If you enjoyed Group and Classroom Games and Group and Classroom Icebreakers, here are some more activities to use at the beginning of the school year or anytime.
What Do You Think. Ahead of time, make up four signs: Agree Strongly, Agree Somewhat, Disagree Somewhat, and Disagree Strongly. Hang a sign in each corner of the room. Make up a list of statement to ask your students. Statements can relate to students’ values and beliefs (I am pro-death penalty, I believe people are innocent until proven guilty, I think most people are basically honest), their abilities (I am good at math, I am a hard worker, I am organized) or their interests (I like to read, I enjoy sports, I like action movies). When each statement is read, students choose the statement that best reflects their own feelings, and move to that corner of the room. Students can even comment on why they chose the way they did, if they are comfortable doing so. This activity gets students to think about themselves and to see similarities and differences between themselves and others. You can even have students make up their own statements to present to the class, as well.
Treasure Hunt. Divide students into groups of 3-5 and give each a list of items/people to search for. The search can be classroom wide, building wide, or any other parameters that suit your needs and situation. This can be especially helpful to students coming to a new school or program (i.e., find a math teacher, find the gym, find a staff member whose last name begins with B.) Arrange with staff members beforehand to have them give students an item to prove they were successful (for example, if the task was to “find the nurse”, the nurse could give each team a band aid or other small item to bring back.) Teachers can also initial students’ list to show proof. This activity helps kids acclimate to a new situation, get used to talking to unfamiliar people, and helps kids work together as a team.
The Human Chain. Students stand in a tight circle. Each student reaches his arms into the center of the circle and clasps hands with two other students. Once everyone has grabbed hold, the task is to untangle the knot back into a circle without dropping hands. This is a great getting to know you activity that also helps with team building, problem-solving, and communication skills.
I spy. The leader chooses a random object in the classroom. Students take turns asking questions in an attempt to identify the object. Answers can only be in the form of yes or no. Students can ask questions to clarify color (is the object blue?), location (is the object near the door?), size (is the object smaller than a baseball?), purpose (is it something you write with?) or other qualities that will help them narrow down their options. This activity helps kids pay attention to details, listen to others, and categorize. This is also a great activity to have students lead, as well.
Susan Carney - I have been working as a middle school counselor with 6th and 7th grade students for the past thirteen years. I received a BA in ...
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