Hey there, folks! Welcome back to another exciting video on our channel. Today, we’re looking into a fantastic activity that’s tailor-made for breaking the ice on the first day of class. Whether you’re launching a summer course or embarking on a fresh academic year, this activity is your go-to solution. It’s versatile, adaptable, and suitable for all age groups and proficiency levels. So, let’s jump right in and discover how to make the first day of class an interactive and engaging experience for everyone involved.
The Activity Unveiled
Imagine this: a classroom buzzing with energy as you introduce yourself to your eager students. But hold on – it’s not going to be your typical “Hi, I’m Charlie from Bath” introduction. Brace yourself for an engaging twist that will set the tone for an exciting class dynamic.
The Interactive Introduction
Setting the Stage: Picture yourself at the whiteboard, a canvas for creativity. Write your name right in the center – that’s your starting point.
Answers to Questions: Next, jot down a series of answers that are related to personal information about you. For instance, you might write “Bath, UK” or “Director of Studies.” Each of these answers will correspond to a question that the students need to figure out.
Challenge Unveiled: Now, invite your students into the puzzle. They have to come up with the questions that match the answers you’ve written on the board.
If you need more ideas for that first class, then check out my lesson plan inspired by a Tik Tok video here.
Guiding Your Students
Modeling the Process: To demonstrate, help your students decode the connection between the answers and the questions. For instance, the answer “Bath, UK” matches with the question “Where are you from?” or “Where were you born?”
Building the Mind Map: Expand the mind map by adding a few more answers and corresponding questions. This could include elements like “History,” “Number 2,” or locations like “Thailand” and “South Korea.”
Active Student Participation
Pair Up and Guess: Now, team up your students in pairs. Each pair receives the task of deducing the questions that align with the answers you’ve prepared.
Sharing and Learning: Once the pairs have brainstormed their questions, have them share their interpretations with the class. This collaborative approach enhances engagement and encourages critical thinking.
Adapting to Different Levels
Tailoring Complexity: The beauty of this activity lies in its adaptability. Depending on the level of your students, you can adjust the complexity of the questions. Introduce more complex language structures or keep it simple and straightforward.
If you’re teaching one to one classes, then make sure to check out my post on how to teach your first one to one class!
The Power of Personal Connections
Fostering Connection: As students introduce themselves and decode each other’s answers and questions, connections begin to form. Encourage them to take note of common areas or shared interests.
Testing Throughout the Year: Capture the personal information shared during this activity. Throughout the year, periodically quiz students on these details. It not only helps them remember their classmates’ information but also reinforces the sense of community in your classroom.
If you find yourself at the end of the academic year rather than the beginning, check this post here.
And there you have it – an icebreaker activity that transforms the first day of class into an engaging adventure. With a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of curiosity, you’ve set the stage for a year filled with interactive learning and meaningful connections. So why wait? Dive into the excitement and kick-start your new academic journey with an activity that leaves a lasting impression. Catch you in our next video, where more captivating teaching strategies await!