# Never Give Up Challenge Welcome to the **Never Give Up Challenge**, an engaging 10-minute game designed to foster perseverance and teamwork among 11th-grade students. This activity is versatile: it can be played as a whole-class activity, in small groups, or with a partner. --- ## Game Overview **Objective:** - To illustrate the value of never giving up, even when challenges arise. - To encourage teamwork, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving. **Formats:** 1. **Class-wide:** All students participate together. 2. **Small Group:** Divide the class into small teams of 3-5 students. 3. **Partner:** Students pair up to face challenges together. --- ## Instructions 1. **Introduction (2 minutes):**
Begin by briefly discussing the concept of perseverance. Ask students to share real-life examples where they or someone they know did not give up despite difficulties.

2. **Challenge Setup (1 minute):**
Explain that each team/partner/class will receive a challenge that they must complete using teamwork and creative thinking. Stress that the focus is on maintaining efforts even when the task seems difficult.

3. **The Challenge (5 minutes):**
Present the challenge. Below are a few options to choose from, or allow the class to vote on one: - **Puzzle Challenge:** Assemble a jigsaw puzzle in record time. Pieces are initially scattered, forcing everyone to work quickly and efficiently together. - **Obstacle Course:** Create a mini obstacle course in the classroom using chairs, tables, and other safe items where teams must navigate through a series of physical and mental challenges (e.g., solving a riddle before proceeding). - **Word Relay:** Form a chain where each student must add one word to a story, but with a twist—before adding, each student must solve a quick brain teaser. Each option is engineered to test persistence and teamwork. Adjust instructions as needed to suit the pace and context of the class.

4. **Debrief (2 minutes):**
After the challenge, gather the students and discuss: - What strategies helped them overcome difficulties? - How did teamwork contribute to completing the task? - What could be improved next time? Allow students to share their reflections and insights.

--- ## Follow-Up Discussion Questions - **Teamwork:** How did your group decide on the best approach when faced with obstacles?

- **Problem-Solving:** What was the most challenging part of the game, and how did you try to solve it?

- **Mindset:** How did maintaining a 'never give up' attitude influence your approach throughout the challenge? --- ## Extensions For classes or groups with extra time, consider these optional extensions: - **Reflection Journal:** Have students write a one-paragraph reflection on a personal experience of overcoming a challenge, linking it to the game. - **Group Brainstorm:** Allow groups to come up with their own challenges related to never giving up and then swap with another group. --- Enjoy the **Never Give Up Challenge!** Let's embrace every obstacle as an opportunity to learn and grow. --- For further details or additional resources, please visit [Never Give Up Challenge](#never-give-up-challenge).

Game

Never Give Up Challenge

Brandi Keezel