Fun Lessons for the First Day of School
Ideas for Teachers for Getting to Know New Students
Aug 23, 2009
Many kids arrive uneasy about new teachers, classes and schedules (as well as upset that summer is over). Teachers should strive to make that first day back to school relaxing, yet informative. Getting kids talking, writing, and conversing is a nice way to begin building a good rapport from the get go. Here are some ideas.
"My Hypothetical Summer"
Students sometimes have difficulty remembering what all they did and accomplished over the summer. After all, trying to sum up three months can be a challenge.
Instead of having kids talk about what they did, teachers might have kids write about what they wish they could have done. When done writing about what they wished they could have done, they could possibly juxtapose these activities with what they actually did. Have them read their papers aloud. This is a fantastic way to get to know your kiddos, as they will reveal what they love to do and who are they interested in as far as music, movies, artists and entertainers go.
"I Wish Others Knew…"
Some teachers have students reveal at least one thing they wish their classmates knew about them. This can be a fantastic, non-threatening lesson because kids can choose to reveal what they did for summer, an inspiring piece of news, or just a characteristic about themselves others may not know. Oftentimes students will be surprised by what they don't know about one another.
Two Truths and a Lie
This activity requires students to tell the rest of the class their name, two truths about themselves, plus one lie. The rest of the class should try to figure out which of the three pieces of information is false. If students think hard and are clever enough, the class will definitely have a hard time deciphering which is truth, and which is fiction.
Memorize This!
Begin this Day One lesson by having students stand up and introduce themselves to the class by name, accompanied by one other important fact: their birthday, their pet’s name, where they were born, or whatever the teacher chooses to add to the list.
Allow kids to take notes on their classmates’ factoids, and once all introductions are complete, allow the brave ones the opportunity stand and to see who has memorized everyone’s name and additional info for prize or a free homework pass.
Try one of these lessons to keep the first day back to school fun and student-centered while fluctuating schedules and new arrivals are still being ironed out. These lessons require very little preparation, and best of all, no grading. Now that’s relaxing!
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