Well, it’s that time, teacher friends…the time during summer when I think I can put out back-to-school activities and you won’t try to hunt me down and slash my tires. This is always an iffy thing, because I know what it feels like to flip the switch between “teacher on summer break,” to “teacher getting ready for the school year.” If I ask you to flip that switch too soon, you’ll revolt—and with good reason. So here we go! Check out this terrific back-to-school activity. It helps break the ice and melt away those first day jitters.
Do You?
Getting ready: Make a list of questions that students will be able to answer by saying either “yes” or “no.” (See the suggestions below.)
Activity:
- Designate one side of the room for “yes” responses and the opposite side for “no” responses.
- Have students stand in the center of the room.
- Ask a question and have each student respond by quietly walking to the side of the room that matches his answer.
- Repeat Step 3 with several different questions.
- Wrap up the activity by pointing out that each student has a lot in common with various classmates.
Do you:
-like to play outdoors?
-have a brother?
-have a cat?
-ride the bus to school?
-walk to school?
-like the color green?
-have tennis shoes on today?
-like pizza?
-like spiders?
-have a dog?
-like cereal?
-like to play outside?
-like to read?
-have a sister?
-like to play sports?
-like to draw?
-like music?