A Simple Outdoor Activity to Build Collaboration Skills

As the new academic year begins, students return to the classroom, ready to find spaces that let them feel safe to learn and thrive. Teachers play a crucial role in creating these kinds of spaces. One way teachers can do this is by focusing on building their students’ collaboration skills, setting the foundations for successful communication and a strong community. In my classroom, I start building these collaboration skills right from the beginning of the year through an activity I call Finding the Nest.

A Simple Game With a Powerful Purpose

One evening, while walking through our school campus, I noticed a few bird nests hidden among the trees. An idea struck me: What if I used this real-life observation to teach my fourth-grade students about teamwork and collaboration in a fun and meaningful way?

The next day, I brought this into the classroom as a story. I told the students, “Yesterday, I saw something interesting... I spotted a few nests.” And then paused.

Immediately, hands shot up. “Where are they?” “What kind of nests?” Curiosity immediately filled the room.

I divided the class into four teams of four to five members each, using quick random counting, and gave them a mission to find the nests. My students took on the activity with great excitement. Each group would get five minutes to plan and five minutes to search. The team that found the most nests within the time limit would win.

Getting Ready to Work as a Team

After forming groups, students sat together with their teams. I explained the task again: “Your goal is to find four nests in the time given. You can decide your own strategy. Just discuss your ideas—there’s no need to write anything down.” I set a timer for five minutes and let them begin planning. Interestingly, a few students started sketching a rough blueprint of the school ground and began planning visually.

I reminded everyone to listen to all team members and maintain respectful behavior so no one would feel left out. I also asked them to be mindful of nature—look carefully, but don’t disturb any nests or trees.

I didn’t assign any specific roles. Instead, students divided tasks among themselves, and each child participated actively. While they discussed, I walked around to support the groups and gently reinforced the ground rules. I also reminded them to move quietly, as other classes were in session nearby.

To my surprise, they were completely focused and engaged. It felt like they were preparing for a real treasure hunt. Usually, collaborative reading or writing tasks require extra effort to keep students on track, but this time, a simple story and a bit of mystery were enough.

When the timer rang, I announced that planning time was over. The students rushed out in their teams to the school ground—a large rectangular space surrounded by trees. They eagerly searched the area, some scanning branches, others pointing and whispering observations. The space buzzed with energy, excitement, and teamwork.

They remained engaged and on-task throughout the activity. In the end, one team found three nests and was declared the winner.

Turning Experiences into Learning

Back in the classroom, we gathered in groups to reflect. The winning team explained that they had divided the members to search in different areas, set their minds on winning the game, and didn’t return until they found four nests. Two other teams followed a similar method—dividing tasks and covering different areas. They realized that although they used the same strategy, they lacked proper coordination and time management.

To deepen the learning, I asked a few reflective questions:

• How did your team decide who would search where?
• Was everyone’s idea heard?
• What worked well in your team’s planning and communication?
• What was one challenge your team faced, and how did you solve it?
• If you could do the activity again, what would you do differently?

These reflective questions got them thinking, and students were able to express the meaning of collaboration in their own words. They learned the importance of teamwork, time management, decision-making, and listening to one another—key real-world skills—through a joyful, hands-on experience. The reflection was a critical component of the activity, as this was where students solidified their learning and recognized how teamwork played a role in their success.

Looking for Alternatives?

Don’t worry if there are no bird nests around your school campus. The key is the structure of the activity, not the nests themselves.

You can create your own version by hiding messages, objects, or clues around the school for a treasure hunt or team-based search. Use themes that students are curious about—like animals, shapes, or plants. You could even simulate a mystery or puzzle that requires teamwork to solve.

The important part is to build anticipation before going outside and allow time for team planning beforehand and group reflection afterward. If possible, try to include a nature-based element—even something as simple as asking the students to observe the textures of leaves or the sounds around them.

Creating Meaningful Learning Moments

As educators, we have the power to turn everyday moments into meaningful learning. Plan lessons by understanding the diverse needs and interests of your students. Deliver them without losing focus on the learning objective. Let students experience learning, not just through textbooks. Encourage observation, ask thought-provoking questions, and give them space to reflect. This deepens their understanding and motivates them to learn.

You might be surprised how a small nest, a curious story, or a team mission can leave a lasting impact on your students—and on you.