The first weeks of a new school year are special. Everything feels fresh and new, but this period is also incredibly important for the atmosphere and cooperation in the classroom. In education, we call this starting period the golden weeks.
By consciously paying attention to this, you lay the foundation for a year full of cooperation, fun and success.
What are the golden weeks?
The golden weeks are the first six weeks of the school year. During these weeks, group formation is central. Students get to know each other, build trust, and practice agreements and routines.
The idea behind the golden weeks is simple: a good start has a positive effect on the rest of the school year. By investing in the group now, you prevent many problems later and ensure:
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A safe and pleasant group atmosphere
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Better cooperation and fewer conflicts
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Clear rules and expectations
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More engagement and motivation
The phases of group formation
During the golden weeks, the group often (unconsciously) goes through four phases:
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Forming – Getting to know each other and sounding out.
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Storming – Testing boundaries and having disagreements.
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Norming – Making agreements together and creating clarity.
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Performing – Effectively cooperating and achieving goals.
As a teacher or supervisor, you can support these phases with cooperative assignments and group activities that strengthen the bond.
Tips for a successful golden weeks activity
Do you want your group to emerge stronger from this period? Then choose activities that:
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Actively encourage cooperation
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Give everyone a role
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Combine challenge and fun
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Lead to shared experiences of success
Think of cooperative games, group assignments, and team-building activities where communication and cooperation are indispensable.
Escape room: the ultimate golden weeks activity
One of the most effective (and fun!) ways to stimulate group formation is an escape room.
Why? Because an escape room perfectly aligns with the goals of the golden weeks:
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Collaboration – Without teamwork, escaping is impossible.
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Communication – Sharing ideas, listening, and making plans.
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Problem-solving thinking – Creative and logical thinking as a team.
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Fun – Laughing together, feeling the tension, and celebrating a victory.
The ready-to-use escape games from MamaFeestBeest are ideal for the classroom. You download them directly, print the materials, and can get started right away. They are suitable for various ages and are packed with puzzles, riddles, and cooperative assignments.
In short: Do you want an activity during the golden weeks that strengthens group formation, stimulates cooperation, and is fun? Choose an escape room from MamaFeestBeest and make the start of the school year an unforgettable adventure.
View all escape games here and get started immediately!
