Do You See What I See? Teamwork – Why this picture became an essential tool in my program

Photo credit: Getty Images

I regularly use this image to set the tone for our team-building unit with First-Grade classes. I project the image on a screen as we discuss what teamwork looks and sounds like. It remains on the screen while I present the students with several small group challenges offering opportunities to demonstrate and enhance their abilities to make compromises, support each other, and resolve conflicts. The image not only sets the tone but also serves as a tool for cognitive perspective taking or the ability to recognize different points of view and thoughts. 

Observing and facilitating team-building lessons can be a challenge for me as an educator since students at all levels are grasping for the necessary tools to share ideas and navigate cooperative settings. More often than not, children want to be heard, so toward the end of every class we sit in a circle to process the day’s lesson, and I ask them, “What worked well? What were some obstacles? Did anyone hear “teamwork”? What did teamwork look like with your group? Did anyone feel frustrated?” 

As beneficial as each hands-on activity is for a small group, the above image proves time and time again to be an equally powerful learning tool when processing teamwork. 

I ask the class to look at the picture and give them at least one minute of thinking time before asking them for their initial thoughts. What ensues is a robust, thoughtful discussion on what they observe in the picture. 

This is where it takes their minds:

“I see three people helping each other so they don’t fall.”

“I see a boy who needs help because he can’t make it over the cliff.”

“The man reaching for the boy is afraid he is going to fall so the other two are helping him balance.”

“They are working together as a team to help each other.”

Each class discussion is sprinkled with comments similar to the ones above.  I’m encouraged that they notice the need for help, the physical support, and how each team member plays an important role. When prompted, they also connect the picture to the challenges presented during class.

Related post: Motivate Your Class with a Meaningful Quote and Image

As the discussion continues, the person in the back has always sparked more conversation and perspective-taking: 

One student asked: “Why is the person in the back just watching?” Other students chimed in, “Yes! Why isn’t he helping? The team would be better if everybody helped.” 

These are thoughtful, important observations, especially since I preach that everybody on a team has an important role. Some are big, some are small but each job relates to the team’s success.

Interestingly, some students are more optimistic and give the last man the benefit of the doubt. Instead of disinterest or seeing the man as helpless, they comment on his role as an encourager or emotional and physical support.

“I think he is cheering them on.”

“Maybe the last person came up with the plan.”

“He is ready to grab the last man’s hand if needed.”

“When the other three pull him up, the last man will be there to catch him.”

It’s these conversations that make this picture so powerful. Students can share their observations and discuss their perspectives. Equally as important they can see themselves in that image. They picture themselves the leaders, encouragers, or planners. These connections are made not only to our day’s lesson but also to how they maneuver through their day, whether at school, in a club, on the playground, or within their family. 

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