critter crisis: group design task for the first week at school

Children had to design and make a stand for a 'communication critter' (a pom pom with googly eyes which I use to reward good communication skills. I have the communication critter poster on TES too.) which could sit on the shelf unit to see over the class. I gave each team a selection of materials including: lolly sticks, straws, tinfoil, wool, pipe cleaners, paper and muffin cases. I gave them timings in order to complete the challenge in 30 minutes so we had time after to discuss good team working skills. A good way to observe team working skills and how the children communicated with one another in order to set goals for the first term. Also helped children to see how they could work better with one another.