Here in our GT class at Merriwether Elementary School, we are working on teamwork. Even adults need to know teamwork skills because you work with people in your job, with your family and in your neighborhood. You need this so you'll get your jobs done and still have friends.

One thing about teamwork is speaking slowly and clearly so people can understand you. If they can't understand you, they're going to do something wrong. If they understand you, they will do the right thing.

Body language is another thing to work on. If you have clenched hands and crossed arms and legs, people might think you are angry. People would talk to you if you're relaxed because they think maybe you are not angry with them.

Another good thing to do in a team activity is to accept other's ideas without saying, "That's a dumb idea," or "That's the dumbest idea ever." You should say, "That's good, but it might not work." If you say mean comments, people might not like you and your work might not get done.

Last but not least, you should ask questions when somebody else is finished talking. That way you know what they are talking about. If you don't ask questions, you may not know what to do. If you ask questions, then you'll know what to do.

All of these things are good to remember when you are needing to work with other people to get a team project done.