How to Foster Teamwork and Collaboration in Children

How to Foster Teamwork and Collaboration in Children

Teamwork and collaboration are two skills that keep giving returns all life long to your children. They will be using these skills everywhere and with everybody at all stages of their life. These skills help children not only handle challenges but also thrive in social settings, at school, and later in their careers. 

When they learn how to work with others, listen to different perspectives, and solve problems together, they’re better prepared for real-world challenges. But these skills don’t develop on their own. Just like reading or math, teamwork and collaboration must be taught, modelled, and practised. The good news? It does not require big speeches or expensive programs. All it requires is intention, consistency, and a few simple strategies. 

Let’s explore some practical ways to foster teamwork and collaboration in our children. 

1. Modelling

Children learn by imitation and modelling more than we give credit. They watch and absorb your words, your tone, and the way you treat others. If they see you cooperating with others, sharing responsibilities, and handling disagreements respectfully, they’ll likely do the same. 

But if they see you arguing, throwing tantrums, or speaking disrespectfully, chances are they will learn that “it's okay to behave in this manner.” And so, the next time they find themselves in a similar situation, they will react in the same manner. Thus, 

  • Let your child watch how you and your partner divide chores or make group decisions.

  • Narrate your actions: “I’m asking for help because it’s a big task, and I know we’ll get it done faster together.”

  • When you face a disagreement, show them how to compromise instead of insisting on your way.

2. Indoor Play & Activities

Play is a powerful, fun learning tool. In fact, it is in group activities that kids learn how to share, negotiate, and take turns. As such, choose games and activities that require cooperation. Some of the games you can explore are:

A. To The Top! | Matching, Balancing & Strategy Game

To The Top! is a simple matching & balancing game with a twist. Strategise & think on your feet as you ace this energetic family game. Stack the tiles with matching colours and shapes & race to be the first player to empty their tray and earn a super star.

What's included in the package?

  • 52 Wooden Shapes

  • 8 Power Cards

  • 1 Cloth Bag

  • 6 Super Stars

  • 4 Trays (Open up the boxes into trays!)

  • 1 Instruction Manual

B. World Map Puzzle | Floor Puzzle & Game

Assemble a 96-piece world map puzzle and embark on a fun and educational journey! This engaging board puzzle comes with 100 country cards for children to learn about the countries of the world and their capitals and discover 400+ fun facts!

Our educational puzzle games for kids are specially designed to make learning interactive and enjoyable, making them the perfect puzzle toys for kids 5 years and older.

What's included in the package?

  • 96 Puzzle Pieces

  • 100 Country Card

  • Reference Sheet

  • Instruction Manual

C. Ultimate Art & Craft Activity Chest

Your one-stop arts & crafts supply kit with over 2000 pieces of arts & crafts supplies for kids to express themselves through the power of creativity. From pom poms to glitter glue, this kit is packed with possibilities. Kids can follow the guide or create one-of-a-kind art.

What's included in the package?

  • Step-By-Step Activity Guide

  • Coloured Paper

  • Pom Poms

  • Googly Eyes

  • String

  • Pipe Cleaners

  • Coloured Felt

  • Feathers

  • Glitter Glue

  • Coloured Tape

  • Sequins

  • Gems

  • Glue

  • Straws

  • Scissors

  • Wooden Clips 

  • Candy Sticks

And this is just a glimpse of what Skillmatics offers. Explore our entire range for more!

3. Scavenger Hunts 

Scavenger hunts offer a perfect opportunity to blend teamwork with learning. Besides instilling teamwork and collaboration, scavenger hunts promote critical thinking and decision-making. With every clue they solve and items they find, children learn to:

  • Listen to each other’s ideas

  • Analyse them

  • Draw conclusions

4. ‘Create a Story’ Time

‘Create a story’ is perhaps one of the easiest ways to not only foster teamwork and collaboration but also:

  • Improve creative thinking

  • Enhance vocabulary & speaking skills

  • Induce structured thinking habits

For this activity, gather your children and their friends in a room. Map out the following for them:

  • 1-2 central characters,

  • 2-3 location options,

  • 4-5 objects to be included in the story. 

Next, tell your children that they are free to imagine these characters as they want and even introduce some more if they’d like. Probe them to jot down their characteristics and start creating a story. They can do this in two ways:

  • They all hurdle up and create the story together, OR

  • Take turns adding a line, one after the other. This way, they will have to listen patiently to everybody to build a coherent story. Moreover, every child then has the chance to voice their idea. 

If you want to make it even better, explore our magnetic board games for storytelling. Please read our blog, Enhancing Storytelling Skills Through Magnetic Board Games for Kids, to know all about it! 

5. Share Real-Life Anecdotes

Discuss the achievements of sports teams, defence groups, and individuals who achieved their vision with the help of others. You may also want to explain how institutions work, for example, their own school. Feel free to outline important departments and their roles, and focus on who helps who and how. 

Encourage them to share their experiences when they helped their friend win a game, complete their homework, and their experience of working on a group project. These reflections help kids internalise the value of collaboration beyond play.

Parent’s Note

Kids often hear praise for winning or being the best. But when it comes to collaboration, effort matters just as much as results.

  • Celebrate when your child shares, compromises, or helps a peer, even if the final product isn’t perfect.

  • Use phrases like: ‘I noticed how you waited your turn’ or ‘You and your friend worked together so well on that project.’

  • Highlight how teamwork made the difference: “You wouldn’t have finished that puzzle without helping each other.”

This kind of feedback teaches them that being a good team player is valuable in itself.

Let’s Push Our Children to Become Team Players

This is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to fostering teamwork and collaboration. There are so many team-building activities, one-minute partner games, project ideas, and everyday routines that you can explore as a parent. Whether it’s dividing household chores or setting up the dinner table, every small task is a chance to build teamwork. And remember — the best learning always happens when fun leads the way!

To The Top! | Matching, Balancing & Strategy Game (ages 6+) – Skillmatics UK

Ultimate Craft Set | Crafting Material | Skillmatics UK 

World Map Puzzle | Map Puzzle Game For Kids | Skillmatics UK

Back to blog