Trusty Team Lesson Plan
Our Trusty Team
Lesson Plan: Building Cohesion & Language Skills
Duration 30 Min
Why This Matters
Building trust and cohesion creates a safe and supportive learning environment, crucial for Long Term English Learners (LTELs) to feel comfortable participating. The integrated speaking, listening, and writing practice directly supports ELPAC skill development in a meaningful context.
Objective
Students will actively listen to peers, articulate their thoughts clearly, and record group contributions to build trust and group cohesion, while simultaneously practicing listening, speaking, and writing skills for ELPAC preparation.
Prep & Materials
- Time: 10 minutes preparation
- Review lesson plan, slide deck, and activity worksheet.
- Prepare whiteboard/chart paper and markers.
- Ensure students have pens/pencils.
Instructional Steps
1
Warm-up & Introduction
5 Minutes
- Greet students and ask: "What does it mean to be a good team member?"
- Introduce the lesson title and goal of building trust. Use Slide 1 to set the stage.
- Briefly explain how today's activity helps practice listening, speaking, and writing—key for English language development (ELPAC).
2
Collaborative Storytelling
20 Minutes
- Divide students into small groups (3-4 students). Distribute the Activity Worksheet.
- Explain the activity: One student starts a story, the next adds a sentence. Emphasize active listening to build on ideas.
- Story Starter: "One sunny morning, a tiny bird with bright blue feathers..."
- Facilitate: Circulate and encourage descriptive language. (Speaking & Listening practice).
- Writing: Instruct each student to choose one part of the story and write 2-3 sentences about it on their worksheet. (Writing practice).
- Share: Ask each group to share one interesting sentence or idea. Highlight creative teamwork.
3
Cool-down & Reflection
5 Minutes
- Discuss: "How did listening carefully help your group?" and "What was easy or challenging about adding to an idea?"
- Have students complete the Reflection Questions on their worksheet individually.
- Collect worksheets and thank students for their teamwork.
Audience: Long Term English Learners (Middle School/High School). This lesson integrates ELPAC-aligned skills in a low-stakes, high-engagement collaborative format.
Trusty Team Slides
Welcome to Our Trusty Team!
Today's Goals:
- Build trust and work together as a team.
- Practice listening, speaking, and writing in English!
Teacher Notes: Welcome students and set a positive tone. Ask: "What does it mean to be a good team member?" Listen to a few responses. Introduce the lesson title and explain that today is about working together to build trust. Mention the ELPAC connection.
Collaborative Storytelling!
How it Works:
- 1 Work in small groups.
- 2 One person starts a story with one sentence.
- 3 The next person adds another sentence.
- Listen carefully to your teammates!
Story Starter:
"One sunny morning, a tiny bird with bright blue feathers..."
Your Story, Your Words!
- Think about your group's story.
- Choose one part you liked or found interesting.
- Write 2-3 sentences on your worksheet.
- (Remember to summarize or add details!)
Let's Discuss:
- How did listening help your team?
- What was easy or challenging about adding to the story?
Your Turn to Write:
Complete the reflection questions on your worksheet.
Trusty Team Activity
Our Trusty Team
Collaborative Storytelling
Name
Date
Work with your group to create a story! Each person will add one sentence at a time, building on what your teammates say. Listen carefully to make your story flow!
Part 1
Group Story Contributions
As your group tells its story, listen carefully. Use the space below to jot down key ideas or descriptive words you hear.
Story Starter:
"One sunny morning, a tiny bird with bright blue feathers..."
Part 2
My Part of the Story
Choose one part of your group's story that you liked. Write 2-3 sentences about it. You can summarize what happened or add more details.
My chosen part of the story:
Part 3
Reflecting on Our Team
1. What did your group do well to build on each other's ideas?
2. How did listening to your teammates help you contribute to the story?
3. What is one thing you learned about working in a team today?
Great Teamwork!
