With a new school year in the US, UK and across the Northern Hemisphere, I thought I'd share some crowd-sourced ideas and activities to connect with new students.
Here are 28 Activities and Ideas for Teachers to Get to Know Your New Students.
#backtoschool #megathread 🧵↓
Here are 28 Activities and Ideas for Teachers to Get to Know Your New Students.
#backtoschool #megathread 🧵↓
#1 - Coat of Arms
Students create a coat of arms or shield design that best represents them. Draw images or symbols that show:
🛡 Favourite subjects
🛡 Sports
🛡 Hobbies
🛡 Family
🛡 Places
🛡 Something they are good at
Use each child's shield in a class display.
Students create a coat of arms or shield design that best represents them. Draw images or symbols that show:
🛡 Favourite subjects
🛡 Sports
🛡 Hobbies
🛡 Family
🛡 Places
🛡 Something they are good at
Use each child's shield in a class display.
#2 - New Class Bingo
A bingo card each with different statements about each other. Such as:
🟢 has a brother
🟢 walks to school
🟢 has two sisters
🟢 does martial arts
Give the group time to talk to each other and get a signature in each box. Full house wins a prize!
A bingo card each with different statements about each other. Such as:
🟢 has a brother
🟢 walks to school
🟢 has two sisters
🟢 does martial arts
Give the group time to talk to each other and get a signature in each box. Full house wins a prize!
#3 - Poetic License Plates
Each student uses a piece of card in the dimensions of a license plate.
Name in large, colourful letters in the middle, place of birth, birthday, + symbols of fav things.
Some turn out to be very ornate with glitter + ribbons!
~ Christine Hutcher
Each student uses a piece of card in the dimensions of a license plate.
Name in large, colourful letters in the middle, place of birth, birthday, + symbols of fav things.
Some turn out to be very ornate with glitter + ribbons!
~ Christine Hutcher
#4 - 🟨 Post-It Power!
Give everyone 5 post-it notes and tell them to write one fact on each post-it note and stick it to their bodies.
Children walk around and meet each other.
Give everyone 5 post-it notes and tell them to write one fact on each post-it note and stick it to their bodies.
Children walk around and meet each other.
#5 - 🍡 Smarties Game
Take a handful of smarties & tell the following about yourself:
Red: 1 childhood fact
Pink: job/volunteering
Brown: last vacation
Purple: fav. past-time
Orange: tell 1 random fact
Lots of fun, esp with food {adjust the categories) @ccampbel14
Take a handful of smarties & tell the following about yourself:
Red: 1 childhood fact
Pink: job/volunteering
Brown: last vacation
Purple: fav. past-time
Orange: tell 1 random fact
Lots of fun, esp with food {adjust the categories) @ccampbel14
#6 - Just Like Me
Students stand in a circle with the teacher.
The teacher begins with a statement like, "I like computers."
Any students who do too stand up and say in unison "Just Like Me."
Teacher or students continue with other statements.
@ccampbel14
Students stand in a circle with the teacher.
The teacher begins with a statement like, "I like computers."
Any students who do too stand up and say in unison "Just Like Me."
Teacher or students continue with other statements.
@ccampbel14
#7 - Who's There?
Split the class into 2 groups.
Hold up a large sheet + ask 2 or 3 ch. to line up facing the sheet on each side. Make sure each team doesn't see who moved.
When the sheet drops ch. name the person opposite them as quickly as they can.
@kristianstill
Split the class into 2 groups.
Hold up a large sheet + ask 2 or 3 ch. to line up facing the sheet on each side. Make sure each team doesn't see who moved.
When the sheet drops ch. name the person opposite them as quickly as they can.
@kristianstill
#8 - Hardest Test of the Year
Set up the space for a test. Tell pupils this is the hardest test they will do all year. Quiz the class on facts about you. Creates a lovely opportunity for them to find out some ‘secrets’ so they feel special.
@MadameRosbif
Set up the space for a test. Tell pupils this is the hardest test they will do all year. Quiz the class on facts about you. Creates a lovely opportunity for them to find out some ‘secrets’ so they feel special.
@MadameRosbif
#9 - 🌉 Gatekeeper
Create a 'gate' from chairs or tables in the middle of your room, with the students on one side.
Call out a category (fav food, pet etc) + students find a partner to match their response. Only pass through the gate as a pair. No repeat pairs.
@davestacey
Create a 'gate' from chairs or tables in the middle of your room, with the students on one side.
Call out a category (fav food, pet etc) + students find a partner to match their response. Only pass through the gate as a pair. No repeat pairs.
@davestacey
#10 - Name tags
It can be hard in secondary to find time for 'getting to know you'. This is designed to work in a limited time.
Give students A4 card, fold lengthways. 5 mins to create a name tag with name + images for interests / hobbies / fav topics from last year.
@davestacey
It can be hard in secondary to find time for 'getting to know you'. This is designed to work in a limited time.
Give students A4 card, fold lengthways. 5 mins to create a name tag with name + images for interests / hobbies / fav topics from last year.
@davestacey
#11 - Guess Who?
Students write, on a card, the following:
Something I have in common with everyone in the class….
Something I have in common with several people…
Something I have in common with a f ew people…
Something I have in common with no one in the class….
@hdurnin
Students write, on a card, the following:
Something I have in common with everyone in the class….
Something I have in common with several people…
Something I have in common with a f ew people…
Something I have in common with no one in the class….
@hdurnin
#12 - Learn Their Names On Day 1
Everyone has to choose a career starting with the 1st letter of their name. Tom the truck driver, Jim the judge, etc.
As each student says name + job, repeat it back and repeat every name and job given so far.
Everyone has to choose a career starting with the 1st letter of their name. Tom the truck driver, Jim the judge, etc.
As each student says name + job, repeat it back and repeat every name and job given so far.
#13 - 🔔 Phonemes
Sit the class in a circle + figure out 1st name's phoneme (e.g. 'Sss' for Sally, 'Sh' for Charlotte - emphasis on sound, not letter)
Pick an adjective with the same phoneme ('Silly Sally')
Repeat the names in succession as you go round the circle. @mwclarkson
Sit the class in a circle + figure out 1st name's phoneme (e.g. 'Sss' for Sally, 'Sh' for Charlotte - emphasis on sound, not letter)
Pick an adjective with the same phoneme ('Silly Sally')
Repeat the names in succession as you go round the circle. @mwclarkson
#14 - Register Favourites
Before taking the register, tell the class instead of saying present/here they can name their favourite colour, past time, sport, TV show, food, subject, music, song.
It's a great way to start the day. Don't forget you also have to join in.
@kvnmcl
Before taking the register, tell the class instead of saying present/here they can name their favourite colour, past time, sport, TV show, food, subject, music, song.
It's a great way to start the day. Don't forget you also have to join in.
@kvnmcl
#15 - Large Name Tags
Students write their name in the centre of landscape paper or card. In 4 corners draw + colour:
1. Fav place on Earth
2. Fav thing to do
3. Someone who taught me something
4. A time I spent 3 great days in a row
Students share with a partner.
@msnorthrup
Students write their name in the centre of landscape paper or card. In 4 corners draw + colour:
1. Fav place on Earth
2. Fav thing to do
3. Someone who taught me something
4. A time I spent 3 great days in a row
Students share with a partner.
@msnorthrup
#16 - 'Get-To-Know-You' Google Form
Create a Google Form that contains any questions you want to ask your new class.
You might want to include an option where they can ask you some questions too.
@OhLottie
Create a Google Form that contains any questions you want to ask your new class.
You might want to include an option where they can ask you some questions too.
@OhLottie
Wow, this is a #megathread If you are still here, I am proud of you 👏👏
All of these ideas are starting points for investing in relationships with your students. Here are some other ideas for how to build better relationships.
edte.ch/blog/2019/10/0…
All of these ideas are starting points for investing in relationships with your students. Here are some other ideas for how to build better relationships.
edte.ch/blog/2019/10/0…
#17 - 🖐🖐 Gimme 10!
Ch. draw around hands (in pairs) On 1 hand, write things they are good at/achievements
On the other hand they write targets/wishes/dreams/ how they wish their teacher to be/etc
A lovely display to start the year and gave some ideas for circle time.
@anhalf
Ch. draw around hands (in pairs) On 1 hand, write things they are good at/achievements
On the other hand they write targets/wishes/dreams/ how they wish their teacher to be/etc
A lovely display to start the year and gave some ideas for circle time.
@anhalf
#18 - 🖐 Hello Hands
Ch. to draw around their hand, or friend helps. Or predrawn if hands too little or poor motor skills.
Draw or write facts about themselves on the fingers w/ a picture of themselves in the middle.
You have 'hello hands' + an instant display. @lilythefairy
Ch. to draw around their hand, or friend helps. Or predrawn if hands too little or poor motor skills.
Draw or write facts about themselves on the fingers w/ a picture of themselves in the middle.
You have 'hello hands' + an instant display. @lilythefairy
#19 - "That's me!"
"Who has 1 or more sisters" students who do say "That's me!" and stand up.
"Who has 1 or more dogs" Students stand up "That's me!"
Questions can be adjusted for information that you would want to gather about the student to make it fun and exciting.
"Who has 1 or more sisters" students who do say "That's me!" and stand up.
"Who has 1 or more dogs" Students stand up "That's me!"
Questions can be adjusted for information that you would want to gather about the student to make it fun and exciting.
#20 - 🗺📍Google Map Me!
Create a New Map via Google Maps and have students add to it showing where they come from!
Great if you have many students from various countries and cultures! You can then even open it up to other classes and cohorts!
@CorrieB
Create a New Map via Google Maps and have students add to it showing where they come from!
Great if you have many students from various countries and cultures! You can then even open it up to other classes and cohorts!
@CorrieB
#21 - 📰 Future Me - News report!
You have left school and are now following your dreams! The local paper interviews you about your success.
BRAINSTORM: What are you successful at? How did you reach your goals? What have you achieved? bit.ly/bXPQOY @carlaleeb
You have left school and are now following your dreams! The local paper interviews you about your success.
BRAINSTORM: What are you successful at? How did you reach your goals? What have you achieved? bit.ly/bXPQOY @carlaleeb
#22 - 💸 Take my wallet!
Sit in a circle and hand your wallet/purse to the child next to you. Ch. take an item and pass it on until all have something from the wallet.
They examine the item carefully + share one thing they now know about you they didn't before.
@TeachWrightUK
Sit in a circle and hand your wallet/purse to the child next to you. Ch. take an item and pass it on until all have something from the wallet.
They examine the item carefully + share one thing they now know about you they didn't before.
@TeachWrightUK
#23 - Odd one Out
4 pictures on a table about the teacher. Students pick which is the odd one out and why. Diff set for each table.
Egs: Food, cities lived in, sports, pets.Good chance to work together, discuss ideas and get to know the teacher a little.
@thisisliamm
4 pictures on a table about the teacher. Students pick which is the odd one out and why. Diff set for each table.
Egs: Food, cities lived in, sports, pets.Good chance to work together, discuss ideas and get to know the teacher a little.
@thisisliamm
#25 - Five picture stories
Students select five photos that tell a little bit about their life.
Photos may be uploaded to Voicethread or a similar site for each student to then add some basic narration and storytelling
@mjmontagne
Students select five photos that tell a little bit about their life.
Photos may be uploaded to Voicethread or a similar site for each student to then add some basic narration and storytelling
@mjmontagne
#26 - ⏰ Timeline and Rights
Get to know your students' background and aspirations quickly by designing their "timeline".
Also, set out their rights and responsibilities as a student in their new school.
Students can present back and discuss their creations.
@gmcict
Get to know your students' background and aspirations quickly by designing their "timeline".
Also, set out their rights and responsibilities as a student in their new school.
Students can present back and discuss their creations.
@gmcict
#27 - 🎂 Birthday line
Get in a line based on birthday. Arranged by month AND by date within each month.
The catch = no talking. When class have decided they are in the correct order, check by asking each student what their birthday is.
@noeleenleahy
Get in a line based on birthday. Arranged by month AND by date within each month.
The catch = no talking. When class have decided they are in the correct order, check by asking each student what their birthday is.
@noeleenleahy
#28 - ✍️ Class Autobiography
In groups spend 10 mins learning about each other.
Each group introduces each other to the whole group.
Take a fun photo, add their ‘interesting facts’ to a presentation.
@noeleenleahy
In groups spend 10 mins learning about each other.
Each group introduces each other to the whole group.
Take a fun photo, add their ‘interesting facts’ to a presentation.
@noeleenleahy
You made it. 👏🎉 Thanks to all the amazing educators who shared their ideas.
I hope you find something that helps you start building great student relationships. Good luck with the start of the term.
Here's a TLDR summary:
I hope you find something that helps you start building great student relationships. Good luck with the start of the term.
Here's a TLDR summary:
Before you go, if you found this thread useful:
1) Follow me @tombarrett for provocations, ideas and mental models, about learning, leadership and innovation.
2) Check out my weekly email for some Friday inspiration to enhance your practice.
edte.ch/blog/newslette…
1) Follow me @tombarrett for provocations, ideas and mental models, about learning, leadership and innovation.
2) Check out my weekly email for some Friday inspiration to enhance your practice.
edte.ch/blog/newslette…
It feels like I have been writing this for a week. Kudos to anyone still here, I think even I have had enough.
I would direct you to another thread I have written but, honestly, this has taken so long I just want to have a lie-down. 🛌
Stay safe + let me know what resonates.
I would direct you to another thread I have written but, honestly, this has taken so long I just want to have a lie-down. 🛌
Stay safe + let me know what resonates.
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