Cooperation means working together toward a common goal. This is common in environments where teamwork is valued and less evident in competitive situations where people focus on themselves. For young people, learning to cooperate can be challenging when personal interests arise, but it can be strengthened with the right guidance.
The All About Cooperation handout is a resource that aims to teach clients to build a mindset that strengthens friendships and creates a sense of belonging. It features a simple “cooperation” checklist of key behaviors like listening, sharing, taking turns, and compromising. It also includes an easy-to-remember "GROUPS" acronym to make working together simple.
Learning how to cooperate helps reduce loneliness and prevent isolation by creating deeper connections with peers. Giving kids and teens opportunities to participate in group tasks can further strengthen these skills and improve communication.
Caring adults can arrange or set up activities that involve teamwork. For example, they can introduce engaging tasks, such as building projects or team sports.
This handout pairs well with our Cooperation Worksheets.
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References:
- Berman, T., Plante, I., & Roy, M. (2024). It takes two: Examining the dynamic nature of cooperative behavior in adolescents. Frontiers in Psychology, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1269016
- Majolo, B., Maréchal, L., Igali, F., & Van de Vyver, J. (2023). Cooperation and group similarity in children and young adults in the UK. Evolutionary Human Sciences, 5. https://doi.org/10.1017/ehs.2023.25
- Martínez-Velázquez, E. S., Ponce-Juárez, S. P., Díaz Furlong, A., & Sequeira, H. (2024). Cooperative behavior in adolescents: A contribution of empathy and emotional regulation? Frontiers in Psychology, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1342458
- Veldman, M., Doolaard, S., Bosker, R., & Snijders, T. (2020). Young children working together. Cooperative learning effects on group work of children in grade 1 of primary education. Learning and Instruction, 67, 101308. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.learninstruc.2020.101308
