This week signalled the start of the year for most schools
across Australia. The opening days of the new school year are a
great opportunity to get to know your students. Research has shown
that students who feel connected and have a relationship with a
significant adult are less likely to experience mental health
difficulties.
I'll always remember a great piece of advice I got from one of
my university lecturer's
when you take the attendance
roll in your first class - find out who is in the classroom (eg
mark you roll) then find out about who is sitting in front of you
(e.g. find out one important thing about each student's life
outside the classroom and remember it!)
Although he gave me this advice many moons ago, even back then
the importance of connection between teacher and student was
recognised. His belief was that if you know something about a
student from outside of the classroom - it always gives you a topic
of conversation. A simple conversation about something important to
a student can be reinforcing of the relationship you have with that
student. It will build trust and confidence between you so that if
ever that student is going through a tough time, they will feel
that you are someone they can come to for advice and support. And
it was one of the best pieces of advice I ever used with my
classes!
So, with that in mind, here's some lesson ideas to help you find
out about who is sitting in your classroom …
1. eIntroductions:
This can be done before school starts or at the conclusion
of your first lesson.
Write an email to each of your students in which you introduce
yourself and your subject area. Tell them about your hopes for the
new school year and some of the fun things you'll be doing in
class. In addition, tell students a few personal things about
yourself such as your hobbies, what you enjoyed most over the
summer holidays, favourite bands, TV shows etc.
Throughout the email ask them questions that they can respond to
such as asking them about their school holidays, what they are
really good at, what they like most about your subject, what they
like least, favourite sporting teams, hobbies, favourite music, TV
shows, their pets etc.
Ask students to write a reply to your email in which they will
need to answer your questions and tell you about themselves. This
is a great way to get to know each other in a personal way and you
get to keep students reposnses on record so you can go back to them
and refresh your memory about their hobbies/internests etc.
2. Headlines
Ask students to write a headline that best describes them. This
headline might be a quote, a familiar expression, or in reference
to something that they have achieved. Collect each of the headlines
and then read them aloud to the class one at a time. Ask students
to guess the name of the person each headline describes. As a fun
twist you could ask students to then create a headline that best
describes what they would like to achieve in your subject by the
end of the year.
3. You're a poet and you don't even know
it!
This is a simple activity where each student uses the letters in
his or her name to create an acrostic poem. Tell students they must
include words that tell something about themselves -- for example,
something they like to do or a personality or physical trait.
4. Two Truths and a dream
Two Truths and a Dream Wish is an interesting variation to the
classic Two Truths and a Lie icebreaker. In this version of the
game students must state two truths and something that is not true
- yet something that they wish to be true. For example, someone
that has never been to the snow might say: "I learnt to ski when I
was young."
Get started on the right foot ...
So think of these first few days as a great way to start
creating connections with students, and who knows you might be that
one significant adult who can make a difference in a student's
life.
Have you used any icebreakers or
getting to know you activities with your classes that have worked a
treat? Share your ideas below through the comments box.