicate effectively as a leader and help the team to form different shapes using a rope. Students will grab a piece of the rope with both hands and you’ll instruct them to make a shape such as a star, diamond, etc. The group is blindfolded but they can speak during exercise, so communication becomes crucial. You should appoint one person that can take off the blindfold occasionally to check the progress. See how it can look like in the video below.

Birthday line up

If you only have 10 minutes for an engaging activity, try this simple thing. Instruct kids to line up in the order of their birthdays. Kids have to know the order of the months and compare their birthdays with each other. It can take 5-10 minutes for them to figure out the right order. You can make this activity extra challenging by telling them to only use hand signals.

Creative games

A good leader needs to be creative and “think outside of the box”. That’s why it’s crucial to nurture kids’ imagination and incorporate creative activities in your youth leadership lesson plans . Encourage kids to find creative solutions to the tasks in front of them by organizing these simple activities.

Marshmallow tower

In this cooperation activity for middle school students , kids compete in making the tallest (or largest, most creative, etc) structure that can hold the weight of the marshmallow on top. Divide students into groups and give them the materials for the tower. The materials are dry spaghetti, toothpicks, duck tape, and a string. Students will need to work together to create a balanced and solid tower, so this activity improves leadership dynamics, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Creative solutions

Challenge your students to solve problems using set objects such as cans, books, pencils, chairs, etc. Present them with a scenario and let them figure out the solution. It can be anything, from survival scenarios to solving mysteries. Just make sure the scenarios are age-appropriate and not so easily solvable.

You can, of course, split the students into small groups, so they can discuss strategies with each other. That way they can work on communication skills while they’re engaging in critical and creative thinking. Praise creative and innovative solutions, reliability on classmates, and other positive traits. If students don’t agree on what items to use, suggest they make a small pros/cons list and “rank” the items. You could also set a timer for the activity if you want to put extra pressure and encourage competition.

Treasure Hunt

This classic game can be used to teach kids about leadership. You’ll hide the treasure and give clues, while kids work together in solving them. Riddles and puzzles are not only fun, but they improve problem-solving, encourage creativity, and develop leadership traits. The “treasure” should be something that can encourage children to give their best. Something like ice-cream or a no-homework pass can motivate any kid!

This is a thought experiment in which you’ll pose a problematic scenario and encourage your kids to speak about what they would do in a certain situation. You can divide the students into small groups and give each group a card with an explained situation. After 10 minutes of discussion, the group’s representatives will read the scenario and their plan of action.

Set the age-appropriate difficulty of hypothetical situations. It’s about students working together to come up with creative approaches, not about debating difficult ethical dilemmas. Something simple like “What would you do if you get a grade you didn’t deserve” can spark interesting discussions.

Frequently asked questions

What are some examples of leadership activities?

A lot of activities encourage leadership such as playing sports, volunteering, engaging in student councils, etc.

What is leadership in middle school?

Effective schools give all students equal opportunities to lead. Every student has the potential to be a leader, and it’s up to the teacher to encourage leadership.

What does it take to be a true leader?

Leaders need to be creative, curious, and have an open mind . They should be emphatic, trustworthy, and have good communication skills. Positive attitude and will for self-growth are also necessary.

What makes a good leader lesson plan?

If you want to dedicate an entire class for leadership, start with identifying leadership traits and having a group discussion. Later you can engage in the activities we suggested in this article and finish with a quick survey to see what students think.

You probably can’t wait to try these leadership activities for middle school students with your class. We’ll give you one piece of advice, bring an enthusiastic spirit in the classroom and you’ll surely have fun with your students.

Also, did you talk with your class about their preparation for school? Establishing a healthy morning routine is crucial for having a successful day, so check out these   things to do in the morning before school.

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Let's Cultivate Greatness

My favorite part of teaching Leadership class is also the most underrated: having the chance to strengthen life skills! 

When else do active listening, empathy, or thinking outside the box get to be the focus of class time? I love it! These are the types of things we hope students pick up somehow but rarely have opportunity to teach explicitly.

Leadership skills, especially at the middle or high school level, encompass many life skills—communication, compassion, teamwork, creativity, and social-emotional intelligence. It goes way beyond just leading people.

The best part is being able to plot precisely in the year a particular skill is best to focus on so they carry more meaning. Like practicing speaking skills right before an assembly. Or doing a gratitude lesson during November. 

If this is your first time teaching Leadership, you aren’t able to fully predict which skills need work and when. So, give yourself grace and take lots of notes during your first year. Then, before the following school year, use them to plan out your calendar.

Below are 5 of my favorite activities to teach essential leadership skills. These come from my  year-long leadership skills activity bundle , which includes 30 one-hour print-and-teach lessons. 

1. Build Team Work by Hosting a Scavenger Hunt Swap

This activity is perfect for right at the start of the year!

Divide your students into groups of 3-4, giving each a shopping bag and a blank sheet of paper, and head outside. Be sure to review the defined boundaries for this activity (ex. “ on campus, except parking lot ”).

Give groups a few minutes to brainstorm ten items that are 

  • findable and accessible on campus
  • nobody’s personal property
  • fit inside the provided bags

Some examples could be a rock from the courtyard, a napkin from the cafeteria, a sticky note from the attendance office counter. 

Gather up the lists, then randomly pass them back out to groups. With all members sticking together in their group, they must find the items on their list within a set amount of time.

Debrief by asking:  “What was the most challenging part of moving together as a team?”

Click to get more fun  teambuilding lessons .

2. Practicing Microphone Speaking Skills

Question slips to practice microphone skills

Plan this one right before the first assembly. 

Ahead of time, type up a bunch of questions that take just a few words or a sentence to answer. Just be sure the questions are ones  every  student can easily and comfortably answer. So, no sensitive or personal questions. 

Cut them into slips for students to pull randomly.

Some examples of questions to ask: 

  • Would you ever go skydiving? 
  • What’s your favorite season and why? 
  • Is a hotdog a sandwich?
  • What’s your favorite meal?

Head down to the auditorium or gym (wherever you hold assemblies!) and power up the microphone. Stand in a line or circle, pull a question, and have students, one by one, answer the questions in the microphone. 

After several rounds, students should know how close to hold it and how loudly to speak and feel confident with their own voice. 

Start with questions that require only one-word answers and work up to ones that require a sentence. 

Debrief by asking:  After several rounds, what trick seemed to work the best to speak loudly, clearly, and confidently?

Click here for more print-and-go  speaking and listening lessons .

3. Strengthen Relationships among Students

This one is great to do a few weeks into the school year since it’s a more vulnerable team-building activity. 

Grab a bunch of paper lunch bags and hand one to each student to decorate with well-known things that represent them—sports a part of, instruments played, clubs a member of, stuff like that. 

Task students to bring something that fits inside the bag representing an aspect them that  isn’t  widely known. Like someone who likes to cook for their family bringing in a bottle of their favorite spice or a someone whose happy spot is the beach bringing in a seashell. Without showing anyone, students put their item into their bag.

Put the filled bags into a box and have students take one out. Have them examine the outside to see if they can guess the owner. Then, pull out the secret item and guess what it might represent. The owner can then share a bit about what the bag and item mean.  

Debrief by asking:  How can we create a group where we feel safe sharing our inner selves?

Click for more great  lessons on   building healthy relationships .

4. Practice Creative Thinking with Oops Art 

Save this one for a less hectic time of year since it can be scheduled at any time. All you need are some basic art supplies like paint, scissors, glue, and construction paper. 

Get a copy of the children’s book  Beautiful Oops!  by Barney Saltzberg  and read it aloud with students or have them each read a page aloud, then pass it on to the next. Yes, even high schoolers get a kick out of storytime!

Saltzberg includes nine “oopses” in the book, like a tear or paint spill. Assign each student one to create. 

Redistribute them back out, challenging students to now create a masterpiece out of the oops they got. Afterward, make a bulletin board display out of the artworks.

Debrief by asking:  How can we remind ourselves to look for the beauty in or a new purpose for a “mistake”?

Click to get more  creative and problem-solving lessons .

5. Encourage Goal Setting with a Bucket List 

Worksheets to create a goal setting bucket list

This works well at many points in the year—the start of the school year, the new year, or second semester. Or even right before summer break!

This activity shows students that leadership skills include personal leadership too!

Decide a number theme that works for when you’re doing this:

  • 18 Things to Do in 180 Days
  • 9 Challenges for the 90 Days of Summer
  • 11 Things to Do by the End of 11 th  Grade

Start by having students take a minute or two to close their eyes and envision how the perfect summer or school year would look. You may also want to make and share your own bucket list with students. 

The trick to a successful bucket list is to have a range of activities. Accomplishments shouldn’t all be expensive, time-consuming, or outside of comfort zones. A few “reach” goals should be balanced with ones that are free, can be done solo or at any time, and don’t much of time. 

Since lists  should  be personal, just ask for volunteers to share an item on their list to close the lesson.

Debrief by asking:  What’s something you’re excited to do that you’d never thought of until this activity?

Click here for more ready-to-go  mindfulness and personal growth lessons .

I hope these activity ideas help you incorporate more leadership skills into your classroom! 

Get all these activities as ready-to-go leadership lessons in my  Leadership Skills bundle , complete with teacher guides, warm-ups, handouts, and exit slips. With over 30 hour-long lessons to pick from, you will be set for the whole school year!

Worksheets to teach leadership skill lessons

Feature image photo credit: Perry Grone

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18 Fun Leadership Games to Build Skills

Here is our list of the best leadership games .

Leadership games are fun challenges and activities designed to help players learn essential skills and become better leaders. Examples include 60 seconds story, guess the drawing, and the blindfold game. These games aim to identify potential leaders in a team or help existing leaders develop essential traits like decision-making, trust, and communication.

These games are similar to leadership activities and can help in professional development . Also, the challenges can help participants learn essential leadership skills and become good leaders .

This list includes:

  • free online leadership games
  • leadership games for adults
  • leadership games for employees
  • workplace leadership games
  • leadership games for kids
  • leadership games for high school students
  • games to build leadership skills
  • leader games

Here we go!

List of leadership games

Games are fun recreational activities but can also be a great tool to train leaders and build necessary leadership skills. From the tallest tower challenge to guess the emotion, here are fun leadership games to help leaders build skills:

1. Survival Island

Survival island is one of the most fun workplace leadership games. Players will try to find ways to escape an island in the game. Participants must imagine that limited survival items, like water, food, guns, torches, and boats, are available.

The team must agree on a strategy to escape the island without leaving any player behind. Players can appoint a captain to lead the team and assign different roles to teammates. Examples include the player in charge of guns to protect the team from wild animals, night guards, and team members in charge of food and water.

While thinking of a plan, participants will most likely have points of conflict. However, this game tests players’ leadership ability to agree on a strategic survival plan. For a more fun experience, let your group play in different teams. Then you can compare all the teams’ strategies at the end and have non-participating team members vote on the best. This game builds leadership qualities like decision-making, management, and strategic thinking skills. Also, participants will be able to assess each other’s weaknesses and strengths, particularly when assigning roles.

2. Tallest Tower Challenge

The tallest tower challenge is among the most fun leadership games to play with employees. This challenge inspires creativity, strategic planning, and teamwork. To play this game, team members have to work together to build a tower out of items like:

  • Uncooked spaghetti
  • Marshmallows

Before the game starts, ensure that you specify the rules and give the participants the needed materials. After building the tower, the goal is to place a marshmallow on top without destroying the structure. The team that makes the highest-standing structure wins the game.

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3. Escape Rooms

Escape rooms are fun games that inspire leaders in a group. Players escaping the room must work together to find clues and solve puzzles. This game is a great way to identify which of your team members have the potential to lead a team. Escape room games also help teammates develop essential leadership skills. While playing, players can exhibit their best management traits, ranging from strong communication to problem-solving skills.

Furthermore, you can use escape rooms to determine the players capable of motivating the entire team while working under pressure.

Here are DIY escape room ideas .

4. Draw Yourself

Draw yourself is one of the most fun leadership games for kids. The idea is for kids to make sketches that best represent their personalities. You can guide the players by asking them to describe themselves in the best way they can. For instance, a kid can say words like “I love dogs” or “I love playing soccer.” Then ask the children to express their likes and dislikes through drawings. Be sure to prepare paper and coloring pencils for the kids.

To further challenge participants, divide the kids into pairs. After, ask pairs to exchange their drawings. The kids will then try to figure out what their partner likes. Based on the sketch, the kids can ask their partners questions like “do you love dogs?” “is that a ball?” and “does that mean you love soccer or own a red ball?”

This game can be a little challenging for younger kids and preschoolers. However, older children will find this game helpful in building their communication and observation skills.

5. Guess the Emotion

If you aim to build empathy in kids, then you can play guess the emotion. You will need printed emotion cards and a band to play this game.

You can follow these steps to play:

  • Assign numbers to participants in order of how the kids will play
  • Prepare the emotion cards
  • Turn the card downs so the kids will not see the emotions on any card
  • The first player will pick a card without looking at the picture
  • Assist the player in attaching the card to their forehead with a band
  • The idea is for other kids, except the player who picked the card, to see the emotion
  • The player will ask the kids questions that describe the sentiment on the card
  • After, the player can attempt to guess the emotion

Be sure to instruct the player to refrain from asking questions with specific words like angry, happy, or sad. Instead, the player can ask leading questions like:

  • Will I feel this way if I lose my favorite toy?
  • Will I feel this way if I win a soccer match?
  • Will I feel this way if I get injured?

Then the children will answer “yes” or “no.” The players who guess their emotions correctly in a round win a point. When the game ends, sum up the points and announce the player with the highest score as the winner. As young leaders, this game helps kids understand different situations that can make their friends feel a particular way. In addition, the game helps children communicate their feelings better and build their emotional intelligence.

Here are ways to express empathy at work .

6. 60 Seconds Story

60 seconds story is one of the most exciting free online leadership games. You can play this game on a video conferencing platform or message group with voice note features. First, look for topics your team members can relate to easily. Then let participants take turns recounting a personal experience related to the topic.

Each participant must recount their story or experience within 60 seconds. The story must be clear enough for everyone in the group to understand. You can award points to players who can tell a complete story before time runs out in each round. The player with the most points wins. This game challenges participants to test their communication skills. The game also develops storytelling skills, which is essential for leaders to inspire followers.

7. How Are We Different

How are we different is an exciting game to develop leadership abilities in children. As the name implies, the game requires kids to identify their differences. For instance, the kids can point out differences in hair color, clothing accessories, or height. Being able to recognize individual differences and uniqueness is crucial for leaders.

To play this game, split the kids into teams. Then let the kids communicate and try to figure out simple differences. This exercise is also one of the best free leadership games you can play online. You should send the teams into breakout rooms to enhance their communication. Aside from body features, participants can also figure out differences in work and personal lives. In the end, announce the team that figures out the most differences as the winner.

8. Blindfold Game

The blindfold game is one of the most fun leadership games for adults. The game’s objective is for a blindfolded player to navigate through obstacles in a field successfully.

  • Find a free space, whether indoors or outdoors
  • Place items like sticks, folded paper, and chairs to represent the obstacles
  • Divide the group into teams
  • Ask each team to present a volunteer who will wear the blindfold and move through the obstacles
  • The non-blindfolded teammates will act as the volunteer’s eyes and give instructions on free paths to walk through to avoid obstacles
  • The goal is for the volunteer to reach the finish line without stepping on any obstacles

Also, note how long the volunteers from each team took to reach the finish line. The team whose volunteer took the least time wins. This challenge improves communication, teamwork, and trust, all essential in leadership.

9. Capture the Flag

Capture the flag is a fun sport where two teams compete against one another for a flag.

To play capture the flag:

  • Divide players into teams of equal numbers
  • Find an ample space, preferably or field or arena
  • Divide the space into two equal sections to mark the territories of each team
  • Give each team a flag to keep in their respective territories
  • Then a team will try to take possession of their opponent’s flag
  • A team that successfully brings the opponent’s flag to their own territory while also protecting their flag wins

You should set the rules of the game before playing. For instance, players can “tag” an opponent who steps on their territory. The tagged player can join the opponent team, freeze, or leave the game depending on your game rules. Capture the flag builds critical thinking skills, which is essential while leading. Players can test their leadership skills by building a defense and attack strategy. The best part is that you can play this game indoors or outdoors. For a more fun experience, you can organize the game in a paintball arena.

10. Cross the Bridge

Cross the bridge is one of the most exciting leadership games for employees. The game requires forming a scenario where players are crossing a bridge filled with crocodiles or even lava. Participants can cross the imaginary bridge by stepping on items placed on the floor. Whether you put pieces of wood or stones on the ground, be sure that participants can conveniently stand on the items.

First, divide the group into teams. Then have players in a team stand in a straight line. The first player on the line will act as the leader whose steps the other teammates will follow. The team will start over if a teammate falls into the river. Furthermore, the first team to cross the bridge without falling wins the game. This game stresses the responsibility of leaders in leading a group and the need to think critically.

11. Tug of War

Tug of war is one of the most fun leadership games for work. The game teaches participants essential leadership skills like coordination, alignment, and endurance.

  • Divide the group into two teams with an equal number of players
  • Each team will stand in a straight line, facing their opponents
  • Mark a line between the two teams to define their territory
  • All participants will hold one long rope
  • Once the game starts, both teams will pull on the rope to their respective territory’s directions
  • The team who pulls the opponent into the former’s territory wins the game

Tug of war is a fun game that also depicts leadership realities. Leaders engage in tugs of war with competitors and various challenges in their leadership journey. In this game, the team that aligns their effort by pulling at the same time and angle will likely win. Therefore, the game shows that with coordination and alignment from the entire team, a leader can guide the group to success.

12. Balloon Chain

Balloon chain is one of the most exciting leadership games for high school students. In the game, players will form a chain connected by balloons. Then the team must drop all the balloons inside a basket without breaking the chain.

You can follow these steps to play balloon chain:

  • Split the group into two or more teams
  • Ask teammates to stand in a straight line, with a little space between each player
  • Place a balloon between each teammate
  • A team will have to move around with the balloons firmly placed between teammates’ chests and back
  • Players cannot touch the balloons with their until the team is ready to place balloons inside a basket
  • The first player on the line with hold the basket
  • Then the teams must walk to the finish line without breaking the chain and having the balloon fall out of place
  • If the balloon falls, then the team must return to the starting line to begin all over again
  • Once the team reaches the finish line, the leader must figure out how to drop the basket without breaking the form
  • Starting from the last teammate on the line, players will take turns passing their balloons to the leader without disrupting the chain
  • The leader will then throw the balloons inside the basket

The first team to drop all the balloons inside the basket wins. This game stresses how teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking are vital to lead a group. Balloon chain works best for large groups with around five or more players in each team.

13. Guess the Drawing

Guess the drawing is a game that can inspire leaders to build their observation skills. To play this game, divide the group into teams of two players. Also, prepare words or samples of sketches. The two players on a team should stand in a line while facing the same direction.

Next, the last player on the line will use their finger to write a word or draw invisible sketches on the back of the second teammate. On the other hand, the second teammate will try to replicate the invisible sketch on a piece of paper. The teammate who writes out a word or sketch wins a point for the team.

14. Charades

Charades is a popular game to play during an informal gathering with colleagues. While many folks play charades for fun, you can use this game to build your group leadership skills. Rather than having players gesture prompts from popular ideas like movies, songs, or celebrities, give participants scenarios of different situations and challenges in your office. Then each group will take turns acting out and guessing the situations. This game teaches your team how to recognize and handle difficult situations as leaders quickly.

To play this game:

  • Ask each team to present a volunteer who will act as the actor
  • Before the game starts, come up with a list of challenges often experienced at work, such as employee burnout, low engagement, and difficult clients
  • The host should privately assign a challenge or situation to the actor
  • Then, the actor tries to gesture the situation
  • To win a point, the actor’s team must guess the situation correctly before the set time runs out
  • The team can further provide solutions on how to manage the situation
  • The other teams will also take turns gesturing and guessing assigned situations
  • In the end, the team with the most points wins

Charades is among the best workplace leadership games. The best part is that you can play charades in person and online. Also, the game can improve employees’ communication and observation skills.

15. Leadership Race

A leadership race is among the best games to play with leaders in an organization. This game lets leaders reflect on their leadership abilities and become aware of weak points to address.

To do a leadership race, first, compile a list of leadership-related prompts, such as

  • I can motivate my team while working under pressure
  • I am a good storyteller
  • I know how to persuade my group to make a critical decision
  • I get compliments regularly about my communication skills

After, assign a designated caller to read out each prompt. Participants will take a step forward for every relatable prompt. The first player to reach the finish line wins the game.

16. Blindfold Animal Game

Blindfold animal game is one of the best leadership games for kids. The host will assign an animal type to each participant. Once the exercise starts, participants will make sounds imitating their assigned animals. The goal is for participants to find other kids with similar animal types.

You can cover each participant’s eyes with a blindfold to make the game challenging for older kids. Also, set a time limit for participants to find kids with the same animal type. This game helps kids develop active listening skills, which are essential for becoming a good leader. In addition, the game works best for medium to large-sized groups.

17. Water in the Bucket

Water in the bucket is a fun leadership game you and your team will enjoy playing. To play this activity, divide participants into teams. Then set up chairs in straight lines, depending on the number of players on each team. Also, prepare empty buckets for participants. Each team gets to decide on the first teammate to start the game.

Next, let participants sit down on the chairs and hand over a bucket to each player. Then blindfold all participants and fill the bucket of the first players on each team with water. The game’s objective is for the first player to pour the water inside the second player’s bucket without standing up. Next, the second player will repeat the same step to the third player. The water pouring continues until the last player’s bucket becomes filled with water. Chances are that players will spill all the water even before reaching the last player.

In the end, compare the quantity of water each team’s last player has in their buckets. This game reveals a leader’s responsibility to lead a team and must therefore be critical in any decision-making. In the game, the amount of water each player carefully and successfully pours into their teammates’ buckets determines whether or not the team will win.

18. Spot The Difference

Spot the difference is one of the best games to build leadership skills, particularly observation traits, in kids. To play the activity, show participants two versions of the same pictures. The pictures can be of different ideas, ranging from a living room to a busy road.

However, one version of these pictures should have subtle differences. For instance, printed words on both pictures can be different. Also, the pictures may have a similar object with different colors in both versions. The participants have to spot these subtle differences in the pictures. You can let participants know the number of differences to find. The first player who finds all differences wins the game. This leadership game helps kids concentrate better and develop their observation skills.

Playing leadership games is a great way to identify participants capable of leading a team. The games let players channel their unique leadership abilities, such as effective communication, strategic planning, and good observation. Also, you can use these games to train team members or leaders to become better in the leadership field. There are many leadership games to play, with each exercise focusing on different skills. Therefore, if you want to pick a leadership game, then consider the leadership qualities you would love to build. The best part of playing these games is building your team while developing leadership skills.

Next, check out the roles of team building leaders and valuable signs of leadership . You can also check these signs of bad leaders .

FAQ: Leadership games

Here are answers to questions about leadership games.

What are leadership games?

Leadership games are exercises and challenges that can help leaders develop essential skills like good communication, motivation, and time management. These games are fun to play and help leaders become more effective while carrying out their responsibilities.

What are good games to play with groups of leaders?

Good games to play with a group of leaders include escape rooms, leadership race, capture the flag, charades, tug of war, balloon chain, and tallest tower challenge.

How can games help leaders build skills?

Games help leaders build skills by identifying the areas that the leader needs to improve. A leader will most likely not have every single leadership trait. But by playing games, leaders can identify and improve their weak traits. Also, the games let leaders practice their best skills and perform more effectively in real-life situations.

Author avatar

Author: Grace He

People & Culture Director at teambuilding.com. Grace is the Director of People & Culture at TeamBuilding. She studied Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, Information Science at East China Normal University and earned an MBA at Washington State University.

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Kid Activities

Leadership Games and Activities for Middle School Students

A collection of leadership games and activities for middle school students.

Leadership Activities for Middle School Students 

When it comes to leadership activities for middle school students it’s never too early to teach your children to become leaders.

The earlier they develop leadership skills the easier it will be for them later in life. By the time your kids enter middle school, they should have the concept of simple leadership skills and by the time they enter high school, they should be ready to be the class president.

There are plenty of leadership activities can be incorporated into the classroom and at home too.

Kids need to know leaders work hard and that they are never afraid to face a new challenge.

Leadership games and activities for kids are not only fun, but kids like to feel important, and believe it or not, they like having responsibilities such as chores at home or organizing group events.

Table of Contents

Leadership Lessons for Teens

  • Youth Leadership Lesson Plans 
  • Leadership Exercises for Students 
  • Leadership Games for Middle School Students 
  • Activities to Teach Leadership Skills 

A collection of leadership lessons for middle school students.

As adults, teaching leadership lessons to teens can seem more complicated than when teaching leadership lessons to other adults.

You might be wondering how that can be since leadership is leadership no matter how old someone is.

All the skills seem to be the same as well as the techniques and the principles, but there are several reasons why it would seem a bit more difficult with leadership lessons for teens.

Unlike adults who choose to be in a leadership class, most teens have other priorities like competitions and playing with friends .

It can be hard to get the full attention of a teen when it comes to learning, especially when teaching them to become leaders.

It isn’t impossible though, you can teach a teen to become a leader, there are just some things you will need to know when it comes to the leadership lessons you choose for teens.

  • Teens sometimes take constructive criticism personally. For this reason, it’s important to remember that they are young, and you might need to rethink how you say things to them. A teen doesn’t always interpret or comprehend the same way an adult would so choose your words wisely so that you don’t discourage them early in the lesson.
  • Teens want and need to be taken seriously. If you have it in your mind that a young person isn’t smart enough to make a decision or to participate in an adult conversation, you might want to think again. Teens are smarter than adults care to recognize and they need to be taken seriously. Although it might take their minds longer to process than an adult’s mind, they can really have some great ideas and that is what will mold them into outstanding leaders when given a chance.
  • Don’t exclude the precarious teens. Believe it or not the precarious can sometimes be the best leaders. A lot of times those children are problematic because they feel insecure and they might even be bored. Give them a few responsibilities to keep them busy and to feel important and before you know it the problematic teen you once knew will be the one who everyone will be looking up to.

If you keep these three important things in mind, then you shouldn’t have too many problems when it comes to following through with your leadership lessons for teens. 

Youth Leadership Lesson Plans

Lesson plans on leadership for youth.

Now that you’ve realized the difference between leadership lessons for teens and leadership lessons for adults, you’re ready to start working on those youth leadership lesson plans.

Before you roll up your sleeves and dive in, there are some things you will need to think about:

  • Your audience. If you’re working with teens, know their ages and grade level; in this case, we are focusing on middle school students. Be sure the goals you’re after are age-appropriate and the same goes for the exercises, games, and activities you choose for your lessons.
  • What are your objectives?  Don’t forget that you are targeting middle school students so don’t set the goals higher than they can reach and never open the door for disappointment. 
  • Which method of teaching will best suit your audience? Teens tend to learn best using hands-on activities , group exercises, and role-playing games. Remember to be patient with them as they might take longer to complete a task or resolve a problem.
  • How much time will you need? Consider the time frame you will be working with. If you only have a sixty-minute window then you will want to choose a simple exercise, but if you have an entire weekend, then you can include several different exercises and games. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t overwhelm kids with too much at once or they might get burned out causing them to lose interest. 
  • How much space will you need? Your location will be important depending on the activities you choose. If you have a small space to work with, choose activities that won’t require a lot of movement, but on the contrary, if you have a large space or you’re planning a day outdoors, consider playing some games that require exercise.
  • Plan ahead. Once you know which games or activities you want the group to participate in, be sure and get all the supplies and equipment you will need before the event. Familiarize yourself with the rules to any games you will play and understand the outcome of the exercises and activities you will be teaching.  Remember that you are teaching a leadership class, therefore you must teach by example. Being organized is an important part of being a leader.

Leadership Exercises for Students

A collection of leadership exercises for students. Facilitate these exercises with your students to help them develop as leaders.

One way to get started with your leadership exercises is to include a few icebreakers .

This is not only a great way for the students to get to know each other, but it will also help them with communication skills and it will build confidence in those who are shy.

No matter what you are planning, try and incorporate an icebreaker into the mix, usually, the beginning of the exercise is a good place to put them.

Match the Quote

With this exercise, you will need to place several leadership quotes around the room.

You can do this by writing them on colorful cards and posting them sporadically around the room. Ask the students to walk around and read them.

When they find the one that matches the way they think leadership should be, tell them to stand next to it.

More than one student can stand in front of the same quote. When everyone has found their favorite, go around the room and ask each student to interpret the meaning of the quote.

This is an excellent icebreaker and a great way for the students to get to know each other. 

Leaders to Admire

Before you begin this exercise, separate the students into small groups. Ask the students to think of someone they all know who shows positive leadership skills.

Set a time limit and ask each group to discuss amongst themselves all the qualities that make that person a good leader.

Ask one person in each group to take notes and when the time is up a student from each group will take turns standing and sharing with the other groups what they believe are the best qualities of the chosen leader.

If time permits, you can ask the groups to get together once again and discuss the things that could make that person a bad leader. This exercise is a great way for students to learn and understand the meaning of leadership .

Build the Castle

You will need two different colors of clay for this exercise and two whistles. Divide the group into two groups sitting at tables.

Assign one leader for each group and give the leaders each a whistle. When time begins the leaders will blow the whistle and the first person of each team will then begin to quickly form a castle with the clay.

When the leader of the team blows the whistle again, the person with the clay must pass it to the next team member and that person will continue to build the castle with the clay.

Play will continue until the castle is completely built or the last person on the team completes the castle, whichever comes first.

The first team with the completed castle wins. This exercise is to practice teambuilding, communication, and leadership. 

Leadership Games for Middle School Students

A collection of leadership games for middle school students. Let the kids have while developing important skills to help them become future leaders in whatever capacity they decide.

There is no better way to learn than by playing a fun game. If you make the games exciting the kids will forget they are learning, and chances are they will beg you for more.

Group games are also a great way to break the ice and to build confidence, trust, and communication. 

Leading the Blindfolded

Before this game begins, designate a starting line and a finish line. Divide the students into small groups and ask them to appoint a leader for each group.

All the players except the leaders should have a blindfold. It will be the responsibility of the leaders to clearly instruct their team to the finish line.

The leader can only use one word at a time such as right, left, straight, etc. The leader should never touch the players. The first team to cross the finish line wins.

If you have enough time, try and give each person a chance to be the leader. This game will teach strong communication and trust between the leaders and the followers.

The Jigsaw Puzzle

Before you begin this game, divide a jigsaw puzzle into two sections and put the pieces into two separate bags. Divide the students into two teams and give each team a bag, but don’t tell them they have the same puzzle with different sections.

Set a time limit, 30 to 45-minutes should be enough time. When the time starts each team must work to put their puzzles together as quickly as possible.

They will eventually figure out that they all have the same puzzle and that they will all need to come together as one to complete the task.

This will teach the students how to communicate and work together. Before it’s over, there will sure to be a few students who will take charge and become leaders. 

The Cup Game

You will need one plastic cup for each team of two. Choose one person to be the leader and pair all the other students into teams of two.

Each team should face each other with the cup on the floor between them. The leader should call out simple commands such as stand on one foot, touch your elbow, close one eye, but when the leader says cup, they should grab the cup.

The player who gets the cup should move onto a new player who also got the cup and all those who were left without the cup should sit down. When the teams are formed the cup should be placed on the floor in front of them and play begins again.

Play continues until one player is left standing. The winner then becomes the new leader and the previous leader should partner up and begin to play!  

The Tower Challenge

A fun game that will make kids work together and think on their feet.

Divide the class into groups of 3-4 per group. The goal is to build the tallest and stable tower possible using the elements you provide:

  • 25 spaghetti noodles
  • 25 marshmallows

There is no limit to what they can do, but they must use the noodles and marshmallows.

Activities to Teach Leadership Skills

A collection of activities to teacher leadership skills to middle school students.

There are a variety of activities to teach leadership skills to middle school students, many of which they may already be involved with.

Encourage your students to be active and participate in as many extracurricular activities as they can handle.

Not only are these great ways to develop strong leadership skills, but the more they are involved with in school, the better it will look on their college applications. The following are just some of the activities to consider:

  • Get involved with sports and become a team captain.
  • Get involved with band or chorus
  • Join a debate team
  • Join the student council
  • Become a classroom leader. Help plan the weekly chore chart and enforce it; lead some class projects and help with demonstrations.
  • Get involved in the theater program. Sign up to be a stagehand, a stage manager, or take charge of the programs. Help with the schedules and delegating others to help with the production.
  • Organize a fundraiser ; schedule a start and finish time. Set an initial goal and delegate others to help with the organization. 
  • Suggest and organize field trips.

These are just a few of the many things the kids can do in the school. Many times, they can be in charge of assigning other students to help with organizing the activities.

You should also consider other community service programs for the students to practice and develop their leadership skills.

Now that you have some ideas and leadership activities for middle school students you should be able to teach your students to become prominent leaders in your school and community.

A great way to help your student build the self confidence to become a leader is through positive affirmations .

A fun leadership activity is to play the Boss or Leader game.

The game is done by creating cards with phrases on each that either say something a boss would do, or a leader. And the kids needs to decide which is which and debate on why they guessed the way they did.

Here are some examples of cards you can use:

NOTE – Obviously, don’t write the headline ” boss ” or ” leader ” on the card itself as to give the kids a chance to guess on their own based on the written phrase.

A collection of leadership games and activities for middle school students. Here you will find exercises, lesson plans, games, and many more activities to help develop students leadership abilities.

10 Fun Team-Building Activities for Middle School

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fun leadership activities for middle school students

The middle school years are often a difficult time of transition for preteens. One of the best ways to prevent bullying and encourage positive social engagement is for parents and teachers to foster a sense of community at school .

Building that community atmosphere takes time, but the best way to begin is to engage students in team-building activities. Team-building exercises will help middle schoolers learn how to collaborate, communicate, problem-solve, and express empathy. Get started with these top team-building activities for middle school students.

Marshmallow Tower Challenge

Put students in groups of three to five. Provide each team with 50 mini-marshmallows (or gumdrops) and 100 wooden toothpicks. Challenge the teams to work together to build the tallest marshmallow-toothpick tower. The structure should be stable enough to stand on its own for at least 10 seconds. Teams have five minutes to complete the challenge.

For a more challenging activity, increase the number of marshmallows and toothpicks each team has to work with and give them 10 to 20 minutes to construct a freestanding bridge.

The marshmallow tower challenge targets  teamwork , communication, and critical thinking skills.

Obstacle Course Challenge

Set up a simple obstacle course using items such as traffic cones, fabric tunnel tubes, or cardboard boxes. Divide students into two or more teams. Blindfold one student on each team.

Then, have the blindfolded students race through the obstacle course, guided only by the verbal directions of the other students on their teams. Instructions could include statements like "Turn left" or "Crawl on your knees." The team whose blindfolded player completes the course first wins.

This activity targets cooperation, communication, active listening, and trust.

Shrinking Space

Divide students into groups of six to eight. Have each group gather in the center of the classroom or gym. Place a boundary around each group using a rope, plastic cones, cardboard boxes, or chairs.

Instruct the students to move out of the circle and decrease its size by removing one cone, box, or chair or by shortening the rope. Students should then get back inside the ring. All students must be within the border.

Continue to decrease the size of the border, making students strategize how to fit all members inside. Teams that can't get all members within their perimeter must drop out. (You may want to use a timer and give students a time limit for each round.)

This activity focuses on teamwork, problem-solving, and cooperation.

Build It From Memory

Construct a structure from building blocks, a metal construction kit, Legos, or a similar set. Place it in the classroom out of sight from students (such as behind a trifold presentation board).

Divide the class into several teams of equal number and provide each group with building materials. Allow one member from each group to study the structure for 30 seconds.

Each student will then return to his team and describe how to replicate the hidden design. Teams have one minute to attempt to duplicate the original structure. The team member who has seen the model cannot participate in the building process.

After one minute, a second member from each team is allowed to study the structure for 30 seconds. The second set of students then return to their team and attempt to describe how to build it. This team member can no longer participate in the building process.

The activity continues with an additional student from each team looking at the structure after one minute and dropping out of the construction process until one group has successfully recreated the original structure or all team members have been allowed to see it.

This activity focuses on cooperation, problem-solving , communication, and critical thinking skills.

Disaster Strikes

Divide students into groups of eight to 10. Describe to them a fictional disaster scenario in which they've found themselves. For example, they might have survived a plane crash in a remote mountain area or find themselves stranded on a deserted island after a shipwreck.

Teams must strategize to formulate a survival plan and make a list of 10 to 15 items they need that they could make, find, or salvage from the wreckage or natural resources available to them. All team members must agree on the supplies needed and their survival plan.

Provide 15 to 20 minutes for the activity and have teams select a spokesperson and take turns reporting their results when they are finished.

Each team can brainstorm the same scenario to compare and contrast their answers after the exercise. Or, they may be provided with different situations so that classmates outside their team can weigh in with their thoughts of the survival plan and items needed after the activity.

The disaster scenario activity targets teamwork, leadership, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Divide the class into two teams. Tell the teams to choose two students to step apart from the group for the first part of the activity. Instruct the students to grasp the wrists of the person on either side of them until the entire group is connected.

First, one of the two students who are not part of each group will twist the students into a human knot by verbally instructing them to walk under, step over, or rotate through other students' connected arms.

Give the students two or three minutes to twist their respective groups. Then, the second of the two students who are not part of the twisted knot will try to untangle her group through verbal instructions. The first group to untangle wins.

Caution students to use care not to hurt one another. Ideally, students would not release their grip on the other students' wrists, but you may want to allow exceptions to avoid injury.

This activity targets problem-solving and critical thinking skills, along with following directions and leadership.

Divide students into groups of four to six. Give each team a raw egg and instruct them to use the materials you will provide to devise a contraption to keep the egg from breaking when dropped from a height of 6 feet or more. In a central location, provide an assortment of inexpensive craft materials, such as:

  • Bubble Wrap
  • Cardboard boxes
  • Drinking straws
  • Craft sticks
  • Pipe cleaners

Set a time limit (30 minutes to an hour). Let each team explain how their device is supposed to work. Then, each team can drop their egg to test their device.

The egg drop activity targets collaboration, problem-solving, and thinking skills.

Silent Circle

 Martin Barraud / Getty Images

Instruct students to form a circle with one student in the middle. Blindfold the student in the middle or instruct him to keep his eyes closed. Give one of the students in the circle a potentially noisy object, such as a tin or aluminum can containing just enough coins to make it jangle. The students must pass the object around the circle as quietly as possible.

If the student in the middle hears the object being passed, he can point to the spot where he thinks it is currently located. If he is correct, the student holding the object takes the first student's place in the center of the circle.

This activity targets listening skills and teamwork.

Hula-Hoop Pass

Divide kids into groups of eight to 10. Have one student put her arm through a Hula-Hoop then join hands with the student next to her. Then, ask all the kids to join hands with the student on either side of them, forming one large, connected circle.

Direct students to figure out how to pass the Hula-Hoop to the person next to them without breaking the chain of hands. The goal is to get the Hula-Hoop back to the first student without breaking the chain. Two or more groups can race to see who accomplishes the task first.

The Hula-Hoop pass activity targets teamwork, problem-solving, and strategizing.

Group Masterpiece

kali9 / Getty Images

In this activity, students will work together on a collaborative art project. Give each student a piece of paper and colored pencils or paints. Instruct them to start drawing a picture. You can give them some direction as to what to draw—a house, a person, or something from nature, for example—or allow this to be a freestyle activity.

Every 30 seconds, tell the students to pass their paper to the right (or to the front or back). All students must continue the drawing that they received. Continue the activity until all students have worked on each picture. Let them display their group masterpieces.

This activity focuses on teamwork, collaboration, creativity, and adaptability.

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fun leadership activities for middle school students

20 Leadership Activities for Middle School Students

  • Middle School Education

fun leadership activities for middle school students

Introduction:

Reading fluency is a critical skill for all learners as it lays the foundation for comprehension and academic success. It is the ability to read accurately, quickly, and naturally with appropriate expression. Many struggling readers often find it challenging to achieve fluency, but with the right strategies and activities, improvement is possible. In this article, we will explore 20 reading fluency activities that can benefit all learners.

1. Repeated readings: Encourage students to read the same text multiple times. This practice allows them to become more familiar with the text and improve their reading speed and accuracy.

2. Choral reading: In this group activity, students read together in unison. This can help boost their confidence and develop better pacing.

3. Timed reading: Set a timer for a short interval (e.g., 1 minute) and have students read as many words as they can during that time. Repeat this process several times with various texts to monitor progress.

4. Reader’s theater: Assign roles from a script or play to the students and have them practice reading their lines out loud with appropriate intonation and expression.

5. Echo reading: Read a sentence or paragraph out loud, then have the student repeat it back to you while mimicking your tone, pace, and expression.

6. Buddy reading: Pair up students of similar reading levels and have them take turns reading aloud to each other.

7. Sightword games: Play games like bingo or memory using high-frequency sight words to help improve instant word recognition.

8. Phrase-cued texts: Break sentences into meaningful phrases or units with slash marks (/) to encourage proper phrasing and expression while reading.

9. Previewing vocabulary: Introduce new or challenging vocabulary before beginning a text so that students are more prepared when encountering unfamiliar words.

10. Audio-assisted reading: Provide audiobooks or read-along texts so that students can follow along with the spoken word while reading the text.

11. Interactive story writing: Allow students to create their own stories on a shared space (like an interactive whiteboard) so that all learners can contribute and practice their reading skills collectively.

12. Word-building games: Play word-building games like Scrabble, Boggle, or Bananagrams to reinforce letter-sound relationships and blending skills.

13. Poetry readings: Assign poems that require different intonations, pacing or emotions, and have students read them out loud while focusing on these elements.

14. Newspaper articles: Encourage students to read age-appropriate newspaper articles or magazine pieces out loud to improve their reading fluency in non-fiction materials.

15. Role-playing: Give students various roles, such as a news reporter or a character from a novel, and have them read related materials with appropriate expression.

16. Fluency charts: Track students’ progress by plotting their words per minute on a chart; this can not only serve as motivation but also help in setting individual goals for improvement.

17. Self-monitoring and reflection: Teach students methods to monitor their own fluency while reading, such as using tally marks for each error they notice and then reflecting on the errors to learn from them.

18. Video recordings: Have students record themselves reading aloud, then watch the footage together and provide feedback on areas they can improve upon.

19. Paired sentence writing: Two students work together to create sentences with high-frequency words, taking turns to write each word.

20. Reading races: Conduct friendly competitions among small groups of students where they read aloud in a race against time or compete for the best expression and phrasing of a given text.

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Leadership Games for Middle School Students

Catherine copeland.

There are many leadership games appropriate for middle school students.

Educators at a middle school should consider incorporating several leadership games throughout the year's curriculum. These games are not only fun, but also challenging, and help to develop much-needed leadership skills in the students. Students will greatly benefit from well-developed leadership skills when they enter high school in a few years.

Explore this article

  • Make a Shape
  • Newspaper Hop
  • Treasure Hunt
  • Obstacle Course

1 Make a Shape

Make a Shape is a communication leadership game that will help middle school students learn the importance of communicating effectively as a leader. A large rope is used and each participant grabs a piece of the rope with both bands. The group then stands in a circle while the instructor asks them to make a shape, such as a star or a diamond, with the rope. The group is not allowed to use hand gestures or speak during this exercise. The instructor must evaluate the shape once the group is finished. The instructor then explains that the better a leader's communication skills are, the better the group will understand a given task. Results will improve with better communication.

2 Newspaper Hop

Newspaper Hop is a leadership game that will encourage students to focus on teamwork and planning. Students are divided into two groups for this game. Ten newspapers are set in a straight line in front of each group. One team member is blindfolded, while another team member uses a bell to guide the blindfolded member over the newspapers. The blindfolded student cannot touch the ground, or step on a newspaper. He must hop over the papers and figure out how to do so based on the bell instructions from the other student. Each student must take a turn wearing the blindfold and getting across the papers. In addition, the team must remember to do this quicker and faster than the other team in order to win the game.

3 Treasure Hunt

Treasure Hunt is a fun leadership game for middle school students that will help them learn how to be effective leaders and also how to work well in a group setting. The instructor should hide a treasure somewhere in the school. The treasure could be a homework free day pass or a certificate for an ice cream social at school. The students are divided into two groups, and each group has a designated leader. The leader has clues that will lead them to the treasure hunt, and the leader must use her leadership skills as well as the assets of other group members to find the treasure. The team that finds the treasure first wins the prize.

4 Obstacle Course

Another interactive leadership game for middle school students is Obstacle Course. In this game, the instructor sets up an obstacle course to be completed by the students. Again, the students are divided into two teams and each team has a designated leader. The leader will take his blindfolded team through the obstacle course. Using his words and actions, he must guide his group to safety. The team that completes the obstacle course first wins the game. This will help students identify what type of leader they are, and how they can improve in the future.

About the Author

Catherine Copeland has been writing professionally since 2005. Her articles have been published in newspapers such as "The Jackson Citizen Patriot" and "The State News." Copeland holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Michigan State University.

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16 Team Building Activities For Middle School (With Video Examples)

Middle school can be a tough time for children.

At this stage in a student’s life, they are more interested in connecting with peers and making friends than anything else.

This is why team-building activities are a great way to start the school year out right or to help reconnect an existing class that needs a little help.

Also, team building allows students to develop stronger relationships and trust among each other.

As well, team building activities are a great way to help students learn how to communicate with each other effectively which is one of the most important skills a middle school student can learn.

In this article, we have found 16 of the best team building activities for middle school students and we have also included video examples so it is much easier for you to implement them at your school.

Feel free to change and mold the activities to what works best for your students.

If you are not a teacher, these activities still work great in any situation where team building is necessary.

Before we get into the more intricate team building games I wanted to remind everyone that just some good ol’ outside time on the court or play area is one of the best ways to get kids to work together.

Whether it is just traditional recess or a more structured game getting kids to work together through physical activities is one of the best ways to create a team both inside and outside the classroom.

Here is some good quality equipment to get you started:

Click on the picture or link below for more information and pricing.

fun leadership activities for middle school students

Easy Play Sports and Outdoor Equipment

The effort you put into getting kids to work together, in the beginning, will pay dividends thought the whole school year.

1. Group Paper Tower

In this great team building activity, students will be tasked with building the tallest tower possible with 20 sheets of plain computer paper.

Students are timed but feel free to make a time limit that best fits your students and schedule.

This game is excellent at helping students be creative and really encourages problem-solving.

At the end of the time, each group’s tower is measured to see which one is the tallest.

The activity is also great at helping students learn from their mistakes and learn from how other’s solved a problem.

This activity is not only a great team building activity for middle school but it is a lot of fun.

A very important part of any team building activity is the student’s ability to listen to both peers and teachers alike.

To get more information about how parents and teachers can help children listen go to our article How To Get A Child To Listen In School .

fun leadership activities for middle school students

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2. Centipede Ski Challenge

The Centipede or Group Ski Challenge is most likely an outdoor activity.

Although, you could do the activity in the hallway or large space in the school.

In this activity, a group of students will step on the group skis and hold onto the handles.

In order for the students to move, they have to move in un

ison with each step or the ski will not move.

The students will race and move together to see who can get to the finish line first.

The activity does a great job of teaching students about cooperation and how without the help of others it can hard to accomplish a goal.

This activity will not only get the student’s heart racing but it will also be a class favorite.

fun leadership activities for middle school students

4 Legged Race Bands is designed to spice up team-building and any outdoor activities as long as 4 players are involved! Work together as a team to walk faster and farther to win the competition.

Click on the picture or link above for pricing and information!

fun leadership activities for middle school students

3. Magic Carpet

The Magic Carpet or Tarp Flip is a great way to get kids moving and problem-solving at the same time.

This is a great activity that can be done inside or outside depending on the size of each group.

If you would like to make the number of students smaller in each group you could use a towel rather than a “carpet”.

A group of students stand on a “carpet”, tarp or blanket and try to flip it over while all the students are standing on it.

If a student steps off the “carpet” then the group has to start over.

The students that are able to flip over the “carpet” first (without stepping off of it) are the winners.

This activity does an excellent job of encouraging students to communicate efficiently in order to complete a goal.

fun leadership activities for middle school students

Artoflifer Hole Tarp Team Building Game The aim of the challenge is for the tennis ball to travel around the tarp for the longest time possible without falling through the holes or coming off the tarp.

Click on the picture or the link above more more information and pricing

4. Team Pen

Team Pen is a perfect in classroom team building activity.

The teacher will need to tape strings to a large pen before the activity begins.

Students will be placed into teams and each student will hold on to one of the strings connected to the pen.

The teacher will give each group a word to write on a piece of blank paper.

The students within the group will have to navigate the pen together to write the word.

Start out with easy and short words at first but eventually once the kids get better at it this can be a great way to help students practice for their spelling tests or phonics work.

The best part of this activity is seeing what the word ends up looking like once the students are done.

This is such a fun activity I can hear the laughter from here!

Laughter makes everything better! For more laughs please read our article T eacher Jokes (One For Each Day Of The School Year)

fun leadership activities for middle school students

Cooperative Stretchy Band 

Made with soft, elastic latex tube and multi-colored fleece fabric that is both strong and stretchy. When children run to different directions, it will not hurt them, making it very safe to use.

Cooperative band adopts soft latex tube that covered with soft multi-colored fabric that encourages group cooperation, interaction and creative movement.

Click on the picture or link above for more information and pricing

5. Pipe Line

Pipe Line can be an indoor or outdoor activity.

Students will each get half of a PVC pipe or long “U” shaped item.

If you do not have a half-pipe piece you can have students create a “U” shape out of a piece of paper or even better a piece of card stock.

This does work well but does increase the difficulty as it is hard to keep the paper stable enough to create the “U” shape and in enough time to let the ball pass through it.

Once you have your “U” shaped item for each of the students they will be put into groups.

The teacher will place a ping pong ball or golf ball at the beginning of their half-pipe and they must tilt it until the ball starts to roll down it.

Once the ball gets to the end another student will have to catch the ball with their half-pipe to continue the ball rolling down the track.

The student who just had a turn and the ball is off their half-pipe will run to the end of the line to help continue the game.

The team that gets to the finish line without their ball falling off the track will win.

6. Knee Relay Race

This is a classic relay race with a twist.

Students will be split into teams and each team will have a medium size ball.

Each team will have to put the ball between their knees and run knock-kneed to a hola-hoop or bucket at the end of the relay.

Once they get to the hula-hoop or bucket they must drop the ball from their knees into the hula-hoop or bucket.

Depending on how difficult you want the game to be you can make a rule that if the student drops the ball outside of the hula-hoop or bucket they have to start over.

Which ever team gets all their balls to their target and back wins.

This game will help create a sense of comradery as it can be a difficult challenge.

7. Cross The Lava Challenge

Cross The Lava is both a great indoor or outdoor team building activity depending on the sizes of the teams.

In this activity, students are put into teams and each student on the team will get a ” Magic Lava Stone” otherwise known as a carpet square, piece of fabric or piece of paper (card stock will work better than regular paper).

The students in each team will stand in a line and the first person will start laying the “Lava Stone” down for them and other students to stand on.

Each student in the team will step forward on the stones until there are no more stones to put down.

At this time the last person in the team will have one empty stone and they will pass the stone up to the front of the line so they can use it to continue the path.

This will continue until one of the teams crosses the finish line or the end of the “Lava”.

This team building activity for middle school students is extremely fun and it fosters critical thinking and teamwork.

This activity really gets kids moving. To learn more about keeping kids healthy please read our article A Complete List Of The Best Exercises For Kids

8. Caterpillar Race

The Caterpillar Race is a fun team building activity for middle school students that promotes teamwork and communication.

Before this activity, the teacher must tape together strong pieces of paper or sew together a long piece of fabric in order to make the “Caterpillar”.

Students will be placed in teams and each team will step into the paper or cloth caterpillar.

They will have to move their feet and their hands to help move it in the direction of the finish line.

Students will have to keep pace with the students in front of them and behind them to be successful.

The students that are able to navigate their caterpillar to the finish line first are the winners.

To make the activity more difficult, use paper to make the caterpillar so that the students have to be very careful not to tear it before they finish which could be quite difficult depending on the materials used.

Learning and having fun is the best way to teach and the Caterpillar Race is a perfect example of that.

fun leadership activities for middle school students

Run Mat for Kids is a roll mat race. A racing game that requires team work and coordination, in order to keep tour team running and your mat rolling

For Field Day, Active Play, Balance and Flexibility Team Building & Collaboration, Obstacle Course, Training Tool, Kids Grown-Ups, Group Work, etc.

Group activity for 3-4 adults or 5-7 children

Click on the picture and link above for information and pricing

fun leadership activities for middle school students

9. Hula Hoop Pass

One of the best parts about team building is that it helps students understand both their strengths and weaknesses.

It also helps them by seeing how other students handle problems and how they handle the stress associated with those problems.

the Hula Hoop pass seems like an easy task until you try it yourself.

Students will get into teams, make a circle and link hands.

Two people will start the game by putting their hands through the middle of the hula hoop and then linking hands with their partners.

Once the game has started each team will have to move the hula hoop across and over their body to the next student where they will do the same.

The team that is able to move the hula hoop around the entire circle ending with the students who started the game are the winners.

While this game seems simple it does take some coordination.

This game is the perfect opportunity to help teach your students constructive praise techniques.

10. Quadropus Cup Stacking

The Quadropus Cup Stacking game is one of the coolest on our list but it does take a little “crafting” to get started.

Before the game, the teacher or the students will need to make the “cup mover” by fastening a certain number (depending on the size of the teams) of pipe cleaners to a rubber band to create a contraption that will allow the students to pull the pipe cleaners to expand the rubber band and relax the pipe cleaners to contract the rubber band.

The cup mover contraption will allow the students to grasp the cups only if they work cooperatively.

Once the cup mover has been made then students are given different tasks to move and stack the cups in certain patterns.

The best part of this game is that the students must work together in order to move the cup.

If even one student is not working with the team the cup mover will not be effective.

The game is the perfect example of how teamwork is only accomplished when everyone works together.

11. The Human Knot

The Human Knot is similar to the Hula Hoop pass but now there is no hula hoop but you still need to maneuver your body and work together to win the challenge.

The students will be placed into teams and will need to make a circle.

Each student will hold out their right hand and grasp the student’s hand cross from them.

They will do the same with their left hand.

Now it is time for the students to try to maneuver themselves so that they are back in a similar position as they started and “untied”.

This game is a great game to teach direction skills and to help students problem-solve when things don’t go quite right (and they will!).

While this game can get complicated it sets up so many teachable moments that you will have to try it.

12. Marshmellow Tower Challenge

The Marshmallow Tower Challenge is the pinnacle of problem-solving and critical thinking challenges.

Students must use all their team building strategies to complete this task.

Students will be given a certain number of materials and one marshmallow to build a structure the best they can.

While the materials are helpful, there is only a limited amount which makes using them efficiently important and encourages strategy.

Students are encouraged to plan and strategize before making their structure which is a great lesson in itself.

When students are given the opportunity to work together and communicate regardless of how the tower turns out the activity will be successful.

13. Escape Classroom

The Escape Room or Escape Classroom is one of the most engaging and exciting team building activities ever but it takes a lot of planning.

The idea behind this team building activity is that the students are locked in the classroom and have to get out by finding all of the clues left by their capture. ( This is all pretend of course)

The students are split up into teams and must find clues (activities) to move on to the next clue.

The Teacher sets up a group of activities that the students must do in order to get to the next clue which leads them closer to solving the main problem which is escaping from the classroom.

The theme of this team building activity can be anything from a book theme to having students solve certain math problems to escape and win the game.

The first team that can “escape” (by solving all the clues) from the classroom is the winner.

If the teacher can pull off this activity, it will be talked about all school year long.

14. Blind Minefield

The Blind Minefield game is not only a great team-building activity but it is an amazing game for building trust within the teams as the students are blindfolded and they have to rely on their teammates to be successful.

The teacher will set up obstacles either outside or inside the classroom and the students have to navigate through the obstacle course while blindfolded.

Students will be put into teams and each person is selected one at a time to go through the course blindfolded.

The other team members have to call out directions to help the blindfolded person get through the course without touching any of the obstacles.

If the blindfolded person from a team touches an obstacle they lose their turn and another team member gets a turn.

The team with the most people that can get through the obstacle course without touching anything wins.

Everyone will love this one!

15. Pencil Grab

The great part of the team building activity is that it is super simple and it uses one of the most abundant school supplies in the classroom…

The teacher will place pencils on a table or a desk in four or five groups with the number of pencils ranging from smallest to largest. (Group 1- two pencils, Group 2- 4 pencils…)

The students will start the game off with small increments of pencils such as one or two in the first pile.

Students get into teams and they race to see who can grab the most pencils by placing them on the back of their hand.

Once the pencils are placed on the back of the student’s hand they will pop up the pencils in the air and try to grab them with the palm of their hand.

If they can grab all of the first group of pencils they will go to the next group of pencils until they complete all of them or they can not grab them all at the same time and they lose their turn.

The team that can grab the most pencils is the winner!

16. Balloon Pyramid Relay Race

The Balloon Pyramid Relay Race is a great cooperative team building activity.

In this game, each student has to help stack the cups into a pyramid by inflating and deflating a balloon.

Only one student is allowed to work at a time.

Once they are finished with their task they stop and go to the end of the line.

Then it is the next student’s turn to continue the next step of the pyramid.

If a student knocks down a cup they must set the cup up where they found it, go to the end of the line and let another student try. (You can come up with your own rule here that best fits your class).

The team that creates the pyramid first wins.

For more information about why team building is so important please read Michigan State’s article Why is team building so important?

Please Comment Below!

If you have any comments or you have another team building activity that you would like to add to the list, we would love to hear from you!

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10 thoughts on “ 16 Team Building Activities For Middle School (With Video Examples) ”

This is really a great and useful piece of information. I am glad that you shared this useful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.

Awesome games! I’m looking for fun games for our 8th grade retreat and these are great examples.

Thank you so much!

These are great! Thanks for sharing!

Loved these easy and affordable ideas for games!

These are very useful, thanks for sharing. Definitely will use them!

So happy to help! Middle school can be a tough time but with the right activities and help they grown into amazing people!

Fantastic team-building activities! thank you for sharing!

I’m so glad that you found them helpful. Middle school friends need all the help they can get! =)

Thank you for sharing these activities! These will really be enjoyed by students. I think it would be good to try these at the start of the school year and also at the end to see how much they have grown with each other.

We agree wholeheartedly!

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83 Leadership Activities, Building Games, and Exercises

leadership activities and exercises

Leadership activities are associated with benefits to business, including increased performance and productivity.

However, perhaps the sign of a truly successful leader is a happy, healthy workplace. Interested in what leadership activities can do for your workplace or school? Read on.

With the activities below, there may be some overlap with activities found under certain headings – for example, activities suitable for adults may also be useful for groups, or with employees.

Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Positive Leadership Exercises for free . These detailed, science-based exercises will help you or others adopt positive leadership practices and help organizations thrive.

This Article Contains:

What are leadership activities, what are they used for, 8 examples of leadership activities, 4 leadership workshop ideas, 2 activities that showcase different leadership styles, 3 situational leadership activities and scenarios, 8 games and activities for kids to learn leadership skills, 6 leadership development activities for teens and youth (pdf), 3 classroom leadership activities for students in elementary and middle school, 6 leadership activities and games for high school students, 3 activities and exercises for college students (pdf), 7 leadership games and activities for adults, 5 leadership group and team activities, 8 leadership training activities for employees, 5 leadership building exercises for managers, 11 leadership exercises for team building in the workplace, a take-home message.

Increasingly, people are assuming positions of leadership in the workplace (Cserti, 2018). However, the journey to becoming a leader is lengthy (Cserti, 2018). Leadership activities are valuable on the journey to becoming an effective leader , and also develop confidence in leadership teams (Cserti, 2018; Stepshift, 2016).

Leadership activities may be conducted on or off site, and be physical or sedentary (Stepshift, 2016). Leadership activities can either be performed by a leader in their own team, or with an external facilitator (Cserti, 2018). They may take the form of specially organized themed events, such as scavenger hunts (Stepshift, 2016). Or, they may be smaller, office-based tasks built into an ordinary workday.

For example, leadership activities could consist of meeting openers or conference break activities (Stepshift, 2016).

Leadership activities can be an effective way for individuals to practice and strengthen their leadership and team-building skills (Cserti, 2018). They can also be fun!

The structure of leadership activities is essential. It is important that the participants can relate the activity to the workplace setting (Stepshift, 2016).

The 10 Skills Every Leadership Coach Should Teach

The working style, principles, and values of a leader is a crucial aspect in determining the behavior within an organization (Cserti, 2018). Leadership training can help leaders become role-models (Cserti, 2018). The behavior of leaders and what they consider the “norm” determines which behaviors are enforced and those which are punished (Cserti, 2018).

Given the importance of a leader’s behavior, it is also essential that they learn skills, such as:

Communication

Leaders need to develop the ability to clearly, succinctly explain to employees everything from the goals of a company to the details of specific work-tasks (Doyle, 2019). Many components are important for effective communication , including active listening, reading body language and written communication such as emails (Doyle, 2019).

Leaders need to inspire employees. They may do this by increasing worker’s self-esteem , by recognizing effort and achievement, or by giving a worker new responsibilities to further their investment in the business (Doyle, 2019).

Leaders can achieve this by identifying the skills that workers have, and as such assign tasks to each worker based on the skills they have (Doyle, 2019).

Being positive helps develop a happy , healthy work environment, even when the workplace is busy or stressful (Doyle, 2019).

Trustworthiness

By demonstrating integrity , workers will feel at ease to approach their leader with questions or concerns (Doyle, 2019). Building trust is one of the most essential leadership skills.

Good leaders are willing to try novel solutions or to approach problems in a non-traditional way (Doyle, 2019).

Leaders are constantly on the lookout for opportunities to provide team members with information about their performance, without ‘micromanaging’ their work (Doyle, 2019).

Responsibility

A good leader accepts mistakes or failures and instead look for solutions for improvement of a situation (Doyle, 2019). This skill also includes being reflective and being open to feedback (Doyle, 2019).

A leader should strive to follow through with everything that they agree to do (Doyle, 2019). It also involves applying appropriate feedback and keeping promises (Doyle, 2019).

Flexibility

Leaders need to be able to accept changes and creatively problem-solve, as well as being open to suggestions and feedback (Doyle, 2019).

While these skills are explained in a workplace context, they can easily be applied to other leadership situations such as sports or community groups.

Now that you have more clarity as to what leadership activities are, and what they are used for, let us look at a wide selection of activities. While some of the activities and games may not immediately appear to be ‘leadership activities,’ the chosen activities might develop and promote the leadership skills outlined above.

7 Ways to Practice Leadership Without Actually Being a Leader

Here are eight such activities:

  • Sports Sports provide the experience of being a team member and developing leadership skills (Flavin, 2018).
  • Cross-cultural experience Experiences with a different culture provide new, potentially uncomfortable situations and help develop communication skills that may not be learned elsewhere (Flavin, 2018). Overseas travel, or working with a different cultural group within your community can provide an opportunity to learn new skills, or may involve barriers that must be overcome – all teaching leadership (Flavin, 2018).
  • Social groups Involvement in social activities helps potential leaders develop a well-rounded, confident personality which enhances their capacity to lead a team (Flavin, 2018).
  • Internships Taking an internship position demonstrates initiative in finding opportunities to learn and seeking practical work – valuable skills in leadership (Flavin, 2018).
  • Volunteering As well as showing ambition, volunteering shows that you are willing to commit yourself to something that you are passionate about (Flavin, 2018).
  • Student government and organizations Specifically considering students, being involved in co-curricular organizations help individuals develop leadership (Flavin, 2018). Being involved in student government or organizations can provide opportunities to demonstrate leadership and have an impact on those around you (Flavin, 2018).
  • ‘Passion projects’ Showing commitment to a passion for better communities; for example, mentoring shows that you are likely to focus on the greater good for a team (Flavin, 2018).
  • ‘Teamwork’ This can be anything at all, from helping out with planning a family event or participating in a volunteer day, will demonstrate and develop leadership skills (Flavin, 2018).

fun leadership activities for middle school students

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Effective leaders are aware that continuing professional and personal development is the key to ongoing success (Higgins, 2018). As such, they recognize that leadership workshops are important (Higgins, 2018). What activities can be used in such a workshop?

Here are four suggestions:

Idea 1: ‘Tallest Tower’ (from Stepshift, 2016)

Participants are provided with everyday items such as toothpicks, wooden blocks, uncooked pasta and so on. The task is to build the tallest possible free-standing structure from the materials provided. This activity is designed to encourage creative problem-solving and developing collaboration skills.

Idea 2: ‘Centre Stage’ (from Higgins, 2018)

Select four team members as volunteers. One team member plays the role of an employee who has missed meetings or been late to work in recent times. Each of the other three participants demonstrates a different style of leader (to save time, nominate the particular personality trait). Ask all participants to form a circle, and put two chairs in the middle of the circle.

After each demonstration of how to deal with the employee, ask the whole group to reflect on the different leadership approaches. For example, the group could consider what worked and what did not. Finally, to conclude this activity, ask the group to consider what the ‘ideal’ leader would do in the scenario.

Idea 3: ‘Minefield’ (from Stepshift, 2016)

This activity helps build trust and improve communication skills. It involves participants working in pairs, with one team member being blindfolded. Then, using only specified communication techniques, the pair negotiate their way around or over a ‘minefield’ of obstacles.

So, for example, the participants may be told they are only able to use commands such as the words ‘left’ or ‘right,’ ‘forwards’ or ‘backwards.’ The aim is to help the blindfolded team member to navigate the ‘minefield’.

Idea 4: ‘Magic Carpet’ (from Higgins, 2018)

Provide a small tarp or rug, which has enough room for all workshop participants to stand within its boundaries. Then, inform the group that their task is to work together to flip the rug or tarp over without any participant stepping off. If (or when) a participant steps off the teams have discussed all of the paragraphs or tarp, the team must begin again.

Leadership styles

These are: autocratic (also known as authoritarian), delegative (also called ‘free reign)’ and democratic (which is also called participative) (Clark, 2015; Johnson-Gerard, 2017).

An autocratic leader makes decisions without first consulting others, while a delegative leader allows the staff to make the decisions (Johnson-Gerard, 2017). Finally, a democratic leader consults with the staff in making workplace decisions (Johnson-Gerard, 2017).

Here is an excellent resource for exploring different leadership styles.

The workbook also provides some helpful worksheets.

The following two activities help participants think more deeply about styles of leadership. The group should be divided into small groups of 3 – 4 participants. The participants work in groups for the first activity, and then they work individually on the second activity.

Activity One (Clark, 2015)

Provide a list of approximately 10 – 12 scenarios displaying the three different leadership styles. For example, “a new supervisor has just been put in charge of the production line. He immediately starts by telling the crew what change needs to be made. When some suggestions are made, he tells them he does not have time to consider them”.

The group then works together to figure out which leadership style is used in each scenario and to talk about whether it is effective, or if a different style could work better.

Encourage participants to think about themselves in a similar situation and their reaction to the particular leadership style.

Activity Two (Clark, 2015)

Provide participants with the statement ‘consider a time when you, or another leader, used the authoritarian (autocratic), participative (democratic) or delegative (free reign) style of leadership’.

Ask participants to reflect on the statement and make a few comments, such as: was it effective? Would a different leadership style have worked better? What were the employees’ experiences? Did they learn from the leadership style? What was it they learned? Which style is easiest to use (and why)? Alternatively, nominate the style which the participant prefers (and why).

To conclude these two activities, come together as a whole group and discuss what was learned about the three styles of leadership.

Leadership building activities – Project management training – ProjectManager

Situational leadership is when a leader is flexible in their approach and uses different leadership strategies depending on the situation (Johnson-Gerard, 2017). The following three games, from Johnson-Gerard (2017) provide an opportunity to explore situational leadership:

1. ‘Jumping Ship’

The aim of this game is for participants to reflect upon different leadership styles and come up with a list of actual workplace scenarios which would need a leader to abandon a natural leadership style for one that is more effective (i.e., to ‘jump ship’).

Each group is given three large pieces of paper. Ask the teams to write one style of leadership on each (i.e., autocratic, delegative, democratic). Then, allow the groups 45 minutes to come up with real work situations for which employing the particular leadership style would be disastrous.

Ask the groups to place the sheets of paper up on the wall, and to discuss the sheets as a team. As a whole group, review the posters.

2. ‘Who Ya Gonna Call’

Each participant begins by writing a one-paragraph description of a work situation that is not going well. Collect these, and at the top of each page, number them in consecutive order. Then, divide the participants into two teams.

Give each team half of the paragraphs. Then, ask the teams to choose the style of leadership that would be the least and the most effective in solving the problem. Have the teams note their answers on a piece of paper, being sure to identify the paragraph number on the top of each page, and their choices.

Then, ask the teams to swap paragraphs and repeat the activity.

When the teams have discussed all the paragraphs, discuss the scenarios and review the choices as a group. Where the team’s choices are different, discuss as a group.

3. ‘Ducks in a Row’

This particular activity enables participants to devise a 3-to-5 step decision-making process they can use when challenging leadership situations occur.

Ask participants to form pairs. Then, ask them to come up with the steps that an effective leader goes through in order to work out how to manage a difficult situation. After about 30 minutes, ask each pair to review the steps they have come up with for the group, and to write them on a large piece of paper.

Ask every pair to review their process, and after all the pairs have done so, have a group discussion that enables a consensus to be reached about the three to five most effective steps to take in a difficult leadership situation.

Fun exercises for children

Edsys (2016) provides eight suggested activities for children to learn leadership skills:

1. ‘Create a New You’

Provide children with materials such as textas, crayons, poster/construction paper, magazines, and scissors. Then, ask them to draw themselves, using things that clearly show that the picture is theirs – such as using cut-outs of their most favorite things to do, foods they like, pets, and whatever else makes them unique.

Once the children have finished their posters, they can show their completed work to the other children – helping kids to improve their confidence to lead.

2. ‘Same or Different’

The children sit in a circle. Ask the first child to point to another child in the circle who is similar to them, either in appearance, hair-style or clothing color. Then, when the child has chosen someone, ask them to note other differences and similarities they have with the child they have chosen.

3. ‘Move the Egg’

Ask children to form groups of four or five. Then, have the children select a leader for their team. Each participant is given a spoon and an egg. The leader has the task of finding an effective way to move the eggs from one point to another. For example, one option may be for children to form a line to pass each egg along.

Another leader may suggest forgetting about the spoons altogether and merely tell their group to make a run for it. The winner of the game is the group that can get their egg safely across the finish in the most creative way.

4. ‘Lead the Blindfolded’

This game requires a large indoor or outdoor area. Divide the children into two groups and give them enough blindfolds for everyone except one member to put on. The teams are placed at opposite sides of the space. The child who is not blindfolded is required to lead their team to the other side of the designated space, using clear commands.

Ensure that each member of the team has an opportunity to lead their team. The winner is the team that sees its members successfully cross the finish line.

5. ‘Charity Support’

Help children support a charity by organizing a fundraiser. Each child can have a different task. For example, one child may select the charity, another may find a suitable space to hold the fundraising activity, and another child can collect donations.

6. ‘Planning Strategies’

Teach children to divide a large task into smaller steps. Set the children a large task, such as holding a class function. Show the children a plan that enables them to achieve the task step by step. This activity can involve a number of children sharing tasks. Suggest to the children how they may be able to improve.

7. ‘Volunteer Roles’

Volunteering plays a role in leadership. Discuss with children how they would like to help someone in need. Older children may be interested in taking a role in an organization in their community. The children should be helped to select a volunteer opportunity that gives them a chance to practice leadership and work with other children.

8. ‘A Quick Quiz’

In this task, ask students to be prepared to evaluate an experience when it is over. Then, after the experience, ask the child questions. For example, inquire “Do you remember the name of the dog we saw?”, “What was it?”, “Did you touch the dog?”, “What is the owner’s name?” and so on.

This is an excellent introduction to leadership for kids in grades 4 – 6 (children aged approximately 9 – 12 years).

The following resources are appropriate for helping teens and youth to develop leadership:

1. “Leaders are, can, and think”

This looks at what a leader is, and what their role can and should be.

2. “Who do you admire and why?”

This worksheet examines leadership role models and the qualities we see in them that we want to develop in ourselves.

3. “4 Ways leaders approach tasks: Leaders Motivation”

This handout focuses on leadership attitude.

4. “Lesson Planet”

Links to 45+ reviewed resources for teen leadership which can be accessed free by registering your details.

5. The Women’s Learning Partnership

This partnership has created a comprehensive manual for promoting leadership for teens aged 13 – 17 years. The manual outlines a number of sessions which guide leadership development activities.

6. “I Care Values Activity”

This is a fun, engaging and introspective activity . It is suitable for students aged 13 and upwards, so it can be used with older students or adults too.

Leadership games

Examples of such activities are:

1. ‘Just Listen’ (Edsys, 2016)

Make an agreement that you and the student(s) will refrain from talking about yourselves for a whole day. Ask them, rather, to listen to others, and if they do talk to another person, it should be about the person whom they are talking to. This game helps children to learn how important it is to focus on other people rather than themselves, which forms the basis of ‘relational leadership’.

2. Silence Classroom Leadership Game (Stapleton, 2018).

To begin the activity, the teacher divides students into two teams, and the teams move to either side of the classroom. The desks may be pushed aside to create more space. The teacher instructs the students to, for example, ‘line up according to the first letter of your surname’ or ‘arrange yourselves into age order by the month your birthday is in’. The students then follow the directions without speaking a word to one another.

Students are permitted to use hand signals, or even write instructions down on paper. The teacher’s instruction to the students is that they are not allowed to talk. The winning team is the one that completes the task successfully.

3. ‘The Cup Game’ (Tony, 2018)

Divide students into pairs and select one student to be the leader. Each team should face each other standing up, with a plastic cup in the middle. The leader calls out simple directions, such as ‘touch your knee’, ‘close one eye’ and so on.

When the leader calls out “cup” the students should try and be the first to grab the cup. The player who successfully grabs the cup should pair up with another player who also got the cup. Those without a cup sit down and watch.

Once the new teams of two have formed, the cup is put in between the players and the game begins again. This process continues until only one person is left standing – and the resulting winner becomes the new leader… and play can begin all over again.

By high school, students are more sophisticated. Here are some interesting activities for high school students to develop leadership.

1. Brainstorming for change (Stapleton, 2018)

The teacher puts students into groups of 4 or 5. The goal is for students to come up with possible solutions to social, political or economic problems. Working together, students brainstorm both small- and large-scale solutions to a given problem topic.

Once the groups have finalized their list of detailed solutions, the teacher facilitates a discussion with the whole class, and together they examine which of the identified solutions could be a viable option and why.

2. Leadership characteristics (Stapleton, 2018)

The teacher puts students into pairs or groups of three. Then, each group member shares a story about someone whom they consider to be an influential leader. After each story has been shared, students discuss the characteristics that they think made the person in the story an effective leader.

Once each student has shared a story, students compile a list of all the characteristics of an influential leader they identified. Post these characteristics on the walls around the classroom.

3. Blindfold leader game (Stapleton, 2018)

The teacher arranges the students into a single line, and comes up with a starting point and finishing point. Then, the teacher places a blindfold on every student except for the student who is at the front of the line.

The teacher tells each student to put their left hand on the left shoulder of the person in front of them. Next, the teacher says “go”. The aim is for the leader (who is not blindfolded) to walk towards the finishing point, providing instructions to students behind, who are blindfolded.

An extra challenging game sees the teacher putting obstacles in the path – the leader must direct followers on how to avoid the obstacles and successfully reach the finish line. When this goal is achieved, a different student takes a turn of being the leader.

4. Buckets and balls (Cohen, 2017)

This game aims to move all the balls from one box to another. The catch is, team members cannot use their hands or arms. In equal-sized teams, players choose one ‘handler’ per team. This is the only person who can touch the balls with their hands.

The handler must remain behind the start line throughout the game. Team members attempt to get balls from their bucket at the finish line, and get them to the team’s handler without the ball touching their hands or arms.

The handler places the balls into the empty bucket at the start line. If a team member touches the ball, they are disqualified and can no longer participate. Give teams a 5-minute time limit. All teams play at the same time, and the team that has the most balls in the handler’s bucket at the end of the game wins.

5. Team jigsaw (Cohen, 2017)

Two teams have to complete a jigsaw puzzle within a 20 – 30-minute time limit. Give each team a box containing a puzzle. At first, A body will assume that their task is to complete the puzzle. As they work on it, however, teams will realize that the puzzle is missing some of its pieces and has some additional pieces that do not fit their puzzle.

Teams then have the task to communicate with one another, and they will eventually realize that they need to work together to complete the puzzle. Teams are only allowed to exchange pieces of the puzzle one at a time.

6. ‘Sneak-a-peak’ (Cohen, 2017)

Divide participants into two teams. Build a structure out of Lego. Make it complicated, but able to be replicated. Ensure that there is sufficient Lego left to build two similar copies of the structure.

Make sure that this structure is kept out of eyesight.

A player from each team is allowed to see the structure for 10 seconds. Then, the players will return to their respective teams and have 25 seconds in which to give his/her team instruction as to how to build the structure. Then, the teams have 1 minute to build the structure.

When that minute is up, another team member takes a look at the structure for 10 seconds and has a further 25 seconds to deliver their instructions to their team.

This process continues until all the team members have had a chance to examine the structure and provide instructions. The team that successfully built the structure is the winner.

Leadership and team building exercised for students

  • “ The Leadership Training Activity Book ” by Lois. B. Hart and Charlotte S. Waisman (2005) contains 50 handouts for leadership activities that would be suitable for college students. Find it on Amazon .
  • This resource provides helpful leadership tip sheets that are suitable for college students. Examples of tip sheets are “ten keys to effective listening” and “basic confrontation guidelines”.
  • Another valuable resource that can be used to develop team-building – an aspect of leadership.

A wide range of leadership activities are suitable for adults:

1. The Marshmallow Challenge

In this activity , teams use spaghetti sticks, tape and string to construct the tallest free-standing structure. They are given one marshmallow, which must be placed at the top of the structure. Devised by Tom Wujec.

2. ‘Stand up’ (Landau, 2018)

This game is convenient in that it requires no materials. It involves two people. They sit on the floor, facing one another. They hold hands, and the soles of their feet are placed together. Then, the task is for both people to stand up at the same time. This game builds trust and teamwork, and also develops skills in problem solving and collaboration.

3. Zoom (Stepshift, 2016)

A set of randomly provided sequential pictures are given to the participants. The task requires participants to put the pictures in the correct order to recreate the story, without knowing which pictures the other participants have. This activity can be an effective way to improve communication, patience, and tolerance.

4. ‘You’re a Poet’ (Landau, 2018)

To harness creativity and reflect on leadership concepts, one activity for adults is to write a poem. This activity can be done individually or in small groups. The aim is to consider leadership in creative ways to find new perspectives.

5. ‘Leadership Pizza’ (Cserti, 2018)

This activity can help adults develop leadership. It does so by providing a self-assessment tool. People begin by identifying the skills, attitudes, and attributes that they consider being important for successful leadership. The individual then rates their own development in the defined areas. The framework can also provide a helpful tool in assisting adults in identifying their leadership development goals in a coaching session.

6. Leadership advice from your role model (Cserti, 2018)

Each participant considers a role model who they admire. They then think about a young person they know. If the young person was to ask the role model for leadership advice, what kind of advice would the role model give?

In groups, discuss and share the sort of advice identified and talk about contradicting points and how they can be reconciled. This sharing discussion may be a practical introduction to the idea of situational leadership.

7. ‘Crocodile River’ (Cserti, 2018)

This outdoor activity challenges a group to physically provide support to the group members’ behavior move from one end of a designated space to the other.

Participants are told to pretend that the whole team must cross a wide river which contains dangerous crocodiles. Magic stones (which are represented by wooden planks) provide the only supports to be used to cross the river (which has ‘banks’ that are marked out by two ropes).

These ‘stones’ only float on the water if there is constant body contact. These ‘stones’ (i.e., the wooden planks) are placed next to the ‘river bank’ – there should be one less plank than the total number of participants. As part of the game, if a participant’s hand or foot touches the ‘water’, it will be bitten off (if this happens during the challenge, the participant must hold the hand behind their back).

The facilitator then pretends to be the ‘crocodile’, keeping a close eye on the group as they attempt to cross the river. When one of the stones (the planks) is not in body contact, it is removed. When participants mistakenly touch the ground with their hands or feet, tell them that the limb has therefore been bitten off and the player must continue without using it.

This activity continues until the group succeeds in getting all group members to the other side of the ‘river’. If anyone falls in, the group is deemed to have failed, and they must begin the river crossing attempt again.

1. ‘Feedback: Start, Stop, Continue’ (Cserti, 2018)

Leadership group activities

Openness creates trust, which then promotes further openness. This activity is designed to be used by a group that has spent sufficient time together in order to have a range of shared experiences they can draw from when they are providing feedback.

Each participant takes a post-it and writes the name of the person who they are addressing on it. Then, they write on the post-it:

“To…. Something I would like you to START doing is…. something I would like you to STOP doing is…. something I would like you to CONTINUE doing is……Signed: ___________”

In groups of around 4 to 6 people, participants complete these sentences on one post-it for the other participants in their group.

If they cannot think of relevant feedback for one of the prompts (i.e., start, stop, continue), they do not need to include it. Once the group has finished writing, they provide the feedback verbally, one at a time, and afterward hand the post-it to the relevant person.

2. Round Tables (Stepshift, 2016)

Four tables are set up with different tasks. Each task has separate steps that participants can be responsible for carrying out. The group select a team member, who is only allowed to communicate and delegate tasks but not take a part in the task. Each table is timed to record how long the task takes to be completed. Round Tables improves leadership and delegation skills.

3. ‘Pass the hoop’ (Landau, 2018)

This game requires participants to stand in a circle and hold hands. One person in the group has a hula hoop around their arm. The game aims to pass the hula hoop the whole way around the circle.

As well as promoting teamwork and problem-solving, this game develops communication skills. Being able to communicate effectively is a crucial skill for any successful leader to have.

4. ‘Improv night’ (Landau, 2018)

One key responsibility of the leader of a team is to encourage team bonding. One way to facilitate bonding is improvisation. ‘Improv’ develops skills in communication – helping teams to listen and pay attention. It also builds self-awareness, self-confidence, and creativity.

Arrange the group into ‘audience’ and ‘performers’. Then, members of the audience take turns in calling out the specified location, profession, and scenario (e.g., coffeehouse, cop, and purchasing a donut). Chosen suggestions are fun and should promote creativity.

5. ‘Shape-Shifting’ (Landau, 2018)

This game requires a rope that is tied at both ends to form a loop. The loop needs to be big enough for all group members to hold onto with both hands as they stand in a circle. The group is instructed to make a chosen shape (e.g., circle, square, triangle). The group attempts to create the shape on the floor.

Progressively, ask the group to make more complex shapes – e.g., a dog, or a tree. To add another layer of difficulty, instruct the team to communicate without talking – i.e., to rely on hand gestures. Afterward, have the group reflect on their experience and discuss the importance of communication.

Leadership is an integral feature of any workplace. Here are some activities to promote leadership in employees:

1. Your favorite manager (Cserti, 2018)

To begin this activity, employees individually take the role of three different people and brainstorm the particular behaviors that each person’s most favorite and least favorite managers demonstrate, from the chosen person’s perspective. After the employees have had the chance to reflect, the participants compare their list of behaviors – in pairs, and then subsequently, in groups.

The teams then prepare a list of ‘dos and don’ts’ for developing better employee perceptions of the leader’s style.

2. Explore your values (Cserti, 2018)

The values of a leader are reflected in their organization. In this activity, each participant writes ten things that they value most in their lives, each one on a post-it. Then, ask the employees to spread the Post-its in a way in which they can see them all clearly. Then, explain to them that they will have 30 seconds to select the three Post-its that are of least importance to them.

It is essential to time strictly, so that the participants rely on their gut feelings.

Repeat the process, this time allowing participants to have 20 seconds to discard two more values. Finally, give the participants a further 20 seconds to throw another two away. Participants should have three Post-its in front of them, showing their top three important values.

Following the activity, have participants reflect individually for about 15 minutes about what was found, and then to discuss reflection questions in pairs or groups of three.

Because this activity is done quickly, participants are encouraged to follow their own intuition – rather than over-thinking and finding what they perceive to be the ‘right’ values.

3. ‘Leadership Coat of Arms’ (Cserti, 2018; Landau, 2018).

Each leader has their own values and the things that they consider valuable and important. These values guide the behavior of the leader and make up a person’s unique leadership philosophy.

This activity sees participants drawing their own ‘leadership coat of arms’ embodying their leadership philosophy.

Individuals have 10 – 15 minutes to draw their coat of arms. They can divide the coat of arms (or ‘crest’) into four sections. To fill each section, consider the categories of leadership skills, values that help influence others, recent achievements/accomplishments and what you like most about your current work.

They should be encouraged not to be overly concerned with how visually appealing their picture is but rather that it expressed what they personally believe to be important aspects of a leader.

Once the drawings are complete, the participants can show their drawings to the others in the group and explain their unique coat of arms. It is also helpful to reflect on the activity – consider which section was easiest to complete and whether your crest reflects your company’s values.

4. Communication: Coach the Builder (Goyette, 2016)

Divide employees into groups of four to seven people. Each group should be given two sets of blocks (such as Lego). Each set should have a minimum of 10 blocks.

Beforehand, you should construct a sample object (e.g., a house) from one of the sets of blocks. In each group, select a leader, a delegator, a builder and a note-taker. The note-taker watches and records the group’s behavior during the task. They take note of what appeared to be done well and how employees could improve.

The leader is given the item that you built – however, they are the only group member to see the object. Set a timer for ten minutes. To begin with, the leader describes to the delegator how the builder should build a replica of the item. However, the delegator does not see the object, and at this stage of the activity, the builder should not hear the instructions.

The delegator can speak with the leader as often as necessary during the 10 minutes. The builder attempts to build the same item that the leader can see. However, they are only relying on the delegator’s instructions. At this stage, the delegator should not see the object that the builder is constructing.

When the time is up, reveal both objects to all participants and see how closely they match. Finally, to wrap up the activity, employees can discuss what was either frustrating or easy about the process and discuss how they may do things differently in order to achieve better results.

5. Accountability (Goyette, 2016)

Begin a meeting by saying to the group – “the seating arrangement is totally wrong for today’s meeting. You have 60 seconds to improve it”. If the employees ask further questions, only repeat the instructions. While some employees may continue asking questions, others may start moving the furniture around straight away. Observe the team and what they do without giving any further information, feedback, or instructions.

After 1 minute, let the employees know to stop. Then, ask them whether the objective was achieved, and how. Discuss with employees how and why a lack of clarity makes it challenging to complete a task.

Then, discuss who asked for clarification and how they felt when the leader refused to give further details. Use this opportunity to highlight to employees how if they fail to ask questions, and when the person in charge of a project doesn’t provide the necessary clarification, the whole team is at risk of making mistakes or even not completing a task.

Finally, ask how the time pressure affected behavior. Discuss how employees may be more likely to respond to pressure, or stress, by taking action without first confirming a plan and the significant problems this approach can lead to.

6. The “what if” game (Deputy, 2018)

Present different hypothetical problematic scenarios to employees. Either individually or by providing a document that requires written answers, present situations such as “you didn’t follow the rules, and subsequently lost an important client. You have lost a lot of money for the company. How do you justify this? What is your solution?”.

The questions only need to be rough, and employees should only receive a short time with which to think of their responses. If there is a particularly challenging question, provide a time limit of five minutes.

7. ‘Silver Lining’ (Cohen, 2017)

Employees form teams of at least two people who have shared a work experience – e.g., working on a project together. One person shares an experience from working together that was negative for them.

Then, the second person reflects on the same experience but instead reflects on the positive aspects of the experience (i.e., the ‘ silver lining ’). Then this same person shares their own negative experience, and this time it is up to the other person to focus on the positive aspects of it.

Often, when people reflect on an experience, they do so with a particular perspective . By looking at the positive aspects of a ‘negative’ experience, this helps individuals shift perspectives. Furthermore, by sharing experiences, employees develop deeper relationships, and team bonding is promoted.

8. My favorite brand (Training Course Material, n.d.).

Ask employees to bring three or four printed logos/brands that they use regularly or admire most. Then, form groups of 3 – 4 people. Teams have a period of ten minutes to share and discuss their chosen logos.

Their task is to agree upon the team’s top 2 logos or brands which is their team’s choice. The team also selects a team spokesperson who will report to the bigger group about why the team chose the specific brands/logos.

Participants are encouraged to share personal experiences or stories that they had with their chosen brand. After the ten minutes elapses, each spokesperson presents the logos that the team began with as well as their two top chosen logos/brands. It is their role to explain to the group why the team voted on their top brand/logo.

1. Manager or leader? (Training Course Material, n.d.)

Positive communication at work

Small groups of managers work together to create two tables, one titled ‘leader’ and one titled ‘manager’. In each table, the group writes statements describing either management behavior or leadership behavior.

For example, the ‘manager’ table may contain statements such as “schedules work to be done” or “delegates tasks”. On the other hand, statements in the ‘leader’ table could be “motivating staff” and “creating culture”.

The purpose of this activity is to demonstrate to managers the difference between management versus leadership, and show that while ‘every leader can be a manager, not every manager can be a leader’. However, by brainstorming leadership behaviors, managers begin the process of becoming a successful leader.

2. The race of the leaders (Deputy, 2018)

This activity encourages leadership behaviors. To begin with, write a list of leadership qualities – approximately 10 – 20 statements – on a piece of paper. Describe the qualities – e.g., ‘I determine everything that happens to me’, and ‘I will not blame others for my problems’.

Read these statements out loud, and participants take a step forward if they believe a statement describes them. They must be prepared to give reasons as to why they think they possess each quality. Continue reading the statements until there is a definite ‘winner’.

3. The best team member (Training Course Material, n.d.).

Divide the group into teams of about 4 – 5 participants. Give each team a large, blank piece of paper and markers. Each group has the task to come up with as many characteristics of their ‘ideal’ team member as they can. Teams should consider what this ‘best team member ever’ would be like.

After ten minutes, the groups should examine the characteristics that they have written and work out the portion which are ‘technical’ skills and those which are ‘interpersonal’. The aim is to work out whether most of the traits can be classified as technical or interpersonal skills.

Teams usually come to realize that interpersonal skills in employees are especially critical and that these have a tremendous impact on the quality and quantity of workplace performance.

This activity can be adapted according to the setting. For example, if the focus is on leadership development, teams could discuss their ideal leader/supervisor.

4. The importance of feedback (Training Course Material, n.d.).

Divide the group into three teams. Provide each team with poster paper and markers or pens.

Team A is required to consider as many reasons as they can that would make them apprehensive to provide feedback to another person.

Team B is asked to consider what feedback can help them so, i.e., what feedback will help them accomplish.

Team C comes up with as many things as they can that would make a feedback session effective.

Each team has 15 minutes to brainstorm their ideas, then, each team can present their ideas.

Point out to Team A that the hurdles they suggested are self-imposed ideas that will lead to the manager fearing the worst. Instead, managers should be encouraged to share feedback on a more regular basis to gain the necessary experience in having such conversations. Furthermore, by having an awareness of the most effective way to prepare and deliver feedback can help a manager conquer the issues holding them back.

Point out to Team B that providing constructive feedback as needed is imperative for developing a productive work environment. A feedback discussion that is well-planned and thought out delivers an opportunity to share what you have noticed about another person’s job performance and bring about productive change.

Finally, after Team C has shared their ideas, point out that effective feedback is specific, honest, and backed up with evidence. The feedback will help others to come up with goals, make and reinforce positive changes, promote self-confidence and encourage action in the workplace.

Thank all the teams for their participation and input.

5. ‘Shark Tank’ (Deputy, 2018).

This activity is derived from a famous TV show that gives people a chance to show their entrepreneurial skills. Managers may work individually or in groups. The aim of this activity is for employees to come up with a business plan that outlines the steps of how to build a successful company from ‘startup’.

Once the managers have a plan, they can create a ‘pitch’, which should contain the brand’s name, its’ tagline (or slogan), a detailed business plan, a detailed marketing plan, financial predictions (sales, profits and market) and potential problems (competition, lack of resources).

In a role play, appoint a few chosen managers to be the ‘sharks’ (the ones who consider the projects’ merit and offer imaginary ‘investments’). The winning group, or individual, is the one who raised the most money from the ‘shark’.

1. The Human Icebreaker (Stepshift, 2016).

This is a simple activity that can alleviate tension and promote discussion and contribution. Participants devise a list of questions that relate to people generally – for example, “who is left-handed?”. Participants then discover which team members meet the question’s criteria. After 10 minutes, the participant who has the most answers wins. This activity promotes communication and helps team members build inter-personal skills.

2. ‘Office trivia’ (Cohen, 2017)

This quick activity can help as an ice-breaker and provides a flexible option for team building. Create a list of trivia questions that are related to the workplace. For example, “how many people named ‘John’ work in the accounting department?” or, “how many people work in the IT department?”. Read the questions out loud to the whole group. The employee with the most correct answers at the end is the winner.

3. Plane crash (Stepshift, 2016)

The participants imagine that they are on a plane which has crashed on a deserted island. They are allowed to select a specified number of items from around the workplace that would help the group to survive. Each chosen item is ranked in importance. The whole group must agree on their decision. This activity helps with creative problem solving and collaboration.

4. ‘Magazine story’ (Cohen, 2017)

Each team works together to come up with an imaginary cover story of a magazine, about a successful project or business achievement. The team designs the images, headlines, and come up with quotes.

5. The Human Knot (Stepshift, 2016)

Relying on cooperation, this is a good problem-solving and communication activity. Participants stand shoulder to shoulder in a circle. Then, they put their right hand in the hand of a person who stands across from them. They then put their left hand in the hand of another different person (but not someone standing directly next to them).

Participants are required to untangle the human knot without breaking the chain. If the chain is broken, the participants must start over.

6. Make your own movie (Cohen, 2017)

This is a fun activity that is suitable for both indoors and outdoors. Although it requires the necessary equipment (i.e., camera, tripod, and microphone), teams enjoy it. Employees should work in large groups (more than eight people) and divide responsibilities. Teams work together to come up with scripts for a 5 – 7-minute movie.

7. Radio Play (Cohen, 2017)

This activity can provide an alternative to making a movie. Employees work together, spending about one-hour planning and writing a play and taking a further 15 – 20 minutes to ‘perform’ it, keeping in mind that it is designed for radio.

Each participant places their chair, in no particular order, around the room. The room should be cleared of tables and other furniture. Each person should sit on their chair, pointing in a different direction. Then, request one manager to volunteer and come to the front of the room. Their task is to walk slowly back to their empty chair and sit down.

If their chair is occupied, they can move to the next empty chair available and sit on it. However, everyone else has the task of stopping the volunteer from sitting down.

Only one person at a time can stand and move. No one can make two consecutive moves. A person cannot sit on the chair that they have just left. Once the activity begins, the room is required to be silent. No one is allowed to touch the volunteer.

Give the managers 2 minutes to come up with their strategy. After every round, the participants should discuss what happened and select a new volunteer for the next round. The team is given 2 minutes preparation time each round. It is important that the volunteer’s movement is kept at a slow walk.

At the conclusion of the activity, it is beneficial for the team to discuss the activity. They may reflect upon whether they need a leader, what made planning difficult, whether everyone agreed on the plan, and what would make the task easier.

9. Back to back drawing (Cohen, 2017)

Provide vector shapes on separate pieces of paper (they can be shapes of signs, objects or merely abstract shapes). Participants sit in pairs, back-to-back. Employee A is given a sheet of paper and a pen, and employee B is provided with one of the printed shapes.

The aim of the activity is for employee A to draw the shape relying only on verbal instructions from employee B. Person B cannot only tell the other person what the shape is – he/she is only able to provide directions about how to draw it, or to describe its uses. Each team has two 2 minutes to draw the shape.

10. ‘All Aboard’ (Stepshift, 2016).

Teams use various materials, for example, pieces of wood or mats, to build a pretend ‘boat’. All the participants must stand on the ‘boat’ at once. Then, pieces of the ‘boat’ should be removed. The team should still strive to stand in the diminished space on the ‘boat’. All Aboard can promote communication, problem-solving and critical thinking.

11. Body of words (Cohen, 2017)

Participants are divided into teams of between four and eight people, and each team elects one leader. To prepare the activity, record words that have one less letter than the number of people in the team (i.e., if there are five people in the team, a suitable word could be ‘book’ which has four letters). Randomly select a word, and then the teams have the task of making the word using only their bodies.

Each team member moves and bends their body to form a letter. The team leader can direct their team.

What stands out to me from this article is the complexity of leadership. This article demonstrates that even if one is not a ‘natural’ leader, there are plenty of activities that can promote leadership skills. Even children can develop leadership, and what’s more, have fun with activities at the same time.

What do you think espouses leadership? Do you think that there are people who might tend to be leaders more than others? Perhaps you have a story about a leadership activity you have participated in or delivered – I would dearly like to hear about your experiences.

Thank you for reading.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Positive Leadership Exercises for free .

  • ‘tony’ (2018). Leadership games and activities for middle school students . Retrieved from https://www.kidsactivties.net/leadership-games-activities-for-middle-school-students/
  • Clark, Donald (2015). Leadership Styles Activity . Retrieved from www.nwlink.com/~donclark/leader/styles.html
  • Cohen, Esther (2017). 31 Team building activities your team will actually love . Retrieved from https://www.workamajig.com/blog/team-building-activities
  • Cserti, Robert (2018). 12 Effective leadership activities and games . Retrieved from https://www.sessionlab.com/blog/leadership-activities/
  • Deputy (2018). 6 Impactful leadership activities to try at work . Retrieved from https://www.deputy.com/blog/6-impactful-leadership-activities-to-try-at-work
  • Doyle, A. (2019). Top 10 leadership skills employers look for . Retrieved from https://www.thebalancecareers.com/top-leadership-skills-2063782
  • Edsys (2016). 1 0 Activities for teachers to grow leadership skills in children . Retrieved from https://www.edsys.in/10-activities-for-teachers-to-grow-leadership-skills-in-children/
  • Flavin, B. (2018). 8 Leadership Experiences You Didn’t Know You Already Have . Retrieved from https://www.rasmussen.edu/student-experience/college-life/leadership-experience-you-didnt-know-you-already-have/
  • Goyette, P.(2016). 3 Leadership activities that improve employee performance at all levels . Retrieved from https://www.eaglesflight.com/blog/3-leadership-activities-that-improve-employee-performance-at-all-levels
  • Higgins, R. (2018). 5 Fun and Inspirational Leadership Workshop Ideas . Retrieved from https://www.eventbrite.com.au/blog/leadership-workshop-ideas-ds00
  • Johnson-Gerard, M. (2017). Situational Leadership Games . Retrieved from https://bizfluent.com/list-6762581-situational-leadership-games.html
  • Landau, P. (2018). The 9 best leadership games for skill development . Retrieved from https://www.projectmanager.com/blog/the-9-best-leadership-games
  • Stapleton, S. (2018). Leadership activities for High School classrooms . Retrieved from https://classroom.synonym.com/leadership-activities-high-school-classrooms-7855904.html
  • Stepshift (2016). Leadership Training Activities . Retrieved from https://www.stepshift.co.nz/blog/developing-team-performance-with-senior-leadership-teams/strategic-planning-with-an-independent-facilitator/leadership-training-activities.html
  • The Pennsylvania State University (2012). I can be a leader! Leadership fun for children . Retrieved from https://extension.psu.edu/programs/betterkidcare/knowledge-areas/environment-curriculum/activities/all-activities/i-can-be-a-leader-leadership-fun-for-children
  • Training Course Material (n.d.). Leadership and management activities . Retrieved from https://www.trainingcoursematerial.com/free-games-activities/leadership-and-management-activities

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Power Ogunseitan

This great. Thank you

Jelena Acević

Great ideas, thank you!

Peter Harding

Thank you so much for providing such a useful list of activities to demonstrate and for such a varied target population. Innovative and attention-seeking exercises yet practical.

FullTilt Teams

Thank you for posting this informative blog. keep sharing.

Norita E. Manly

Too interesting for me to try all.

Chloe Mansergh

Great article! Having group activities Melbourne helps the team to enhance working together. I love how it brings people together and motivates employees to learn from each other.

Lauriel

Great activities. Thank you.

Nann Htet Win

This is an excellent article for every manager and leader tn build successful leadership. Thank you.

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Student Leadership Activities & Lessons

TEEN TRUTH Leadership Activities & Lessons

Are you looking for fun, engaging, and educational student leadership activities? TEEN TRUTH is here to help! 

Over the years, our team has developed valuable student leadership materials and programs for our Student Leadership Summit . We are happy to share some of these activities with schools for free! You can also check out 3 FREE Student Leadership Worksheets and our Guide to Creating Student Leaders . Continue reading to check out some of our student leadership activities!

How to Motivate Your Student Leaders

We think it is important that our leaders understand the stages of MOTIVATION. If you want to motivate your leaders, you must first understand these three words:  COMPLIANT.  OBLIGATED.  OPPORTUNITY.

Leaders that are Compliant:   these types of leaders will NOT last.  Essentially these student leaders are just responding to the demands, rules, or will of the adviser.

Leaders that lead out of Obligation:   these types of leaders are taking a step in the right direction because they feel some responsibility, but still, in the end, their mindset is more of a HAVE TO versus a GET TO.

Leaders that see the Opportunity:   these types of leaders need little or zero external support.  They see their leadership role as an opportunity to serve, to give back, to make a difference, to create school spirit.  These types of leaders are self-motivated to go above and beyond.

Motivating Student Leaders Exercise

3 Ways to get your leaders to SEE the OPPORTUNITY:

Leadership Starts with You, but it’s Not About You: help student leaders see the bigger picture in why they do what they do.

Bigger than Self Cause: help student leaders understand that leadership needs to be about something bigger than themselves.

Plug into your Passion: help student leaders find something that they are passionate about and then encourage them to use that passion to serve (lead) others.

We know that in order to build great programs we need leaders who lead from OPPORTUNITY, not obligation or compliance.

Leadership About You Vs. About Them

Free Student Leadership Activity & Lesson Plan

When there’s a job that must be done, where should a leader start? There are a handful of answers to this question, but not all of them are equally effective. We’ve designed this lesson plan so that your student leaders would have the opportunity to learn and truly understand one of the most important concepts behind great leadership: a unified outlook on the mission, the vision, and the values of the group.

If you’re looking for a lesson plan that will teach your student leaders how to rally together and create a focused, collaborated effort, then this is ideal for you. So, without further delay, here are the objectives and the  link to the free lesson plan !

Leadership Objective

1. To have student leaders understand the importance of “pulling on the same side of the rope” with examples from real life.

2. To have student leaders know the importance of mission, vision, and values.

3. To have students leaders know the difference between a company with No Mission vs. Knowing the Mission vs. Being on a Mission.

Download Lesson: Mission Vision Values Lesson

Leadership About You Vs. About Them

Use This Simple Activity to Ignite Your Student Leaders

Have you or your leaders ever heard someone say:

  • “We’ve always done it this way!
  • Or, “It worked last year, so let’s just do it again this year.”
  • Or even, “Why change anything? That’s just more work.”

These statements are completely DE-motivating to new and returning leaders in your program.  They diminish any hope of creativity and freshness!

On the other hand, student leaders naturally want to CREATE, to make their own mark, to explore new roads to school spirit and service.

Here’s Our Leader Creativity Activity

That’s why we created this simple activity. It’s designed to help launch a discussion on how current student leaders can BUY into what your program is trying to accomplish.

Students participating in a leadership activity

My Favorite Decision-Making Tool for Leaders

In my last grad school class with Dr. Garcia, he handed me a sheet with a large oval in the middle. Around the outside of the oval were several small circles. He said, “JC, I like what you’re doing with TEEN TRUTH, but you’ll have some big decisions coming up. This little tool should help. Imagine that big oval is your giant meeting table, and the people on the outside of this table are your board of directors. They’ll help guide your decision process whenever you have questions or troubles.”

I understood the value of the exercise immediately, and filled that puppy out that same night. My board of directors included all of the heroes from my life: my parents, my old football coach, Martin Luther King, Dr. Garcia, and of course Batman.

That sheet has never steered me wrong, so I was delighted when TEEN TRUTH’s activity director, Stephen Admundson, submitted the exact same assignment for your student leaders!

CLICK HERE to download Dr. Garcia’s board of directors leadership activity.

My board of directors sits here at my desk for me to view anytime I need.  The question is will you take the time to write down your board of directors? Or will you just pass this assignment on to your students?

My hope for you is that Dr. Garcia’s leadership activity can guide you and your students, just like it has for me.

Leadership Drawing Exercise with eyes closed

A Quick But Effective Leadership Exercise

For this simple but effective leadership exercise, everyone needs a pen and a paper. Place a blank sheet of paper in front of you, in the landscape direction. And use the following script: We are all going on a vacation. Close your eyes. Keep them closed and I will tell you when it is okay to open them. We are going on a vacation to a tropical island, so draw an island in the middle of your paper.

  • To the left of the island, draw a ship
  • You are surrounded by water, so put some fish in the sea
  • This is a tropical island, so put a palm tree on the island
  • It is a nice day, so put some birds in the air
  • That ship didn’t get there by itself, so put a sailor on the ship
  • The sailor might get hungry, so put some coconuts on the palm tree
  • Sailors like to see where they are going, so put portholes on the ship
  • Sailors like to see entertainment, so draw a hula dancer on the island
  • It is a sunny day, so put a sun in the sky

Okay everyone open your eyes and see how you did…200 points possible. Person with the most points wins!

  • 10 points if your island is in the middle
  • 10 points if your ship is to the left of the island, but not touching it
  • 15 points if you have more than one fish
  • 20 points if the base of the palm tree is on the island
  • 15 points if more than two of the birds are in the air
  • 20 points if the sailor is on the ship, not swimming
  • 15 points if any coconut is on the tree
  • 25 points if any porthole is on the ship
  • 25 points if the hula dancer is dancing on the island
  • 20 points is the sun is to the left
  • 15 points if the sun is to the right
  • 10 points if the sun is in the middle

LEADERSHIP LESSON EXPLANATION USING THE ACTIVITY EXPLAINED ABOVE:

  • Don’t rush the PROCESS, rather enjoy it. Don’t be in a rush to get to the PRODUCT.
  • Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance
  • Trust the vision even though you can’t see the end product.
  • Guidance is key. Model what you want others to do.
  • Go Beyond. Go the 2nd Mile. Exceed Expectations. (More fish)
  • Successful leaders have VISION.
  • Take calculated risk. Don’t be afraid to “fail”.
  • No idea (drawing) is a bad idea (drawing).
  • Anticipate the little things and do them without being asked or told.

Students working together in a leadership exercise

The Leadership Pyramid Progression Chart

As you meet with your student leaders to reflect on the past year, you may find this simple pyramid extremely helpful. The purpose of this tool is to guide your students to the next step of their leadership career. From the sort of leader who can handle only a few independent tasks all the to a leader who can make decisions autonomously with confidence, this chart will help point them to the next level.

Draw the pyramid on your board, and have students reflect on what each level means to them. Once you’ve highlighted the key components of each step, ask your students where they think they are and have them set goals for the future.

Four Levels of Leadership: https://fourseasonsofschoolculture.com/four-levels-of-leadership/

Each step in this process is an important developmental stage, and it’s a good idea to encourage your students to be honest with themselves and to recognize that, regardless of where they are starting, simply by taking the time to analyze their current leadership skills, they are utilizing an important ability which will improve them as leaders and as students.

Building Better School Leaders One Activity At A Time

If you end up using any of these student leadership activities, we’d love to hear how it goes!

For even more leadership resources check out: 

  • TEEN TRUTH’s Leadership Summit
  • Free downloadable student leadership worksheets
  • How to build student leaders guide
  • How to help leaders grow during the pandemic
  • Student leadership themes  

fun leadership activities for middle school students

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  • Leadership , Students

Leadership Activities For Students: High School, Middle School & Kids

Sabina Nisioi

  • December 25, 2022
  • No Comments

Table of Contents

We want our kids to be courageous and empathetic. We want them to be self-aware, respectful, upright, and grateful. We want them to develop critical thinking when managing personal matters or when working on a team project. We want them to be able to spot strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and to figure out solutions to overcome difficult situations. 

In other words, we want a generation of leaders. All the characteristics that we’ve just listed are part of a good leader.  And all these characteristics should be taught in school. Kids, teens, and high school students can learn and improve their leadership skills, and that will secure significant benefits for them, at all life levels.  

Stick with us to discover some of the best leadership activities for students! It involves tips and tricks on classroom management and organization, but also fun group games that help enhance their leadership skills. 

Leadership Lessons For High School Students

Leadership Activities For high school Students

Student Government 

The focus of a student government should be on the collaboration of students within the school to promote team spirit and engagement. This is a fundamental practice and a key component in establishing an inclusive school culture that values the entire student body.

Consider establishing a student government that works alongside adult sponsors in various activities and after-school programs. Leaders could be in charge of icebreakers for youth , team-building activities for high school students , and other student special interests. 

Independent Learning Opportunities

Yes, leaders’ behavior can sometimes start from within! Another leadership lesson for high school could tackle independent project-based learning opportunities. These are a chance to develop valuable skills in internal leadership and integrity. This leadership activity for high school students is an example that people can find the internal motivation to complete an assignment and to do a pretty good job as well. These independent projects can be formative or summative. Either way, they’re an excellent way to develop leadership skills.

Tutoring Programs

If I regret lacking one thing in high school, this is it. Indeed, tutoring programs are a great way of enhancing one’s leadership skills, but there’s so much more. Some students might discover that they could be amazing teachers, while some might learn that French grammar is not that horrible after all. This could also be a great ‘get to know each other’ activity that turns into a long-lasting friendship and a powerful bond. Allowing high school students to tutor other high school or middle school students is a big opportunity to add valuable tools to their leadership abilities. Plus, this is an excellent shot to boost a college application with leadership experience. Tutoring encourages leaders to establish their leadership styles on top of a leadership philosophy that suits their personalities the best.

Teen Advocacy Campaigns

  • Homecoming prom?
  • Mental health awareness month?
  • Pride parade?
  • Teacher appreciation week?

Campaign opportunities abound during high school years. Look out for different observed holidays and awareness dates and turn them into great leadership activities for high school students! They will definitely go for it, as long as it’s something that sparks their interest. You could even let them come up with suggestions. This will tackle their teamwork and competitive spirit, and it will also open up new learning possibilities, since the causes they will be advocating for might require some research beforehand.

Knowledge is power. Have students keep other students informed. Yes, announcements may appear to take time away from the actual learning lesson, but they are critical for fostering a sense of community in the school. Students who participate in, or even run, the announcements have a greater sense of ownership over the messages that are shared. Thought-provoking questions can be distributed throughout the school, hence this becomes another great leadership activity for high school students.

Leadership Activities For Middle School Students

Leadership Activities For Middle School Students

Small Group Feedback

Feedback is essential. It doesn’t matter if children are looking forward to becoming doctors, lawyers, or farmers; feedback is an important aspect of our personal and professional lives. Small group feedback is a proper leadership activity for middle school students. The sooner people learn how to tackle this matter, the better.

Creating a classroom that is centered on providing positive and consistent feedback allows students to practice giving and receiving feedback in a safe and constructive environment.

All you have to do is allow students to take a piece of paper and provide feedback to their classmates during class projects. Giving constructive feedback is a simple activity that promotes leadership qualities. Furthermore, successful leaders consider feedback and weigh viable options to improve their work! 

After School Programs

After-school programs could include book clubs , creative writing gatherings, board game clubs, gay-straight alliances, Portuguese clubs, and much more. Encourage students who have a particular interest in a topic or hobby to run activities for students in an after school program who may also have an interest in that topic. This leadership activity for middle school students is as simple as an announcement over the intercom and a paper sign-up sheet for those who are interested. 

Scavenger Hunt 

Planning a scavenger hunt is a great way to mix up instruction and give middle school students the chance to develop leadership skills! However, this is an excellent choice for all ages and content, since it can be organized as an indoor game , or as a camping activity .

  • Divide your students into heterogeneous small groups and send them outside with a shopping bag and a blank sheet of paper. 
  • Make sure to go over the activity’s defined boundaries with the students. 
  • Give them 5 minutes to come up with a list of 10 items that are easily found (nobody’s personal property, to fit inside the provided bags, and to be accessible within the established boundaries). 
  • Once the lists have been created, collect them and randomly distribute them to groups. 
  • They must complete a scavenger hunt to find these items. 
  • Declare how much time students have to find and return all of their belongings.

The most important point to emphasize is that the entire group must remain together throughout! When all of the teams have returned, ask them to share any interesting stories about how they obtained their items. 

Safety Patrols

No more corridor monitors. Safety patrols are now made up of children striving to be admirable leaders. This leadership activity for middle school students can help reduce misbehavior and bullying in the hallways, as well as assist lost new students in finding their way. Safety Patrol students serve as role models for expectations and are assigned to situational leadership roles.

Leadership Activities For Kids

Leadership Activities For Kids

Leaders In Charge Of Materials

This is a good leadership activity for kids because it challenges their sharpness and responsibility. If you have a lot of handouts or materials for an activity, assign a student or two to distribute them to everyone. This is also a great trick for your students who are always on the go! Allowing them a brief moment to stand and move around the room before the next section of the lesson clears their minds and provides an opportunity for leadership.

The Tower Challenge

This is a fun ‘minute to win’ game for kids that also addresses leadership skills. Encourage students to work in teams and communicate efficiently. Set a time limit of 60 seconds. Next, divide the students into groups and give each 50 spaghetti noodles and 25 marshmallows.  The team that builds the tallest tower wins.

Minefield 

Indoor team building games for kids are the real deal when it comes to leadership activities for them. ‘Minefield’ is an obstacle course that requires an autocratic leader who needs assistance. One of the partners is blindfolded, and the other is responsible for guiding the blindfolded student through the obstacle course while providing clear and specific directions. Discuss what worked, what didn’t, and how they could do better in the future. ‘Ships And Sailors’ is another team building activity that would also work out tremendously. 

Group Directed Drawing

Because kids love drawing. Form groups of students and distribute pieces of paper to them. One partner will draw a simple image on a blank piece of paper and then give their partner instructions. Finally, the partners will compare their results. This leadership activity for kids helps them improve their communication skills while also allowing them to work collaboratively.

The Student Timer

This is another easy way to give a student ownership and leadership opportunities. Time is valuable in the classroom, and most lessons have a time limit between transitions. Choose a student to serve as the ‘timer’ for the day. They will be in charge of communicating effectively about the amount of time remaining on a task. Hence, if you’ve set a time limit of 15 minutes for completing a task, your ‘timer’ is in charge of keeping the class informed of how much time is left and when that time is up. 

Sabina Nisioi

Sabina Nisioi

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35 effective leadership activities and games

fun leadership activities for middle school students

Good leaders can make or break a team. While more and more people are being asked to step into leadership roles, the path to becoming a good leader is long and not always straightforward . This is where leadership activities come in.

Leadership activities are a great way of developing the skills and competencies needed to be an effective leader . It's not easy to learn these skills, especially when so many leaders don't receive effective training or support. In this article, we'll explore the leadership activities you should master in order to lead a high-performing team and become a better leader!

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Learning the why and how of being a great leader alongside practical techniques and frameworks is one of the easiest ways to become a better leader.

Anyone in a leadership role has both a big influence and responsibility for their team. Some of the aspects they need to pay attention to in order to be a good leader are:

  • Setting the climate of a workplace
  • Making decisions
  • Inspiring team members
  • Setting values for their team
  • Improving team spirit and cohesion
  • Being responsible for their team’s communication and wellbeing
  • Developing leadership skills in other team members

There are a number of tools to help you with leadership development. Coaching, peer support circles, and leadership development workshops can all help one to become a better leader.

Leadership activities such as those featured here are also effective at introducing leadership concepts and learning how to solve common leadership challenges .

In this guide, we’ve grouped leadership activities by these core competencies, so you can choose the right activity to help yourself or others develop their leadership skills. Let’s dive in!

What are leadership activities?

Leadership activities are exercises designed to help develop leadership skills and enable leaders to be more effective in their roles. They can include activities that help train new leaders and improve core leadership skills like problem-solving, active listening, or effective group management.

You’ll also find that the best leadership development activities give leaders tools and techniques they can use on the job. It’s one thing to know that leaders need to be good listeners, but quite another to be given a framework and toolkit that means you are a great listener who always helps their team feel heard and understood.

The exercises below are not only great to use when training leaders, but they are practical techniques leaders can use with every team member immediately, whatever their leadership style.

fun leadership activities for middle school students

What are leadership activities used for?

While managers might approach tasks differently based on their leadership style, there are skills and competencies that all leaders should learn in order to be the best they can be. Learning how to be a good leader on the job can be difficult, so using exercises and activities to improve leadership skills experientially can help leaders be more effective in their role.

If you’re running a leadership development program, you might use these activities during the training program. For example, after conducting a self-assessment and deciding how they want to develop as a leader, participants might work on improving a problem area with these activities.

Whether you’re running such a program and developing managers internally with workshops or simply want to brush up on your own leadership skills, these exercises are a great place to begin.

fun leadership activities for middle school students

Leadership activities for setting a great workplace climate

Leaders are role models to their colleagues and organization. Their leadership styles, principles, and values determine the culture that drives their organization’s behavior.

That is why a competitive, paranoid leader can easily create an organization where team members are similarly competitive and less open to collaboration. While a leader who is open and inclusive will create a climate of openness and inclusiveness. How they behave, and what they consider the norm, also affects which kinds of behaviors are enforced and celebrated and which behaviors are punished.

The following leadership activities can help you in recognising important leadership behaviors that result in a productive workplace. They can also be used by leaders to set the stage for team bonding and a great workplace environment with their team. A must for all leaders!

Leadership Envelopes

Leadership games like this help groups translate abstract leadership principles into practical on-the-job behaviors. Participants work in groups to come up with real-life applications of different leadership principles.

The groups conduct multiple rounds of discussion to build upon each others’ ideas, and in the end, evaluate the best ideas to identify the most useful behaviors. This is also a great activity to run with all your team members. Seeing how they consider and respond to different leadership styles can help you focus on the right approach as a leader!

Leadership Envelopes   #leadership   #issue analysis   #thiagi   Leadership exercise in groups, working with practical leadership principles. This activity helps groups to translate abstract leadership principles into practical on-the-job behaviours. Participants work in groups to come up with real-life application of leadership principles. The groups take multiple rounds to build upon the ideas of each other, and in the end, evaluate the best ideas to identify the most useful behaviours.

Your Favourite Manager

In this activity, participants take on three different employee personas and list the behaviors of a positive leader or manager and a negative one from the perspectives of those employees. After some individual reflection, participants compare their lists, first in pairs and then in groups. Finally, they collect the ultimate do’s and don’ts for managers and leaders.

Any activity that encourages deep reflection on your own leadership style and those of your role models is a wonderful way to grow. I’ve been especially inspired by how some of my old bosses approach problem solving while I was a team member working beneath them.

My Favourite Manager   #management   #leadership   #thiagi   #teamwork   #remote-friendly   Participants work individually, assuming the roles of three different people and brainstorming their perceptions of three most favourite managers and three least favourite managers. Later, they work with a partner (and still later, in teams) to prepare a list of dos and don’t-s for improving employees’ perception of a manager’s style.

Leadership Pizza

This leadership development activity offers a self-assessment framework for people to first identify the skills, attributes and attitudes they find important for effective leadership, and then assess their own development in these areas. This framework is also a great tool to set individual leadership development goals in a coaching process.

We love activities that allow team members to reflect on different leadership styles and assess their own skills and preferences. The visual format makes it easy to share and reflect on leadership styles later too!

Leadership Pizza   #leadership   #team   #remote-friendly   This leadership development activity offers a self-assessment framework for people to first identify what skills, attributes and attitudes they find important for effective leadership, and then assess their own development and initiate goal setting.

Heard Seen Respected

Standing in the shoes of others, practicing empathy and ensuring that everyone on a team is able to be heard is a necessity for great leaders and your team in general. In this activity, participants shift between telling stories where they were not heard, seen or respected and then being listeners who do not pass judgment. 

Remember that leadership training should often start with the fundamentals of respect and empathy. If you can’t respect and empathize with your team members, how can you expect them to do the same for you? Keeping things simple with an activity like Heard Seen Respected can be an especially effective option whether you’re working online or offline. 

Heard, Seen, Respected (HSR)   #issue analysis   #empathy   #communication   #liberating structures   #remote-friendly   You can foster the empathetic capacity of participants to “walk in the shoes” of others. Many situations do not have immediate answers or clear resolutions. Recognizing these situations and responding with empathy can improve the “cultural climate” and build trust among group members. HSR helps individuals learn to respond in ways that do not overpromise or overcontrol. It helps members of a group notice unwanted patterns and work together on shifting to more productive interactions. Participants experience the practice of more compassion and the benefits it engenders.

fun leadership activities for middle school students

Leadership activities for better decision making

An important aspect of leadership development is learning how to make informed and intelligent decisions while also ensuring you listen to your team. A leader who bulldozes their team into a decision without first listening to their expertise is not going to make their team feel valued.

The outcomes of uninformed decisions are often poor or frustrating for those involved too. While leaders are justifiably responsible for making final decisions, it’s integral to find methods to do so in a well-reasoned way.

These leadership activities are useful when it comes to making good decisions while involving your team members in the process and developing a leadership style that creates space for others.

When solving problems as a team, it’s common to have various options for moving forward. As a leader, it often falls to you to make the decision for which solution or direction to pursue. But how can you do that while also creating space for the opinions of your team to be heard?

Dotmocracy is a tried and tested facilitation method for making informed decisions with the help of your team. After presenting the available options, give everyone on your team a number of dots to indicate which option they prefer. You’ll want to adjust the number of votes based on the number of options there are to choose from. A good rule of thumb is to have fewer dots than there are options, giving just a few for every team member.

Leaders want to be on hand to break any ties and to facilitate discussion around what is chosen, but when it comes to making decisions with your team, this method is hard to beat.

Dotmocracy   #action   #decision making   #group prioritization   #hyperisland   #remote-friendly   Dotmocracy is a simple method for group prioritization or decision-making. It is not an activity on its own, but a method to use in processes where prioritization or decision-making is the aim. The method supports a group to quickly see which options are most popular or relevant. The options or ideas are written on post-its and stuck up on a wall for the whole group to see. Each person votes for the options they think are the strongest, and that information is used to inform a decision.

Impact and Effort Matrix

The hallmark of a good decision making process is transparency. Leaders should know why a decision is made and should be able to clearly explain their thinking to team members. As such, the best decision making activities make the process open and easy to understand.

Start this activity by creating a 2×2 matrix and then place possible options on the matrix based on the expected impact and effort it would take to achieve them. This makes it easy to prioritize and compare possible decisions while also including team members in the process.

An inclusive leadership style means bringing your own knowledge to the table while also listening to the opinions of the team. When running this activity, be sure to combine these aspects to ensure items are placed in the appropriate place on the matrix.

Impact and Effort Matrix   #gamestorming   #decision making   #action   #remote-friendly   In this decision-making exercise, possible actions are mapped based on two factors: effort required to implement and potential impact. Categorizing ideas along these lines is a useful technique in decision making, as it obliges contributors to balance and evaluate suggested actions before committing to them.

Level of influence

Making the right decision is often a process of weighing up various factors and prioritizing accordingly. While there are many methods for doing this, being an effective leader often means making this as simple as possible.

We love this decision making activity because it asks the group (and its leader!) some simple questions to narrow down possible options and makes it easy to prioritize too. Start by asking the level of influence a team has to make possible actions happen and ranking them accordingly.

Next, choose those items that you have the most influence on and then prioritize the ones you really want to happen. This simple, two-step process is a great activity for leadership development as it is something any leader can use with ease!

Level of Influence   #prioritization   #implementation   #decision making   #planning   #online facilitation   This is a simple method to prioritize actions as part of an action planning workshop, after a list of actions has been generated.

Leadership exercises for improving team collaboration

Whether you’re leading a small group or working across a massive organization, part of your role of a leader is to help their team work together more effectively. Removing any obstacles to effective collaboration and creating frameworks for better teamwork is something you’ll be doing as a leader.

Use the activities below to develop the skills necessary to facilitate team building and bring team members together to collaborate effectively.

Circles of Influence

Effective teamwork is often about identifying where each member of a team can have the most impact and use their skills best. Leaders often need to find ways to identify where to direct their team and consider how different skills and working styles fit together to make a cohesive team. This activity makes it easy to facilitate this process and encourage employees to reflect and be proactive too!

We love that this leadership exercise encourages every team member to take responsibility and action. When looking for leadership qualities in a group and considering who you might want to develop into a future leader, this is also a great place to start!

Circles of Influence   #hyperisland   #team   #team effectiveness   A workshop to review team priorities and made choices about what to focus on individually and collectively. The workshop challenges members to reflect on where they can have the most impact and influence. Use this workshop to refine priorities and empower ownership among team members.

Team of Two

Whether you’re leading a team of just a few people or hundreds, the reality is that many of your discussions and interactions with the people you will lead will be interpersonal and one-on-one in nature. Developing the skillset you need to solve issues in your team when they arise and finding ways to ensure these conversations are productive is one of the most important things you can do as a leader.

Use Team of Two whether working online or as part of an in-person session to help your working pairs and interpersonal relationships go from strength to strength. By articulating needs and consequences clearly, this leadership exercise helps people communicate efficiently and see the results they need – a must for anyone in a leadership role! 

Team of Two   #communication   #active listening   #issue analysis   #conflict resolution   #issue resolution   #remote-friendly   #team   Much of the business of an organisation takes place between pairs of people. These interactions can be positive and developing or frustrating and destructive. You can improve them using simple methods, providing people are willing to listen to each other. “Team of two” will work between secretaries and managers, managers and directors, consultants and clients or engineers working on a job together. It will even work between life partners.

What I Need From You

One of the most important leadership skills to cultivate is clarity: being clear in what you expect and need from others in your organisation or group is an integral component of high-functioning teams. With What I Need From You, each team member involved in the exchange is given the chance to articulate their core needs to others and respond in a structured way.

This kind of clear, direct action is great at unblocking conversational roadblocks in both large and small groups, and is something all leaders should have in their toolkit.

What I Need From You (WINFY)   #issue analysis   #liberating structures   #team   #communication   #remote-friendly   People working in different functions and disciplines can quickly improve how they ask each other for what they need to be successful. You can mend misunderstandings or dissolve prejudices developed over time by demystifying what group members need in order to achieve common goals. Since participants articulate core needs to others and each person involved in the exchange is given the chance to respond, you boost clarity, integrity, and transparency while promoting cohesion and coordination across silos: you can put Humpty Dumpty back together again!

Team Canvas

When it comes to enabling true collaboration throughout your organization, it pays to involve your team members in helping shape the way you want to work together. Different leadership styles may call for a different approach to this process, but it’s always helpful to see a complete example of how you might define your team culture and working processes.

In this workshop template, you can see a complete agenda for a team canvas workshop. This will take a team through a process of co-creating and defining everything from your goals, values, assets, and rules. Effective leadership often means tapping into group intelligence and enabling your team to take shared ownership of their success. Team Canvas great way of achieving this!

Team Canvas workshop

Leadership activities for inspiring others

Great leaders inspire others. However, there are many different reasons why someone will find a leader inspirational. Developing the skills to inspire team members and lead with this energy is important, whatever your leadership style.

In order to grasp what facilitates inspiring leadership, try the following exercises. You’ll be surprised at how thinking more deeply about your own role models or what your values can help you in all of your leadership interactions!

Leadership Advice from your Role Model

Everyone is asked to think of a role model they look up to and ask themselves: If a young person would ask these role models for leadership advice and what kind of advice that would be.

Facilitate a group conversation where these pieces of advice are shared and contradicting points are discussed and reconciled. Given diverse enough responses, this structured sharing activity might be a good introduction to the concept of situational leadership.

Leadership Advice from Your Role Model   #skills   #leadership   #thiagi   #role playing   This structured sharing activity provides a faster, cheaper, and better alternative to buying and reading a lot of books: You tap into the wisdom of the group—and of their role models.

Living Core Values

The core values of your organization are a great place to look when you want to inspire your team members. Leaders should be involved in defining and exemplifying their core values and also helping create space for the team to share how they’re living those values. The result is an inspiring leadership exercise that allows a leader to help the group celebrate their wins and also suggest places for improvement.

Start by choosing one of your core values and asking activity participants to share a story of how they have been practicing this core value. After sharing, ask the team to reflect on what inspired them from the story. As with any leadership development game, be the first one to share a story to help guide the discussion. Running this exercise will not only help inspire a team to greater heights but also surface any areas that need improvement – it’s a great method to have in your leadership toolbox!

Living Core Values   #culture   #values   #core values,   #connection   #inspiration   #virtual_friendly   #team   #team alignment   #energizer   #remote-friendly   For use with a team, organization or any peer group forum. Can be done in person or virtual This is designed to create a conversation that brings Core Values alive. This is great for a team that knows what values they stand for. Through this exercise they will celebrate their values in action and therefore be energized to magnify them further. It will also help bring along anyone that is new so they can understand that the group really walks the talk

Throughout human history, stories have been a consistent source of inspiration. Whatever your leadership style, finding time to share more about your own story and create space for others to share theirs can be massively useful as a leader.

In Campfire, start by creating a selection of 10-20 sticky notes relating to a concept you wish to explore with the group. Put these on the wall and then invite your group to review them and consider stories they might tell related to one of those words. Start the storytelling session yourself and think about how you might inspire and elicit further stories from the rest of the team before passing the torch to the next person around the campfire!

This is a great activity to run during leadership training or when team building. Creating safe spaces for people to share their experiences is a leadership skill you absolutely want to cultivate and practice!

Campfire   #gamestorming   #team   #remote-friendly   #storytelling   Campfire leverages our natural storytelling tendencies by giving players a format and a space in which to share work stories—of trial and error, failure and success, competition, diplomacy, and teamwork. Campfire is useful not only because it acts as an informal training game, but also because it reveals commonalities in employee perception and experience.

Letter from the Future

Leaders are often called upon to inspire their team members about the future of their product or organization. Employees who are excited about where you’re going are more likely to work together well and be energized to see results. This activity is useful for helping inspire a team, or even just to inspire yourself as a leader and get your vision for the future down on paper!

Begin by asking your team to speculate on what the world will look like in five years. Next, ask them to write a letter from the future detailing what the group has accomplished in that time and how they overcame any challenges.

Share the results to inspire the group for what you might accomplish and also start creating plans for how you’ll create your desired future. You might even find that running this activity solo is effective when thinking about how you want to develop as a team leader!

Letter from the Future   #strategy   #vision   #thiagi   #team   #teamwork   Teams that fail to develop a shared vision of what they are all about and what they need to do suffer later on when team members start implementing the common mandate based on individual assumptions. To help teams get started on the right foot, here is a process for creating a shared vision.

Leadership activities for personal development

A good leader is one who helps uplift and upskill the members of their team. These leadership activities are designed to help you encourage participants to be more autonomous, take initiative and work on their personal development.

If you’re new to a leadership role or trying on various leadership styles, these can also be great activities to practice on the road to leading a team. Growth and development is a vital aspect of employee happiness and fulfillment – be sure to bring ideas for enabling others to your leadership role.

Roles in a meeting

Learning by doing is an important aspect of effective leadership. Sometimes, you have to try something new and approach the task with an open mind while working to the best of your ability. This simple method is a great way of encouraging participants to take an important role during a meeting and also take part in developing and refining those roles.

If you’re running a leadership development program and want to start upskilling participants, this is a great way of delegating some simple leadership roles. Plus, it helps encourage the group to contribute and engage with how a successful meeting is put together too!

Roles in a meeting   #meeting facilitation   #remote-friendly   #hybrid-friendly   #skills   Organize the day’s meeting by co-creating and assigning roles among participants.

Alignment & Autonomy

One of the most impactful things a leader can do is get out of a team’s way and allow them to perform more autonomously. Doing so effectively means people can take ownership of their work, be more invested, and develop their skills too. But how can you do this without creating chaos or misalignment?

In this activity, you first help every team member align on your goals and then reflect on where they can take more ownership and be more autonomous in their work while still contributing to the goals of the team. Not only is this a great way to help your team develop, but it also takes work off your plate as a leader and can enable you to get out of the trenches if necessary.

Alignment & Autonomy   #team   #team alignment   #team effectiveness   #hyperisland   A workshop to support teams to reflect on and ultimately increase their alignment with purpose/goals and team member autonomy. Inspired by Peter Smith’s model of personal responsibility. Use this workshop to strengthen a culture of personal responsibility and build your team’s ability to adapt quickly and navigate change.

15% Solutions

One of the biggest barriers to personal development is being overwhelmed by what you need to do to achieve your goals. As a leader, you can help your team by enabling them to take the small, important actions that are within their control.

Start by asking participants to reflect on where they have the discretion and freedom to act and how they might make a small step towards a goal without needing outside help. By flipping the conversation to what 15% of a solution looks like, rather than 100%, employees can begin to make changes without fear of being overwhelmed.

15% Solutions   #action   #liberating structures   #remote-friendly   You can reveal the actions, however small, that everyone can do immediately. At a minimum, these will create momentum, and that may make a BIG difference.  15% Solutions show that there is no reason to wait around, feel powerless, or fearful. They help people pick it up a level. They get individuals and the group to focus on what is within their discretion instead of what they cannot change.  With a very simple question, you can flip the conversation to what can be done and find solutions to big problems that are often distributed widely in places not known in advance. Shifting a few grains of sand may trigger a landslide and change the whole landscape.

The GROW Coaching Model

The best leaders are often great coaches, helping individual team members achieve their potential and grow. This tried and test method is a wonderful way to help activate the development of everyone from a new start to an established leader.

Begin by teaching your mentee or group the GROW acronym (Goal, Reality, Obstacles/Options, and Will.) and guide them through a process of defining each section and collectively agreeing on how you’ll make progress. This is an effective leadership activity that is great for leadership training and is equally useful when it comes to help any team member grow.

The GROW Coaching Model   #hyperisland   #coaching   #growth   #goal setting   The GROW Model is a coaching framework used in conversations, meetings, and everyday leadership to unlock potential and possibilities. It’s a simple & effective framework for structuring your coaching & mentoring sessions and great coaching conversations. Easy to use for both face-to-face and online meetings. GROW is an acronym that stands for Goal, Reality, Obstacles/Options, and Will.

Leadership exercises for setting team values

Usually, the values of a leader are mirrored in the organization. If shortcuts are common practice for the leader, then she will see shortcuts made by her team members all across their projects. But if learning and self-improvement are important to the leader, then this will be a good foundation for these values in the whole organization, too.

To be more aware of your own values as a leader and then bring these ideas to your team, try these leadership exercises!

Explore Your Values

Explore your Values is a group exercise for thinking on what your own and your team’s most important values are. It’s done in an intuitive and rapid way to encourage participants to follow their intuitions rather than over-thinking and finding the “correct” values.

It’s a good leadership game to use to initiate reflection and dialogue around personal values and consider how various leadership styles might chime with some values more than others.

Explore your Values   #hyperisland   #skills   #values   #remote-friendly   Your Values is an exercise for participants to explore what their most important values are. It’s done in an intuitive and rapid way to encourage participants to follow their intuitive feeling rather than over-thinking and finding the “correct” values. It is a good exercise to use to initiate reflection and dialogue around personal values.

Your Leadership Coat of Arms

In this leadership development activity, participants are asked to draw their own coat of arms symbolising the most important elements of their leadership philosophy. The coat of arms drawings are then debriefed and discussed together with the group.

This activity works well with equally well with leadership and team members. Creating a visual representation of what you stand for in the form of a coat of arms can help create a memorable asset you can refer to and rally behind in the future.

Your Leadership Coat of Arms   #leadership   #leadership development   #skills   #remote-friendly   #values   In this leadership development activity, participants are asked to draw their own coat of arms symbolising the most important elements of their leadership philosophy. The coat of arms drawings are then debriefed and discussed together with the group. After the exercise you may prepare a coat of arms gallery, exhibiting the leadership approach and philosophy of group members

Team Purpose & Culture

Ensuring all group participants are aligned when it comes to purpose and cultural values is one of the jobs of a leader. Teams and organizations that have a shared and cohesive vision are often happier and more productive and by helping a group arrive at these conclusions, a good leader can help empower everyone to succeed. Even with multi-discipline teams and organizations with different leadership styles, this method is an effective way of getting everyone on the same page. This is a framework you’ll likely use again and again with different teams throughout your career.

Team Purpose & Culture   #team   #hyperisland   #culture   #remote-friendly   This is an essential process designed to help teams define their purpose (why they exist) and their culture (how they work together to achieve that purpose). Defining these two things will help any team to be more focused and aligned. With support of tangible examples from other companies, the team members work as individuals and a group to codify the way they work together. The goal is a visual manifestation of both the purpose and culture that can be put up in the team’s work space.

Leadership games for team building

Every leader has an integral role in the formation of the teams they work with. Whether you are consciously working on it or not, your attitude and actions as a leader will significantly influence team cohesion, communication and the team spirit of the people you work with.

This comes through in small everyday actions, the way you share responsibilities, the way you empower colleagues, and the way you foster a cooperative work environment as opposed to a competitive one.

Sometimes, it can also be effective to run team building activities with your company that are expressly focused on helping teams come together and bond. Try using the following team building activities with new teams, or groups that need to spend a little time getting to know each other better.

Marshmallow challenge

The Marshmallow Challenge is a team-building activity in which teams compete to build the tallest free-standing structure out of spaghetti sticks, tape, string, and the marshmallow that needs to be on the top. This leadership activity emphasizes group communication, leadership dynamics, collaboration, and innovation and problem-solving.

It’s a wonderful game that allows participants’s natural leadership qualities to shine through, and it helps teams have a lot of fun too!

Marshmallow challenge with debriefing   #teamwork   #team   #leadership   #collaboration   In eighteen minutes, teams must build the tallest free-standing structure out of 20 sticks of spaghetti, one yard of tape, one yard of string, and one marshmallow. The marshmallow needs to be on top. The Marshmallow Challenge was developed by Tom Wujec, who has done the activity with hundreds of groups around the world. Visit the Marshmallow Challenge website for more information. This version has an extra debriefing question added with sample questions focusing on roles within the team.

Crocodile River

The Crocodile River is a team-building activity in which group members need to support each other in a task to move from one end of a space to another. It requires working together creatively and strategically in order to solve a practical, physical problem. It tends to emphasize group communication, cooperation, leadership and membership, patience and problem-solving.

Crocodile River   #hyperisland   #team   #outdoor   A team-building activity in which a group is challenged to physically support one another in an endeavour to move from one end of a space to another. It requires working together creatively and strategically in order to solve a practical, physical problem. It tends to emphasize group communication, cooperation, leadership and membership, patience and problem-solving.

Chinese Puzzle (Human Knot)

This is a simple game to help team members learn how to work together (better). It can also focus on the group’s understanding of communication, leadership, problem-solving, trust or persistence. Participants stand in a circle, close their eyes and put their hands into the circle to find two other hands to hold. Then they open their eyes and the group has to try to get back into a circle without letting go, though they can change their grip, of course.

Chinese Puzzle   #energiser   #icebreaker   #team   Have your group stand up in a close circle (10 to 16 people is best). They close their eyes put their hands into the circle and find two hands and hold on. Then they open their eyes and the group has to try to get back into a circle without letting go, though they can change their grip, of course.

Leadership activities for better communication

Leaders are usually viewed as the parents of the organization. It is expected from them that they take care of their people and make sure that proper norms and rules are followed. One of the key areas where a leader has a large influence is the style and amount of communication between people.

fun leadership activities for middle school students

Active Listening and giving effective feedback are critical skills to have as a leader but are also crucial for your team members. In fact, the issue that leaders rank as one of the biggest barriers to successful leadership is avoiding tough conversations, including giving honest, constructive feedback .

Develop good communication practices with the following leadership games and activities.

Active Listening

This activity supports participants in reflecting on a question and generating their own solutions using simple principles of active listening and peer coaching. It’s an excellent introduction to active listening but can also be used with groups that are already familiar with this activity. Participants work in groups of three and take turns being “the subject” who will explore a question, “the listener” who is supposed to be totally focused on the subject, and “the observer” who will watch the dynamic between the other two.

Active Listening   #hyperisland   #skills   #active listening   #remote-friendly   This activity supports participants to reflect on a question and generate their own solutions using simple principles of active listening and peer coaching. It’s an excellent introduction to active listening but can also be used with groups that are already familiar with it. Participants work in groups of three and take turns being: “the subject”, the listener, and the observer.

Trust battery

Every time you work together with someone, your trust battery – the trust you have towards a certain person, or the ‘emotional credit’ that person has in your eyes – either charges or depletes based on things like whether you deliver on what you promise and the social interaction you exhibit. A low trust battery is the core of many personal issues at the workplace.

This self-assessment activity allows you and your team members to reflect on the ‘trust battery’ they individually have towards each person on the team and encourages focus on actions that can charge the depleted trust batteries.  It also works great when promoting virtual leadership and working with online teams!

Trust Battery   #leadership   #teamwork   #team   #remote-friendly   This self-assessment activity allows you and your team members to reflect on the ‘trust battery’ they individually have towards each person on the team, and encourages focus on actions that can charge the depleted trust batteries.

Feedback: Start, Stop, Continue

Regular and constructive feedback is one of the most important ingredients for effective teams. Openness creates trust, and trust creates more openness. This is an activity for teams that have worked together for some time and are familiar with giving and receiving feedback. The objective of Start, Stop, Continue is to examine aspects of a situation or develop next steps by polling people on what to start, what to stop and what to continue doing.

For those in charge of online leadership, it’s vital to find ways of having difficult conversations in constructive ways virtually – try this method when working to resolve issues with your distributed team!

Feedback: Start, Stop, Continue   #hyperisland   #skills   #feedback   #remote-friendly   Regular, effective feedback is one of the most important ingredients in building constructive relationships and thriving teams. Openness creates trust and trust creates more openness. Feedback exercises aim to support groups to build trust and openness and for individuals to gain self-awareness and insight. Feedback exercises should always be conducted with thoughtfulness and high awareness of group dynamics. This is an exercise for groups or teams that have worked together for some time and are familiar with giving and receiving feedback. It uses the words “stop”, “start” and “continue” to guide the feedback messages.

Reflection: Team

All leaders know the value of structured and considered reflection. Teams that take the time to reflect and improve are those that can grow and by creating an environment of reflection, team leaders and managers can help their group move forward together. This method is effective for both offline and virtual leadership development. It helps a group progress from individual reflection through to full group discussion in a way that encourages constructive thought and minimizes potential frustration or antagonistic conversation. 

Reflection: Team   #hyperisland   #team   #remote-friendly   The purpose of reflecting as a team is for members to express thoughts, feelings and opinions about a shared experience, to build openness and trust in the team, and to draw out key learnings and insights to take forward into subsequent experiences. Team members generally sit in a circle, reflecting first as individuals, sharing those reflections with the group, then discussing the insights and potential actions to take out of the session. Use this session one or more times throughout a project or program.

Leadership activities for resolving team conflicts

One of the most important leadership skills you’ll want to develop is the ability to mediate and resolve team conflicts. Even the most connected and effective teams can run into conflict and it will fall to managers and team leaders to help get things back on track.

Even for established leaders, navigating conflict can be difficult! These leadership development activities are designed to help groups manage and resolve conflicts more effectively.

Giving leaders a framework they can trust and use with their team right away is always a good use of time, and we’d recommend teaching these methods to all new leaders!

What, So What, Now What?

It’s easy to get lost in the woods when it comes to managing conflict. Helping a group see what happened objectively and without judgment is an important leadership skill, and this framework helps make this process easy.

Start by working with the group to collect facts about what happened before moving towards making sense of them. Once everywhere has been heard and given space to process these facts, you can then move towards suggesting practical actions. By following this kind of framework, you can manage a conflict in a pragmatic way that also ensures everyone in a group can contribute.

W³ – What, So What, Now What?   #issue analysis   #innovation   #liberating structures   You can help groups reflect on a shared experience in a way that builds understanding and spurs coordinated action while avoiding unproductive conflict. It is possible for every voice to be heard while simultaneously sifting for insights and shaping new direction. Progressing in stages makes this practical—from collecting facts about What Happened to making sense of these facts with So What and finally to what actions logically follow with Now What . The shared progression eliminates most of the misunderstandings that otherwise fuel disagreements about what to do. Voila!

Conflict Responses

All of us can be guilty of handling conflicts in a less than ideal manner. Part of developing as a leader is identifying when something didn’t go well before finding ways to do things better next time.

In this leadership activity, ask the group to provide examples of previous conflicts and then reflect on how they handled them. Next, ask everyone to reflect on how they might change their behavior for a better outcome in the future. As a leader, use this opportunity to lead the way and be honest and vulnerable. It’s your role to provide a model for interaction and its always worthwhile to see how you can do better as a people manager dealing with conflict too!

Conflict Responses   #hyperisland   #team   #issue resolution   A workshop for a team to reflect on past conflicts, and use them to generate guidelines for effective conflict handling. The workshop uses the Thomas-Killman model of conflict responses to frame a reflective discussion. Use it to open up a discussion around conflict with a team.

Bright Blurry Blind

Finding opportunities to reframe conflict as an opportunity to solve problems and create clarity is a very useful leadership quality. Often, conflict is a signifier of a deeper problem and so finding ways to surface and work on these issues as a team is a great way to move forward and bring a group together too.

In this leadership activity, start by asking the group to reflect on the central metaphor of bright to blind issues or topics, based on whether the problem is out in the open or unknown. Next, invite small groups to ideate on what issues facing the team are bright, blurry, or blind and then discuss them as a group. By working together to illuminate what is blurry or blind, you can create a one-team mentality and start resolving problems that can lead to conflict too.

Bright Blurry Blind   #communication   #collaboration   #problem identification   #issue analysis   This is an exercise for creating a sense of community, support intra and inter departmental communication and breakdown of “Silos” within organizations. It allows participants to openly speak about current issues within the team and organization.
The Art of Effective Feedback Workshop

All leaders will need to give effective feedback in order to help their team develop and do great work. The best leaders also solicit feedback from their direct reports and use this is an opportunity to grow. But how can you teach these feedback skills and help leaders develop this important skill?

Check out our Effective Feedback Workshop template for a complete agenda you can use to develop this leadership skill. You’ll find a ready-to-go workshop with a guide and PowerPoint presentation you can use to help anyone in a leadership role give and receive better feedback.

Leadership games for developing leadership skills

When it comes to developing leadership skills, you can go the obvious route of training courses, books and development programs. These work and you should absolutely use them.

But what if you want to try identifying future leaders in a more light touch, experiential way? How about if you want to help teams develop skills in leadership while also having fun? These leadership games are ideal for identifying and growing leadership skills among team members and are often a lot of fun too!

Blind Square Rope Game

This activity is a tried and tested game that asks teams to communicate well and solve a problem as a team. Not only is this a fun team building activity, but it’s a great way for potential leaders to step up and help their team win! Start by tying a length of rope into a circle and then instruct participants they will have 20 minutes to turn it into a square, with fifteen minutes to plan their actions and five minutes to implement. Here’s the catch – no one may touch the rope until you begin, and every team member is blindfolded during implementation. This is an effective leadership game that is great with both small groups and larger teams separated into breakouts.

Blind Square – Rope game   #teamwork   #communication   #teambuilding   #team   #energiser   #thiagi   #outdoor   This is an activity that I use in almost every teambuilding session I run–because it delivers results every time. I can take no credit for its invention since it has existed from long before my time, in various forms and with a variety of names (such as Blind Polygon). The activity can be frontloaded to focus on particular issues by changing a few parameters or altering the instructions.

Tower of Power

All leaders need to work closely with other members of their organization in order to succeed. This leadership game encourages groups to work together in order to build a tower with specific (and sometimes tricky!) rules before than reflecting on what worked, what didn’t and what they would do next time.

It’s a wonderful activity for leadership training, as it provides an experiential way to explore leadership concepts, all wrapped in a fun game!

Tower of Power   #team   #teamwork   #communication   #leadership   #teambuilding   #skills   This teamwork activity requires participants to work closely together to build a tower from a set of building blocks.  The players need to coordinate their actions in order to be able to move the wooden blocks with the crane they have, and this can only be solved by precise planning, good communication and well-organised teamwork. You may use this exercise to emphasise the following themes and outcomes: In Leadership training : identifying interdependencies in systems, leadership communication, dealing with risk, giving feedback In Team building : communicating effectively, cooperating, being an active listener, maintaining the balance, working with values In Project management : simulating strategic planning, working under time pressure In Communication training : meta communication, facilitating, dealing with different perspectives

When teams work together well, something magic happens. But what elements constitute a high performing team? As a leader, how can you help ensure those conditions are met? In this leadership game, participants must work together to get every team member across an obstacle while blindfolded.

It’s a simple concept that creates a perfect space for exploring how teams operate and the role leaders have within them. Bring plenty of fun obstacles (squeaky toys are best) and encourage groups to think strategically for best results!

Minefield   #teampedia   #teamwork   #action   #team   #icebreaker   A fun activity that helps participants working together as a team while teaching the importance of communication, strategy and trust.

Workshop design made easy

Designing and running effective workshops and meetings is an important leadership skill; whether it’s staying organized and on time during your daily stand-ups or planning more involved sessions.

With SessionLab, it’s easy to create engaging workshops that create impact while engaging every member of your team. Drag, drop and reorder blocks  to build your agenda. When you make changes or update your agenda, your session  timing   adjusts automatically , saving you time on manual adjustments.

Collaborating with stakeholders or clients? Share your agenda with a single click and collaborate in real-time. No more sending documents back and forth over email.

Explore  how you and your team might use SessionLab  to design more effective sessions or  watch this five minute video  to see the planner in action!

fun leadership activities for middle school students

Now over to you…

I hope you have found some useful tips for leadership development workshops above. Now we’d love to hear from you!

What are your favorite leadership workshop ideas and training exercises for leadership development? Did you incorporate any of them into your facilitation practice?

Have you tried any of the activities above? Let us know about your experiences in the comments.

23 Comments

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Thank you for sharing such great activity ideas. It is greatly appreciated and a perfect example of how the internet can and does serve the greater good!

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Thank you, Jeanne! Great to see that you have found some useful ideas here!

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Thank you this is very helpful in building new activities and revitalising teaching.

You’re welcome, Christine! Great to see that you’ve found the post helpful!

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Thank you for the magnanimity of sharing these activities. We will choose and run and I am sure they will be very effective.

You are welcome, Roofi – enjoy using these activities at your sessions!

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Thank you for sharing such great activity ideas. I will use in my leadership training programme

You are welcome man, happy to see that you’ve found some useful inspiration in this post!

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Awesome resources for leadership coaching. Thank you so much! Cheers Marion (From Australia)

You’re welcome, Marion! I’m happy to hear you’ve found interesting the techniques above :-)

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Thank you so much . I am really having a hard time thinking about what activities to include for my leadership training talk . This is of great help .

That’s nice to hear – I hope your training talk with go great! :-)

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These exercises sound great. Does anyone have any feedback as to how these exercises have worked with their teams? Thanks!

Thank you for the question, Jennifer. We’ve used some of these activities at our own team meetings at SessionLab, and I’ve used other ones earlier on at different training workshops. Which one would you be interested to hear more about?

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Thank you for these activities, I have used some of them already in my classes when teaching about leadership and leadership styles. Köszönöm!

That’s great to hear, you’re welcome, Réka! If you have any suggestion on how to tweak or run better these activities, we’d love to hear your thoughts :-)

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Thank you for these activities. I was struggling to find activities to work on with groups as small as 1-5, but this should work well.

You’re welcome, Albert – Indeed, most of these activities do work well in small groups as well. Wishing best with your next sessions!

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wow! this great! very helpful for trainers like me…. thanks you for sharing …

You’re welcome, I’m happy you’ve found these activities useful!

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Hi I am trying to find an online simulation for a course I am designing for a college in Ontario, Canada. I am hoping to find something like your Leadership Envelope but in a virtual format or game. The ’rounds’ aspect is particularly interesting as I would like the students to work with one team over 14 weeks and then submit assigned work based on their experiences related to the course concepts.

Please let me know if you provide something like this or can help in any way.

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Hey Rick! Thanks for your comment :)

Leadership Envelope is a great method! Sadly, there’s nothing quite like it in our remote-friendly section of the library currently, though there are a heap of virtual team building activities that could be adapted to go for multiple rounds.

We did have some thoughts on how you might perform the Leadership Envelope in a remote format, which I hope will help!

– Use breakout groups in Zoom for each group. – Have each team pass their virtual “envelope” with responses to the facilitator, either over Slack, PM or email – The facilitator then “passes” the leadership principle to the next team, though keeps the responses back – Play continues, with the facilitator collecting the responses under each leadership principle for later distribution – we’d recommend setting these up in an online whiteboard such as Mural or a Google Doc so teams can review them during the evaluation round – In the evaluation round, share the online whiteboard/Google Doc with the teams – they can then score them in the shared online space and present back to the group from there :) – For the final round, everyone returns to a single Zoom session, each team reclaims their cards (or the facilitator can distribute them back) and then you can debrief :)

Hope that helps, Rick! Using a shared online space such as Mural is also a great shout for an ongoing course, as you can collect and display artifacts generated by the teams throughout :)

Let us know how you get on!

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Thank you for having the time and effort on sharing this amazing blog with us! I’ll probably read more of your articles.

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fun leadership activities for middle school students

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fun leadership activities for middle school students

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4 Effective Strategies for Student Engagement

When attention wanes in the classroom, teachers can reach for activities that help students re-engage with content.

Middle school teacher calling on students with raised hands

Like most teachers, I have my favorite engagement strategies that work for my students. Generally these strategies work well throughout the year even as students become familiar with them. But when we’re about to go on break or when we’re returning from one, that’s when my students need the most help staying focused— and my favorite strategies don’t always keep their engagement. So, I do my best to come up with different engagement strategies to adapt to my students’ needs. I make sure to consider strategies that will help students build relationships with each other and engage with the content.

Here are four somewhat involved engagement strategies that I tested last year and yielded positive results and higher student engagement.

1. Guess the Directions

As students are more and more distracted by their phones, there are times when I don’t give my class direct directions. The reason for this is that I sense they’re tuning me out when I give directions, and then when it’s time to do work, they’ll ask, “What are we supposed to do?” 

In order to mix it up and keep them engaged in this process, I‘ll sometimes give them a Google Form with a few questions related to the directions. We then check our answers together. If information is presented in this fashion, students feel more invested because they want to know if they guessed correctly. This method works well when you have very specific directions that are a bit complex and you want to ensure that the whole class understands the details clearly. Because as most teachers know, having oral and written directions and repeating them sometimes just isn’t enough.  

2. Pop Culture Presentations

To review content, students select a term or concept and then create an analogy based on something trending in pop culture. If some students aren’t familiar with the term pop culture , I say “social media” and they get the gist. Some examples that students have come up with are comparing famous figures in history to various Pokémon characters or types of cars. I tell students to take what interests them and then find ways to make the concepts fit that. For example, if a student likes playing video games, I suggest they use a video game meme and match it to a science concept. The idea behind this is to get students to see links between what they enjoy with academic topics. 

Because I teach a course where students need to share and review the learning from core classes, this gives us freedom to explore concepts from a variety of content areas, including English language arts, science, social studies, and math. 

3. Personality Analogies

When we’re in the fourth quarter, and I have a sense that my students know one another fairly well and have a mutual respect for each person in class, personality analogies can encourage a lot of student engagement. However, to be clear, this engagement strategy should only be used when you know that all of your students will be respectful toward one another. 

This is how I use it: When reviewing a complex concept, have students compare their peers’ personalities to the concept. For example, if the concept is a cell, then “Jeina would be the nucleus because she’s always in the middle of everything, and Tiati would be the cell membrane because she’s shy and doesn’t let people into her space.” 

Students would present these comparisons in class to further help their peers. This strategy builds relationships between peers in a playful and content-driven way. If your students aren’t particularly close or don’t know each other well, then this strategy can be applied where students discuss how their own personality traits match or don’t match a concept. For example, “I would never be the nucleus because I don’t like to be in the middle of everything.” 

For fun—with permission, of course—students can take photos of each other and add them to Google Slides. I’ve found that this makes for a fun and lighthearted review of content. All students have parent permission to have their photo taken or appear in video or voice recordings taken by the school, but for this activity, students ask each other for permission. I try to normalize the practice of having students ask permission because of all the secret photos and recordings in classrooms that I see rampant in social media—especially on TikTok.

4. Soundtrack Matches

This is a quick strategy where students are asked to match a song to a concept. For example, if the concept is the moon phases, a student might select “Moon,” by Jin of BTS, or “Harvest Moon,” by Neil Young, or “Talking to the Moon,” by Bruno Mars. This strategy could also be used based on how the students feel about a concept. So, if they understand and feel good about what they know, they can select a song that they like. 

Since students often enjoy different types of music, it’s also a fun way for students to learn about their peers that doesn’t take up much learning time. To execute this, I create a Google Form, and students share the concept with the song title and artist. From there, I’ll have the students present their concept briefly, and during that time I’ll find the song on YouTube Music (free) and play a short snippet of it for the class. This strategy has had a lot of success in terms of engagement, especially when we do it in reverse. This means I ask the students to pick a song that does not match the concept.

When coming up with engagement strategies, I try to keep the concept simple and easy to execute within a portion of a class period (10–15 minutes at most). I don’t intend for this to take up the entire period, nor for it to be graded. I consider what all my students would be capable of doing and of course make exceptions and change things as needed. With engagement strategies, a good approach is to keep it interest- and peer-focused to create a learning environment where students feel seen and heard.

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10 Super Fun Classroom Games For Middle School Students

If you’re teaching teenagers at middle school you know how easily they can lose interest if they’re not having fun in class. A great way to keep middle school students engaged is to use fun and engaging classroom games. Below we have put together 10 of our favorite classroom games for middle school students . These games are not only great for ESL middle school students but can also be used as a fun classroom activity in any class teaching teenagers.

Related: Debate Topics For Middle School Students / Reading Games For Middle School Students

10 Classroom Games For Middle School Students

1: the 20 questions game.

Middle School Classroom Games - 20 Questions

The 20 questions game is a great ESL speaking activity for middle school students. If you’re not familiar with this game, the rules are simple. One student thinks of a secret object and doesn’t tell anyone. The only thing they tell the other students is the kind of thing it is. For example, they might tell them it’s an animal, a type of food, a famous person, etc.

Next, the students can ask up to 20 yes/no questions to try and figure out what the secret object is. For example, if the secret word is a type of food, students might ask “ Is it a fruit? “, “ Is it yellow? “, etc. This game is a fantastic way to get teenagers talking and best of all, it requires no preparation from the teacher. Check out these 20 question game ideas and examples for some categories and words you can use in this fun classroom game.

2: Top Five Quiz Game

Next on our list of fun classroom games for middle school students is the ‘Top Five Quiz’ game. Teenagers absolutely love this game, especially when they get the top answer. To play, students will need a pencil and paper to write down their answers and points. Students can play individually, in pairs, or in small teams.

In this kind of quiz, each question has multiple possible answers. For example, “ Name an animal you can keep as a pet. ” Students must write down just ONE answer and if their answer is in the ‘Top Five’ answers, they score the following points:

1 = 10 Points 2 = 7 Points 3 = 5 Points 4 = 3 Points 5 = 2 Points

If the students’ answers are not in the ‘Top Five’ answers, they get zero points. At the end of the quiz, the student/team with the most points is the winner. For a ready-made quiz and a template to add your own questions to, check out our Top Five Quiz PowerPoint Game page .

3: The Forehead Game

Middle School Classroom Games - Forehead Game

This next game is often played at parties, but it can also be easily adapted to play in the classroom with middle school students. To play, one student (or the teacher) must write down keywords from the lesson on pieces or paper/post-it notes. Next, the students in the class would choose one of the pieces of paper at random and, without looking at it, stick it to their forehead so everyone else in the class can see.

Next, players take turns asking yes/no questions to find out the word stuck to their head. For example, if you were teaching students about jobs and occupations vocabulary , students might ask “ Do I work in a hospital?”, “Do I wear a uniform to work? , etc. The student who guesses their word with the fewest questions is the winner.

4: Describe And Draw Game

Middle School Classroom Games - Describe And Draw

This next activity requires students to use their speaking skills to describe a picture. To play, divide students into pairs and provide a set of interesting pictures or flashcards to one student in each pair. Next, the student with the pictures must describe a picture in as much detail as possible to their partner. The other student must try and draw what their partner is describing.

After a few minutes, have students compare the drawing with the real picture to see how accurate their drawing and descriptions were. This game often leads to some hilarious drawings and teenagers have lots of fun playing this activity.

5: What Am I? Quizzes

Quizzes like our ‘What Am I?’ quizzes are fantastic activities to play with middle school students in class. If you’re not familiar with these kinds of quizzes, the concept is simple. Students will read two or three clues describing something and then must guess ‘What Am I?’. For example, “I have 2 hands but no arms. I have a face but no eyes. What Am I?”, with the answer being ‘A Clock’. Here are 40 ‘What Am I?’ Quiz Questions And Answers you can use in your class.

6: Would You Rather Game

Middle School Classroom Game - Would You Rather

This next activity is great for getting students speaking and expressing their opinions. For this activity, all you need is some Would You Rather Questions . Put students in pairs and provide them with many ‘Would you rather?’ questions, and have them take turns asking their partner the question. After which, students should make their choice and then express three reasons why they chose what they did.

7: Scattergories

Middle School Classroom Games - Scategories

The classic word game Scattergories is a fantastic game to use in class with middle school students. There are several ways to play this game in class, but the basic idea of the game is simple. Put students into small teams and provide them with a category and then give them some time to come up with as many unique words as possible. For each word that they write down which is not on another team’s list, they get a point.

Scategories Example Categories

Here are some example Scattegories categories for ESL students:

  • Fruits And Vegetables
  • School Subjects
  • Feeling And Emotions
  • Jobs And Occupations
  • Daily Routines

Riddles help middle school students to develop their thinking ability, creativity, and can even improve their reading comprehension skills. Not only that, students really have fun deciphering cryptic clues and working out the answer. However, if the riddles are too hard, rather than having fun, students will just be frustrated. So, if you’re planning on using riddles in class, be sure to choose some easy riddles. The Above video has 10 easy riddles for ESL students that you can show in class.

9: Mystery Box Game

Middle School Classroom Games - Mystery Box

For this game, you’ll need the Mystery Box Game template which is a fun PowerPoint game you can use in class with teenagers. Before the class, you will need to add questions to the PowerPoint template based on the topic you are currently studying in class.

To play the game, divide the class into two teams. Teams will take turns choosing a letter and then answering the question on the slide. After which, students will see the ‘Mystery Box’. They can then choose to KEEP the box or GIVE the box to the other team. Inside the box is either good points (e.g +100) or bad points (-100).

So, if a team decides to keep the box, they could win points but they risk losing points. And if a team chooses to give the box, they might make the other team lose points but they risk giving them points, too. At the end of the game, the team with the most points is the winner.

10: Hot Seat

Hot Seat is a great game you can play with middle school students to review vocabulary, or as just a fun time-filler activity . If you’re not sure how to play Hot Seat, then check out the video above. It shows how to play Hot Seat in class, and you can even show this instruction video to your students to show them how to play.

The basic gist of Hot Seat is to have one student in the ‘Hot Seat’, which is a chair at the front of the class. The teacher would then show the other students a word and then the other students must describe that word without saying the word itself, while the student in the ‘Hot Seat’ must try to guess.

Thanks for reading. I hope your students enjoy these activities. Before you go, don’t forget to check out our other free classroom games, including Activity Videos , PowerPoint Games , and Online Quizzes .

fun leadership activities for middle school students

Additional Team Building Resources

Feb 16, 2022

17 Fun Virtual Team Building Activities for Students

fun leadership activities for middle school students

Anecia Ascalon

Team Building Expert

Most people think about the workplace when they hear the term “virtual team building.” But, as all teachers know, virtual team building isn’t just for adults at work! It’s an essential part of learning as a student. Team building for students, no matter what age and grade is incredibly important for the learning process. Virtual team building activities teach students skills like effective communication, intentional listening, and creative thinking.

However, because so many classrooms have moved to remote learning, it’s made putting together team building activities a little more difficult. Teachers and leaders are having to think creatively on how to build this culture of team building virtually.

Table of Contents:

  • Elementary School
  • Middle School
  • High School and College
  • Virtual Team Building Benefits

There are tons of directions you can go in when planning a team building experience for your class. For older students, you might want to try challenging activities to really engage them and keep their attention. With younger students, you may want to choose team building activities that don’t take too long, since their attention spans aren’t very long.

Check out these virtual team building activities for students that may just be the perfect choice for your classroom and reap all of the team building benefits !

Virtual Team Building Games for Elementary Students

redheaded boy cheering while using a laptop

Teachers know how valuable it is to help students learn at an early age how to work together and build friendships. When planning these team building activities for elementary students, you may need to alter some details to work for your age group!

1. Smithsonian Virtual Tour

One of the most exciting parts of school is taking field trips! If you’ve got a remote classroom, you can still bring the joy of field trips to your students. The Smithsonian National Museum of History Virtual Tour allows groups to take self-guided tours through different exhibits either on a computer or mobile device. Your students will love getting to see the 11-ton elephant in the rotunda, the Hall of Fossils, and the Sant Ocean Hall with over 600 specimens!

2. Stand-Up And Sit-Down

Prepare a series of “yes or no” questions with only two options for answers. For example, “Do you like apples?” Students stand up if the answer is “yes” or sit down if the answer is “no.”

Get Your Free Game

The 3-minute non-cringey ice breaker for your next meeting.

A ready-set-go game to run at your next fully remote or hybrid meeting without the hassle or added pressure of developing a team-building exercise yourself. Get it here →

3. Once Upon A Time

One student begins the story with something like, “Once upon a time, a man was walking down the road. Just as he turned the corner, he saw…”

That student can then pick the next person to share, and so on. The story finishes once everyone has gotten a turn! With your students’ creative minds, who knows where the story will go!

4. Sixty-Second Sketch

Pick a topic and have students draw it for one minute. Or pause during reading time and ask them to draw a picture of something happening in the book!

boy using a computer smiling at camera

5. Break The Ice

Compile a list of  icebreaker questions  for students to answer and number each of them. Students will use an  online dice roller  to roll the dice and answer the question it lands on. It’s a great opportunity for the students to learn a little bit more about each other and get their little minds thinking. 

6. Virtual Scavenger Hunt

It’s a good idea to communicate with parents in preparation for this one. Create a list of virtual scavenger hunt items for parents to place in easy-to-find spots around the house. Announce the first item and have the kids run to get it. Give each student the next item as they return. The first person to find all the items wins!

Virtual Team Building Games for Middle School Students

girl with headphones and a backpack smiling and giving two thumbs up

Middle school is tough enough in normal times. Throw a pandemic into the mix and teachers have an extra hurdle trying to help their students develop emotionally and relationally. Here are some team building activities for students to help them out of their shells and work together!

Share an online bingo board with your students and select themes that match a subject your class is learning.

Don’t forget a prize for the winners! Maybe they get no homework or their choice of the next group activity.

8. Detective

Pick a student to be the detective. This person closes their eyes and counts to thirty. While this happens, choose a student to be the spy.

The spy begins with an action (like waving their hand or tapping their nose), and all of the other students will follow along. Now the detective opens their eyes and observes their classmates.

The spy continues changing actions as the other students follow. The detective’s job is to figure out who the spy is!

two children using a laptop

9. Two Truths and a Fib

Have each student write down two true things about themselves and one fib. Each student will read theirs to the class and you can have the whole class vote on which they think is the fib. This is a fun game to get the creativity flowing as they have to think of a believable, yet fun fib. It’s also a great way for the students to get to know each other better as they may have not known the other truths about each other. 

10. Waffles or Pancakes 

This is a great game to engage all the students, even those who struggle to speak up in class. There are no right or wrong answers! Start with one student and ask “Which do you like more—waffles or pancakes?”

The student answers and gives an explanation why. Then using their answer, add a new option and ask another student. For example, “Which do you prefer, waffles or hot dogs?” The game continues this way!

Virtual Team Building Activities for High School and College Students

girl in green smiling at laptop

One of the best parts of teaching high school and college-aged students is that you can give them unique, challenging projects and watch them rise to the occasion! Check out some of these options your class is sure to enjoy!

11. Virtual Escape Room

At Team Building Hub , we’ve put a lot of thought into how to make an epic online team building activity for students and a virtual escape room is a fantastic option. Your students can play a real escape room using a live camera feed. Each room has a Game Guide actually in the room who acts as your eyes, ears, hands, and feet. Along with the Game Guide, students progress through the room using their digital dashboards, 360 room scans, and an inventory system. Find a list of virtual escape room options here.

12. Online Mystery Game

If you have a bigger class, an online mystery game is also a great option. Your students will be broken into teams of 5–7 secret agents who race to solve a crime before the other teams. You can raise the stakes here and offer extra credit for the winning team. Or maybe even offer a pass on some homework!

It’s simple and there are so many options out there for virtual trivia games . You can use tools like Kahoot! to make the game engaging! Maybe pick a theme that goes along with your class, or rather than quizzing on a particular topic, have a trivia game instead! Your students will have a blast getting out of the normal routine! Whatever you choose to do, trivia is a low-impact, simple thing to add to your schedule.

14. Map Challenges

Use a world map of your choosing, break students into groups and give them a certain amount of time to list as many states, cities, countries, etc. as they can in that map. If you’re a geography teacher, this would be an especially fantastic team building activity for your class!

15. Story Telling

Provide students with four or five different images. The students arrange them however they want and create a story that connects them together. It’s fun to see what direction students will take! Some will come up with funny stories, while others will go for the drama. Any time we can encourage students to tap into their creative, collaborative sides, we’re setting them up for success!

teen boy in hoodie using a laptop

16. Typing Speed Test

Do you have some competitive students? There are so many online options for typing tests that you can challenge your students to. See who has the quickest typing fingers in the class!

17. Shark Tank 

Chances are, you’re familiar with the show Shark Tank. In this activity, you’ll split your class into teams where they have to come up with a product or service to pitch to the sharks. This could be a fun opportunity to bring in some guests to the class to serve as the panel of sharks.

They’ll have to work together to come up with a logo, product, marketing strategy, etc. This activity will also help them grow in their public speaking skills! After everyone has presented, your sharks can vote on the best presentation.

Benefits Of Team Building Activities For Students

This has been an interesting year for teachers, parents, and students as everyone navigates the complexities of virtual and hybrid learning. Teachers have had to create innovative opportunities for socialization in their online classrooms. But educators know that dedicating time to online team building activities for students enables them to gain the following skills!

smiling teen girl with curly hair using a laptop

1. Creativity

According to Psychology Today, “creativity is the thinking that fuels innovation,” and “creativity is or is related to 9 of the top 10 skills that global executives say is essential for 2020 and beyond.”

It’s important in the academic years to show students that there are many different ways to be creative!

Online team building activities are an opportunity to make space for creative thinking, and equip students for success.

2. Collaboration

While students learn alongside peers, they often work on schoolwork by themselves. While independence and individual learning are important, it’s also necessary for students to learn how to work together and navigate group situations.

Choosing a virtual team building activity that requires groups to find solutions together is a great way to develop that collaboration muscle. 

3. Communication

Because of remote learning, students are missing the opportunities to socialize that are normally a part of school. It’s a challenge to get kids to build relationships online organically. Team building activities are a great way to spend some time learning those communication skills and making friends!

Remote learning isn’t often viewed as “fun.” But taking a break from the routine and participating in virtual team building activities is a great way to just have some fun and engage with your class! Students will want to engage in the work more readily when they’re not feeling burnt out by the constant computer time. 

fun leadership activities for middle school students

Anecia is a Nashville-based writer who believes in the power of team building. She writes a variety of content focused on creative corporate team building ideas, to help teams become more dynamic, unified, and successful.

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  • Teaching Tips

21 Team-Building Activities for Students [Plus: Free List of 45+ Activities]

Creating connections in your classroom will ensure your students are engaged. Use these team-building activities to lay a solid foundation for learning.

fun leadership activities for middle school students

Top Hat Staff

21 Team-Building Activities for Students [Plus: Free List of 45+ Activities]

Team building isn’t just for the corporate workplace — it can also be used in the classroom to encourage collaboration, problem-solving and decision-making. And it doesn’t have to involve awkward activities such as a ‘trust fall.’ Engaging, relevant team-building activities for students can energize your classroom and take learning to a new level.

By accomplishing group tasks, students learn to listen, trust and support each other, while developing life skills such as communication and collaboration—skills that can’t be learned from a textbook, interactive or not. Learning to get along with peers, for example, isn’t something you can pick up through memorization.

Sara Keinath, Youth Leadership Educator at Michigan State University explains the value of team-building activities for students: “Guiding group members through intentional games can help them improve their communication skills with each other, which will transfer to their work or club projects later. Many team-building activities incorporate such skills as active listening, questioning assumptions, giving clear directions, problem-solving or learning how to ask effective questions.”

Facilitate your team-building games and activities for students over the course of a semester (rather than a one-off event). Here are 21 examples of fun team-building activities for students you can use in the classroom that won’t make everyone cringe.

Help your college students connect and collaborate. Download 45+ Team-Building Activities for College Courses and build community in any classroom.

Table of Contents

Fun leadership activities for college students.

  • Group activities for in-person classes

Community-building activities for college students

Adding some fun and levity to your classroom helps your students build informal connections with peers.

1) Pub quiz

Group size: Groups of 3–7 students 

Course type: Online (synchronous), in-person

You don’t need to hang out in an actual pub for this team-building activity; the idea is to mimic a trivia pub night, fostering teamwork in a fun environment by encouraging participants to work towards a common goal. For online courses, instructors can make use of Zoom rooms to organize teams or groups. The ‘host’ asks a multiple-choice trivia question, and teams are given 60 seconds to discuss and agree upon an answer. You can use generic quiz questions (from the board game Trivial Pursuit, for example), or you could relate questions back to the course material. The team with the most points wins (consider giving bonus marks on a recent quiz as a prize).

2) Idea building blocks

Group size: Groups of 5–10 students

Course type: In-person

Divide the class into teams and present them with a problem related to your course material. One team member writes down a solution and passes the sheets of paper along to the next team member, who builds upon that idea and then passes it along to the rest of the team. The paper is passed around until each team member has added to the original solution. When their time is up, a spokesperson can present their ultimate solution to the rest of the group or to the class. This activity helps develop students’ problem-solving and collaboration skills, with learners working towards a common goal.

3) Spaghetti tower

Group size: Groups of 3–10 students

Divide students into teams and provide them with ‘building’ materials, such as dry spaghetti, marshmallows, string and tape. Set a time limit for designing and building a spaghetti tower (one that’s structurally sound, of course). When their time is up, the tallest freestanding tower wins. Prizes can range from bonus points on a recent assignment to a short extension for their next paper or report. There are several variations on this, such as building a pyramid with paper cups, but the idea is to promote communication and collaboration in a leadership exercise—and provide a little incentive as well.

4) Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts aren’t just for kids. While this icebreaker game requires some preparation, it encourages students to be collaborative: planning a strategy, dividing up tasks and communicating progress. Split your students into teams and give them a time limit to find as many items as possible on a list you’ve provided. You can make this more challenging by offering clues or riddles rather than the names of items.

5) Newspaper fashion show

Group size: Groups of 6–8 students

While this team-building game is ideal for art and design students, it can be used in any classroom to get learners out of their comfort zones and allow for team bonding. Divide students into teams of six to eight, and supply them with newspaper, tape and scissors. Participants are given a time limit to design and create an item of clothing out of a newspaper, which requires group brainstorming and delegation of tasks. Bonus points if their article somehow relates to your course material. One person in the group could ‘model’ the finished product when their time is up.

Group activities for online and in-person classes

These activities are also great as icebreakers or retreat exercises.

6) Shark Tank

Split students into small groups and have them develop a product, logo, brand name and marketing strategy before presenting their idea to a panel of ‘sharks’ (those who will judge their ideas). Once each group has presented, the ‘sharks’ all vote on their favorite project with the winner getting a special certificate or an extension on their latest assignment. This activity gives students the opportunity to exercise creative thinking and work on presentation and public speaking skills.  

7) Pipeline

Group size: Groups of 3–5 students 

Teams are given the task of carrying a marble or ball from a start line to a finish line, without it ever touching the floor—or students’ hands. Here’s how it works: Each team member is given a PVC pipe (though they could also use paper and tape, or paper towel rolls). Allow five minutes of planning time, so teams can strategize how they will transport the object as a group; if it falls to the floor, they must start over. This helps to promote problem-solving, communication and great teamwork.

8) Classify this

Group size: Groups of 3–5 students

Arrange random objects on your desk—anything from paper clips to an umbrella to jewelry (aim for about 25 objects in total). Teams of students must then categorize these objects on a piece of paper or sticky note, even when no obvious connections exist. You can decide on the number of categories they must fit the object into or let each team decide. When their time is up, a participant from each group presents their list and explains the logic behind it. This team-building exercise helps students think outside the box.

9) Goodie bag skits

This might take some students out of their comfort zone but it encourages teamwork and collaboration. Divide the class into teams of up to ten people and provide each team with a ‘goodie bag’ filled with random items. Set a time limit (five-to-ten minutes) for each group to create a short skit tied to course content, based on the items in the bag. Teams then present their skits, and a group vote can be held to declare the winner. Winners can get bonus points for their grade on this activity or their in-class participation grade at the end of the school year.

10) Deserted island

Course type: Online (synchronous or asynchronous), in-person

In this icebreaker, small groups of students imagine they’re stranded on a deserted island. This activity can help students build on their leadership skills. After dividing students into teams, provide them with a list of items for survival. Students must prioritize and rank those items—first on their own, and then as a group. Not only does this test their problem-solving skills, but it also helps them differentiate between the needs of the individual and the needs of the collective. 

11) Think-pair-repair

Group size: 20 students (minimum)

Change up your usual think-pair-share activities by posing an open-ended question to your class and asking students to come up with their best answer. Next, pair peers up and encourage them to agree on a response. Combine two pairs and have a group of four accomplish the same task. Continue until half the class goes head-to-head with the other half, defending their stance. This way, students benefit from hearing their peers’ perspectives, as well as getting to practice their debate skills. If your students are online, breakout rooms on Zoom or Microsoft Teams allow you to replicate this experience with virtual team-building. 

12) Why am I here?

Group size: 15–20 students (maximum)

Have students draw a picture that represents why they enrolled in your course. Encourage them to think beyond the fact that they may need your course credit to graduate. They could think about wanting to learn more about your field or simply that their friends were enrolled in your class, too. After five minutes, have students share their picture with the larger group if they’re comfortable—a fun way to help students feel like part of one interconnected community, particularly in the back-to-school season.

→ Download Now: 45+ Team-Building Activities

13) Improv games

Group size: 20 students (minimum )

Improvisational (improv) games encourage students to think quickly and step outside their comfort zone to connect with their peers. Here are a few examples: Pair up students and ask them to figure out the most unexpected things they share in common (this can also be done online in breakout rooms). Or challenge your students to count to 20 as a group with one person saying each number—but no one is assigned a number, and if two people talk at the same time, everyone starts again at one. 

There are literally dozens of in-school activities for college students that can be used in the classroom—you can even ask students to create their own. By incorporating group activities into your teaching, you’re providing students with an opportunity to learn essential life skills they’ll carry with them long after they graduate.

14) Socratic seminar

Ask students to prepare for a discussion by reviewing a course reading or group of texts and coming up with a few higher-order discussion questions about the text. In class, pose an introductory, open-ended question. From there, students continue the conversation, prompting one another to support their claims with evidence from previous course concepts or texts. There doesn’t need to be a particular order to how students speak, but they are encouraged to respectfully share the floor with their peers.

15) Concentric circles

Group size: 20 students (maximum)

Students form two circles: an inner circle and an outer circle. Each student on the inside is paired with a student on the outside; they face each other. Pose a question to the whole group and have pairs discuss their responses with each other. After three-to-five minutes, have students on the outside circle move one space to the right so they are standing in front of the next student. Pose a new question, and the process is repeated, exposing students to the different perspectives of their entire team.

16) Absurd questions

Group size: Groups of 5 students

Course type: Online (synchronous or asynchronous), blended, in-person

Pose a fantastical, outrageous or fictitious statement to the entire group. Statements can be tailored to your discipline such as “what if everyone lived to 150” for a developmental class or “what if there was no such thing as evolution” for a biology class. Students are asked to develop as many answers to the question as they can by considering all political, social, economical and psychological angles. They can then share the answers out loud or, if you’re teaching remotely, on a discussion board, which is a great option for introverts as well.

17) This or that

This activity allows students to see where their peers stand on a variety of different topics and issues. Instructors should distribute a list of provocative statements before class, allowing students to read ahead. Then, they can ask students to indicate whether they agree, disagree or are neutral on the topic in advance, using an online discussion thread or Google Doc. In class, use another discussion thread or live chat to have students of differing opinions share their views. After a few minutes, encourage one or two members in each group to defend their position amongst a new group of students. Ask students to repeat this process for several rounds to help familiarize themselves with a variety of standpoints.

18) Snowball discussions    

Group size: Groups of 2–4 students

Assign students a case study or reading to discuss with a partner, then have them share their thoughts with the larger group. Use breakout rooms in Zoom and randomly assign students in pairs with a discussion question. After a few minutes, combine rooms to form groups of four. After another five minutes, combine groups of four to become a larger group of eight—and so on until the whole class is back together again.

19) Make it personal

Group size: Groups of 2–8 students

After you’ve covered a topic or concept in your lecture, divide students into small discussion groups (or breakout rooms online). Ask the groups questions like “How did this impact your prior knowledge of the topic?” or “What was your initial reaction to this source/article/fact?” to encourage students to reflect on their personal connections to the course concepts they are learning, which is particularly beneficial to educators around the first day of school.

20) Synthesis

Course type: Online (synchronous), in-person 

This discussion activity can help students connect course concepts by leaning on prior knowledge and other learning experiences. Consider asking questions such as “How can this idea be combined with ________ to create a more complete or comprehensive understanding of _________?” Then, students can discuss these questions in their small teams (or online breakout room) in order to learn more about one another’s experiences inside and outside the classroom. 

21) Gallery walk

Start by setting up stations or posters in a few locations around the classroom (like on the walls or on tables). For online classes, students can complete this activity in breakout rooms. Divide students into small groups and have them rotate between each station together, performing some kind of task like sorting their observations into categories. Ask them to write down a list of questions about the source material they are viewing or respond to a discussion prompt related to the course material to generate conversation.

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Sarah Scoop

35+ Fun Activities for Middle School Valentines Day Ideas (2024)

W hether you’re a teacher searching for a fun-filled classroom activity, or you’re a parent eager to help your middle schooler get into the Valentine’s Day spirit, we’ve got you covered with some fun middle school Valentines Day ideas!

35+ Activities for Middle School Valentines Day Ideas

We’ve curated over 35 innovative and engaging activities perfect for middle school students on Valentine’s Day.

From DIY cards and Valentine-themed puzzles to love-letter writing contests and a Valentine’s Day scavenger hunt, there’s something for every creative mind.

Why not stay with us to explore these exciting ideas and discover the perfect fit for your Valentine’s Day celebration?

DIY Valentine Card Exchange

Kicking off our list, there’s nothing quite like making your own DIY Valentine’s Day cards to add a personal and creative touch to the occasion.

This activity is a fantastic middle school Valentine’s Day idea that lets students create unique expressions of friendship and affection.

You can incorporate this into your Valentine’s Day party to add a dash of creativity and fun.

It’s an engaging activity that not only encourages artistic skills but also the expression of personal feelings.

Imagine the excitement during the Valentine card exchanges!

Valentine’s Themed Puzzles

Diving into Valentine’s themed puzzles could be your next exciting adventure, injecting a dose of fun and brain-teasing challenge into your Valentine’s Day celebrations at middle school.

These puzzles, part of our middle school Valentine’s Day ideas, can range from crossword puzzles with a Valentine’s Day theme to heart-shaped jigsaw puzzles.

Puzzles are a fantastic way to let students work together, promoting teamwork and cooperation.

As a fun Valentine’s Day activity, they can also help students understand new words and concepts related to Valentine’s Day.

Whether you choose word searches, sudokus, or jigsaw puzzles , these activities are fun and engaging.

Heart-Shaped Crafts

Often, nothing says Valentine’s Day in middle school quite like getting hands-on with heart-shaped crafts.

These engaging Valentine’s Day activities can make the perfect Valentine’s Day for your middle schooler.

They’re not just fun Valentine’s ideas, but also a great way to express creativity.

Consider making heart-shaped jewelry , bookmarks, or even a heart-themed bird feeder. The options are limitless!

They’ll love the Valentine’s Day theme and the chance to make something unique.

Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt Related to Lesson Plans

Shifting gears from crafting, why not add a dash of adventure to your middle schooler’s Valentine’s Day with a thrilling scavenger hunt?

This special day is a great opportunity to bring Valentine’s day into the classrooms of middle and high school students. Here are some fun activity ideas:

  • Clue Cards: Students can create their own clue cards related to Valentine’s Day lesson plans. It’s a creative and educational way to engage students.
  • Find the Hearts: Hide small heart-shaped items around the school. This adds a festive touch to the hunt.
  • Valentine’s Day Trivia: Incorporate questions about Valentine’s history. It’s a fun idea where students learn while also having fun.

These Valentine’s day activities for middle school and high school students are sure to make Valentine’s Day memorable.

Love-letter Writing Contest

Ignite the spirit of romance in your classroom with a love-letter writing contest, a timeless activity that encourages students to express their feelings in a creative manner.

Leading up to Valentine’s Day, have your students write heartfelt love letters to an anonymous classmate.

This activity isn’t just for middle school students but high school students can also participate.

Valentine’s Day is a great occasion for students to write, it’s a day of love after all.

Watch as your students love the thrill of writing and receiving these anonymous letters, which make the day even more special.

This activity not only promotes creativity and expression but also fosters empathy and understanding among peers.

This Valentine’s Day writing contest is a wonderful way to celebrate the day of love in your classroom!

Cupid’s Arrow Game

Dive right into the fun with a spirited round of ‘Cupid’s Arrow Game’, an engaging Valentine’s Day activity sure to spark excitement in your middle school classroom.

This game, tailored for middle school ELA students, will help students incorporate the day’s theme into their lesson plans.

Here’s how it works:

  • Students choose a Valentine’s themed word or phrase.
  • Students use that word or phrase to create a sentence or story.
  • Give students the chance to share their creations with the class.

Not only is this game a fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but it also helps secondary students hone their creative writing skills.

Valentines Day Poetry Slam

Get your students’ creative juices flowing with a ‘Valentine’s Day Poetry Slam’, a lively event that blends the charm of Valentine’s Day with the power of spoken word.

Perfect for middle and high school students, this activity makes the day special.

Have your high school English students do some research on famous love poems , then let students read and recite their favorites.

Alternatively, let students fill the room with their original love poems.

A Valentine’s Day Poetry Slam is a unique activity that encourages students of all ages to express their feelings in a creative, engaging way.

This is an ideal opportunity to bring school kids together and celebrate the spirit of love and friendship.

Friendship Bracelet Workshop

Why not host a Friendship Bracelet Workshop where students can create and exchange handmade tokens of their friendships this Valentine’s Day?

This activity could be a highlight of the day in the classroom.

Here’s why:

  • Creativity: Kids love making things, and this activity will let your students express their creativity. Students can use whatever color string or beads to make their own personal creation.
  • Bonding: While students are working on their bracelets , they’ll get to bond and learn more about each other.
  • Life Skills: Bracelet making could help your students develop fine motor skills and patience.

Encourage students to go beyond their comfort zones and make bracelets for classmates they’d like to know better.

This activity is a great opportunity for students to get creative, so add this activity to your ideas for middle school Valentine’s Day.

Baking Heart-Shaped Cookies for the Whole School (Stem Activity)

Moving from crafting to cooking, another engaging Valentine’s activity involves baking heart-shaped cookies. Who doesn’t love a good cookie, right?

Make this activity educational by having students make cookies for the whole school!

Give them the basic recipe and have them do the math on how many cookies they’ll need to make and how much of each ingredient they’ll need.

This fun STEM activity allows students to celebrate the day while learning some practical kitchen skills.

The classroom comes alive as groups of students mix, roll, and cut out their own batch of cookies.

Don’t worry if your students aren’t culinary experts, the joy is in the process, not the perfection.

For older students, this activity can be elevated by incorporating some advanced baking techniques.

Ingredients and baking tools are what your students will need, so prepare a list beforehand. Encourage creativity in decorating their cookies.

This way, baking heart-shaped cookies becomes an experience that your middle school students will love and remember.

Valentine’s Day Dance Off

Let’s shake things up a bit with a Valentine’s Day Dance Off, where students can express their creativity, energy, and perhaps some hidden dance moves!

This day twist isn’t only fun but also helps middle and high school English students understand rhythm and timing.

Here’s how you can organize this activity:

  • Tell students about the dance off and ask them to prepare a dance routine.
  • On the big day, students walk up to the stage and show off their moves.
  • Judges could also have students find a partner and improvise a dance, testing their quick-thinking skills.

This activity asks students to step out of their comfort zones, making it a valuable skill for students to find their self-confidence and creativity.

Pink and Red Dress Code

After showing off their dance skills, students can further express their Valentine’s spirit by adhering to a pink and red dress code.

Imagine a sea of red and pink, showing unity and a shared love for Valentine’s Day! And hey, it’s not just about looking cute.

This dress code could spark random acts of kindness day where students compliment each other’s outfits.

It might even give the students some time to discuss science and STEM, maybe even the science behind why red and pink are the colors of love!

This creative activity can be a colorful way to engage students, stimulate their minds and make Valentine’s day memorable.

Secret Admirer Notes Activity

Ready to reveal your secret crush? Try the ‘Secret Admirer Notes’ activity – a fun, anonymous way to spread kind words and warm feelings this Valentine’s Day.

  • Write a sweet, complimentary note to someone you admire. Don’t sign your name – let the mystery make it more exciting!
  • Place the note in a designated ‘Secret Admirer’ box that your teacher sets up.
  • On Valentine’s Day, everyone gets to open a note and feel the joy of being admired!

It’s not about romance, it’s about making someone’s day. So put your shyness aside and let your kind words inspire a smile.

Remember, everyone loves a compliment, and who knows – your secret crush might just have a note for you too!

Valentine’s Day Quiz

Continuing with the Valentine’s day festivities, how about testing your knowledge on the history and traditions of this love-filled holiday with a Valentine’s Day Quiz?

This fun, engaging activity can be done individually or in teams, adding an exciting competitive edge.

You’ll be surprised to learn about the interesting facts and stories behind Valentine’s Day, from its ancient origins to modern-day practices.

Questions could range from ‘Who was St. Valentine?’ to ‘Why do we exchange red roses?’. Not only will this quiz be entertaining, it’s also educational.

You’ll walk away knowing more about why we celebrate this day of love and where its customs come from.

Heart Health Fitness Challenge

Switching gears, let’s pump up the adrenaline with a Heart Health Fitness Challenge that not only celebrates love but also promotes fitness and wellness.

This challenge is all about making your heart stronger and healthier.

Here’s how you can set up this fun and beneficial activity:

  • Create Heart-Healthy Stations: Set up different activities that focus on cardiovascular exercise like jumping jacks, burpees, or even a quick sprint.
  • Time It: Each participant should spend a predetermined time at each station before moving on to the next.
  • Track Progress: Keep a record of each participant’s improvement over time to inspire them to push further.

Musical Chairs With Love Songs

How about adding a romantic twist to the classic game of musical chairs with your favorite love songs?

You’ve got it, we’re talking about Musical Chairs with Love Songs! It’s a fun, engaging, and slightly competitive activity that’s perfect for your middle school Valentine’s Day celebration.

The rules are simple: you play a selection of popular love songs instead of the usual music, and when the music stops, everyone must find a chair to sit on.

The person left standing is out. The last one seated is the winner.

Not only will it bring lots of laughter and excitement, but it’s also a great way to introduce students to different genres of love songs.

Valentine’s Day Charades

After the musical chairs wind down and the laughter subsides, it’s time to kick up the excitement a notch with a game of Valentine’s Day Charades.

This isn’t your ordinary charades game. No, this version is sprinkled with love and a dash of Valentine’s Day magic. Here’s how to play:

  • Prepare slips of paper with words or phrases related to love, like ‘Cupid,’ ‘chocolates,’ or ‘secret admirer.’
  • Let each student draw a slip and act it out without using any words.
  • The first person to guess correctly takes the next turn.

This game doesn’t just inspire giggles; it also helps students practice non-verbal communication. So, go ahead, let the love-filled guessing games begin!

Love-Themed Science Experiments

Diving into the fascinating world of science, you can explore love-themed experiments that thrill the minds of your middle school students while adding a touch of Valentine’s Day charm.

Think about creating a ‘Love Potion’ experiment; students can mix harmless ingredients that, when combined, create a fizzy, fun reaction, akin to the butterflies of first love.

Or, consider a ‘Heart Rate’ test, measuring how students’ pulses increase when they think about someone they care for.

It’s not only fun, but it also introduces concepts of chemistry and biology.

These experiments serve a dual purpose – they make learning interactive and fun, and also sneak in some valuable educational content.

Cupcake Decorating Contest

Unleashing the inner artist in your students, a Valentine’s Day cupcake decorating contest can be a sweetly creative way to celebrate.

Here’s how to do it:

  • Gather Supplies: Start by collecting all the needed materials. Think beyond just icing and sprinkles – offer a wide array of edible decorations like fondant shapes, candy hearts, and colored sugar.
  • Set the Rules: Make sure everyone understands what’s expected. For example, all decorations must be edible, and each participant has a set amount of time.
  • Judging: Decide on the criteria for judging. Will the most creative design win, or the one that best embodies the Valentine’s Day spirit?

This activity is fun, fosters creativity, and even incorporates a bit of friendly competition. Plus, everyone gets a delicious treat at the end!

DIY Valentine’s Day Decoration Ideas for Middle School Kids

Brimming with creativity, you can construct your own Valentine’s Day decorations, turning the classroom into a festive celebration of love and friendship.

You can start by making heart-shaped paper chains. All you’ll need is some colored paper, scissors, and glue.

Cut the paper into strips and loop them into heart shapes, then glue the ends together.

For a touch of sparkle, you could create glittery love letters. Cut out letters from cardboard, coat them in glue, then sprinkle with glitter . It’s a bit messy, but that’s part of the fun!

Don’t forget the classic doily hearts. Simple yet elegant, they can add a vintage touch to your decor.

What Love Means to Me Essay

Why not explore the profound topic of love through the medium of writing by penning down a heartfelt ‘What Love Means to Me’ essay?

This activity not only allows you to express your feelings and perspectives creatively, but also gives your classmates a glimpse of your unique viewpoint.

Here’s how you can get started:

  • Think about your experiences : Have you felt a deep bond with a friend, family member, or pet? That’s love.
  • Explore different aspects of love : It’s not just romantic; it can be platonic, familial, or even self-love.
  • Use examples : Share stories or incidents that shaped your understanding of love.

Valentine’s Day Movie Marathon

If you’re a fan of romantic flicks, hosting a Valentine’s Day movie marathon can be an exciting way to celebrate the day of love with your friends.

You can enjoy heartwarming classics like ‘The Notebook’ or light-hearted comedies like ’50 First Dates’. You’ll want to prepare a mix of films that cater to different tastes.

Don’t forget the popcorn, candy hearts and fizzy drinks! You could also make it a pajama party to add a cozy touch.

And why not take it up a notch by adding a fun game? You could play ‘movie bingo’ where you cross out squares for common romantic tropes.

A Valentine’s Day movie marathon isn’t just about the movies, it’s about sharing laughs, tears, and the magic of love stories with your friends.

Valentine’s Day Photo Booth for Both Middle and High School Students

Moving on from the cinematic celebrations, setting up a Valentine’s Day photo booth can add a fun and interactive element to your day.

You’ll not only create lasting memories, but also engage everyone in a heartwarming activity.

Here’s a simple way to set up your booth:

  • Choose a corner of the room and decorate it with festive streamers , balloons, and hearts.
  • Set up a camera on a tripod or have someone play photographer.
  • Provide fun props like hats, glasses, signs, and, of course, heart-shaped items!

Love Story Comic Strip Creation

Unleash your inner artist and spread some Valentine’s cheer by creating a love story comic strip.

This fun-filled activity doesn’t just allow you to showcase your creativity, but also helps you express your feelings in a unique way.

Start by sketching out your characters – they could be humans, animals, or even inanimate objects!

Then, frame a sweet, simple love story around them. This could be a story of how they meet, their first date, or their journey together.

Origami Heart Making Activities for Middle School

While your love story comic strip is a colorful display of affection, why not also try your hand at origami heart making, a perfect blend of creativity and sentiment?

It’s a simple yet thoughtful craft that really showcases the spirit of Valentine’s Day.

Here’s a quick guide:

  • Start with a square piece of paper .
  • Fold it in half both ways, then unfold it.
  • Fold the paper corner to corner, creating a triangle.
  • Unfold it and repeat with the opposite corners.
  • Push the top corner down to the center crease and fold the bottom corners up.

Give it a go! You’ll be impressed by your own handiwork. Plus, it’s a unique gift that students get to give to their friends and loved ones.

This is one of the best activities for Valentine’s Day. Happy crafting and spreading the love!

Valentine’s Day Themed Art Contest

Often, a Valentine’s Day themed art contest can serve as a fun and exciting platform for middle school students to express their creativity and love for art.

You can organize this event in your school, encouraging students to create art pieces inspired by Valentine’s Day.

Subjects could range from classic heart shapes and Cupids to abstract concepts of love and friendship.

This not only cultivates their artistic skills but also fosters a sense of community as they share their work with others.

You might even choose to display their masterpieces around the school, creating a festive atmosphere.

This is also one of the best activities for middle and high school students!

Remember, it’s not about winning, but about participating, exploring creativity, and most importantly, having fun!

Choosing Your Favorite Middle School Valentines Day Ideas

So, there you have it! Over 35 fun-filled Valentine’s Day activities to keep your middle schoolers engaged and entertained.

From creating DIY cards and origami hearts to organizing a love-letter contest or a themed scavenger hunt, there’s something for everyone.

Don’t forget the Valentine’s Day photo booth for those picture-perfect memories!

Remember, it’s all about spreading love and joy. So, get creative, have fun, and make this Valentine’s Day a memorable one for your students!

Get the scoop on more like this:

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The post 35+ Fun Activities for Middle School Valentines Day Ideas (2024) appeared first on Sarah Scoop .

Whether you’re a teacher searching for a fun-filled classroom activity, or you’re a parent eager to help your middle schooler get into the Valentine’s Day spirit, we’ve got you covered with some fun middle school Valentines Day ideas! 35+ Activities for Middle School Valentines Day Ideas We’ve curated over 35 innovative and engaging activities perfect …

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