Teamwork Poem Summary Notes and Line by Line Explanation in English Class 5th

Back to: CBSE Class 5th English Guide and Notes

Introduction

Jan Nigro’s poem ‘Teamwork’ highlights the importance of cooperation, connection, and teamwork. It teaches the children that if they work collectively, nothing can stop them from reaching their goals. Furthermore, it demonstrates how immensely satisfying it is to share the joy with a group of people working towards the same goal as you. To illustrate the happiness obtained from teamwork, the poet has utilized practical examples such as a basketball game or a relay race.

Theme Of The Poem

Harmony, discipline, and teamwork are all important aspects of a team; when we work together, the stress and difficulties are reduced. Teamwork, according to the poet, is crucial. Working together, we can make our goals a reality. And teamwork also enables us to share our pleasures of accomplishment as a group. A  relay race cannot continue if the baton is not passed. When we work together, we grow stronger, and achieving our shared goal becomes much easier.

Stanza 1

Teamwork, teamwork, 
Together we can make our dream work. 
Then we'll share the joy of what we've done, 
Teamwork, everyone!

In the poem’s first line, the poet praises teamwork. He goes on to explain that if we all work together, we can turn our goals into reality. Then we can talk about how happy we are with what we’ve done. As a result, the poet advises children to understand the value of working together.

Stanza 2

It's fun to shoot the basketball through the hoop, 
But if nobody passes then nobody shoots. 
And the relay race just can't go on, 
If nobody wants to pass the baton.

The poet continues adding that shooting the basketball through the basket is fun and exciting, but no one shoots if no one passes the ball.  In this instance, teamwork is necessary to keep the game enjoyable. He goes on to say that if no one wants to hand the baton, the relay race will be cancelled since the goal of a relay race is for a team to work together to win.

Stanza 3

We're the parts that make up the whole, 
And we've got our eyes on a common goal. 
Sometimes it can be a big plus, 
When a you or a me becomes an us!

We are the components that make up the whole, and we have our eyes focused on a collective goal, the poet explains. He says when you (children) or a me (the poet) becomes us, it can be considered a huge bonus!