Activities that are more fun when they are shared can help children value working cooperatively.

Materials:

• Butcher paper
• Crayons, markers, paint or other art supplies

Directions:

Ask the children to name things in the classroom that they all share, such as paper, crayons, scissors, and the chalkboard. Ask the children questions to help them make some "rules" for sharing the things that belong to everyone. You could ask questions such as:

• How can you find out if someone is finished using something? (Ask before taking something someone else has.)
• What should you do when you want to use something that someone else has? (Wait for them to finish their turn.)
• What things can be used by more than one person at a time?
• What can you do while waiting for your turn?

Have the children practice the "sharing rule" by making a class mural. Stretch a long piece of butcher paper across the floor. Children can share crayons, markers, paint or other art supplies as they create a picture. Talk with the children about sharing rules while they make the mural. Hang the mural for everyone to enjoy.

Back to Theme