Please go to Post 68 and then come back here. Thanks.
“Every
journey begins with a simple thought.”
They Go Over The Class Rules
I'd like to get a nice collection of icebreakers. I asked the Canadian
navy but they don't have any extra to lend out. So I'd like to ask my fellow
teachers :)
Let's briefly describe our icebreaker idea and state what levels it might be appropriate for, or what age groups.
Mine is the "Lie game" and I've adapted the common variety of this game. works with any level but dead beginners. See this post for more options.
1. Write 4 sentences on the board.
a) I have .........................
b) I can ...........................
c) I am ..........................
d) I don't ............................
2. Read the students your sentences, completed. 3 are true, 1 is a lie. Students must guess which one they think is a lie about their teacher.
3. Give each student a blank piece of scrap A4 paper and a marker.
Ask the students to write down clearly, their own 4 sentences. One must be a lie.
4. When they are finished tell them to scrunch their paper up into a ball. Ask them
what they think you will do next ? If they don't guess, say "Snowball fight!" Allot
1 min for them to throw their ball at others in the room. They can pick up the balls near them and return fire.
5. After 1 min, ring your bell. Students pick up a snowball nearest them and unwrap it. Make sure everyone has a snowball.
6. In turns, each student reads out the sentences on their snowball paper. Students listen and try to guess who it is in the class. If they can't guess. Ask and that student raises their hand. Give that student back their paper. They then read the sentences again and the class decides which is the lie.
7. Continue until the whole class is finished. It gets easier to guess, as less students are possible. If your class is too large, you can only do some of them and then collect the unread papers and guess to begin the class next lesson.
Sounds maybe a bit complicated but it isn't. And it's loads of fun and really relaxes the class. With higher level students you can change the target sentence structures to something more challenging.....I often use, I wish I were/had/could.....
What is your fav. icebreaker? Here are a few favs of another author... Also see this discussion and this discussion
David
Discussions Series Twenty-one
Topic 58
What should I do the first day of classes? Neither the students nor I
will have books or the class objectives/curriculum by then. What do I talk
about or do? Manager's Choice
Duane Flanigan TEFL Instructor at Greater
Circle Learning Institute
You, Wilfredo Vega
Pabón and 8 others like
this
International Recruitment Consultant at Capita Education Resourcing
If the class is a fixed class ( a class for a year or a term) we would
play getting to know you games then I would get the students to create the
class rules.
In small groups the students create a do's and don't's list. Each group makes one list for the teacher and one list for the students then we collect them all together and choose the best ones.
In small groups the students create a do's and don't's list. Each group makes one list for the teacher and one list for the students then we collect them all together and choose the best ones.
I can be very funny and establishes what the students expect from the
teacher and what is expected from them. If you set a rule that everynoe need to
make at least one rule for for the teacher and the class, you can get a good
idea of the levels of the students.
English instructor at Tokai University, Aoyama Gakuin University
Something I do in the first class is to give the students a written
introduction about me. They read silently while I read it out loud. They then
turn the letter over and for about fifteen minutes write a reply introducing
themselves. I get a writing sample and good information about them by doing
this.
Haven't you had any training? This topic should have been covered
there..........and if you are a teacher, you should really have ideas! now,
looking at the above,you are spoiled for choice! Good luck.
pretest. What else is there?
Owner at EnglishWithMrStan
I agree Michael . . . if you don't find out what your students know . .
. how can you decide what to teach. For beginning ESL students this requires
reading, writing, hearing & speaking as the class can be (and always is)
multilevel within those categories. So I like to give them a blank sheet of
paper and write on the board "Write about You!" . . . then act it out
for them . . . no further clues or suggestions . . . except "in
English!" if needed. When they are finished I have them turn the paper
over and write about themselves in their L1. This gives you a quick visual clue
as to their vocabulary, writing ability & spelling in English. The L1 work
can tell you how much formal education and writing experience they have had
even if you don't know that language by its style and fluidity. Then a quick 5
question oral quiz with each student can tell you if they understand spoken
English and can respond confidently or not. I like to record these sessions on
Audacity for use later in the school year. . . . because sooner or later a
student will say that they are not doing very well learning English . . . I
then pull out of the file a sheet of paper with their picture on it (which I
prepared in advance just for this purpose) and the tag line "Hello! My
name is ___________ and " and ask them to again Write about Yourself! And
when they are finished I pull out the original paper that they wrote and give
everyone a couple of minutes (it only takes seconds really) for them to realize
that they have made tremendous progress since Day 1. They are always very proud
to post the second attempt on the wall for all to see . . . and just listening
to the first recording after several weeks of class tells them all they need to
know about the progress made so it is fun to review with them privately . . .
and telling them that they are doing really well never sounds more like the
truth than when they have the evidence right before them.
Teacher English at Springfield International Curriculum School
First things first, Introduce yourself, not as a teacher but as an
entertainer, tell a humorous story. See firstly how good are their listening
skills, if they cannot understand you then you will know to start from basics.
If they can understand you can then have them introduce themselves. Inform them
that every examination starts with an introduction whether it be IELTS, TOEFL,
IGCSE or any other. Let them know that although this is not reportedly marked,
the invigilator will notice any errors that you may make and will have the
ammunition to look for them later in the test, so ensure an accurate,
interesting introduction is given. Help the students, ask questions, for
example comparative and superlatives, add in one or two adjectives, makes it a
little more interesting, modify as many verbs as possible, using appropriate
adverbs. All of this can be done without books and gives you valuable
knowledge, not only on their personalities and abilities but also on their
likes and interests, giving you topics of mutual interest for future lessons.
Just wanted to add and highlight this conversation - lots of good ideas
for this time of year.
Teachers have been enjoying my 50 things to do the first week of class post -http://community.eflclassroom.com/profiles/blogs/50-things-to-do-the-first-week-of-school
Teachers have been enjoying my 50 things to do the first week of class post -http://community.eflclassroom.com/profiles/blogs/50-things-to-do-the-first-week-of-school
Me
Even if you and your students do have the coursebook(s) and / or
workbook(s) ready, it's better you start with introductions. You and your
students should move from being strangers to acquaintances and to friends.
First talk about yourself as a student in school and then in college, your
family, your thoughts on learning, how you saw your teachers. Be informal,
smile, have constant eye contact with all your students, your eyes touching
every one, use your face and hands and body to go with your thoughts (do these
every time you are in class for body language is better picked up
subconsciously). Then get your students to follow the same pattern and
introduce themselves.
Even if you had only 10 students, this activity will move into the second class as well.
Then you can talk about classroom management, what your learners can expect from you and what you expect from them--fulfilling expectations is a crucial aspect in the success of learning-teaching process.
Even if you had only 10 students, this activity will move into the second class as well.
Then you can talk about classroom management, what your learners can expect from you and what you expect from them--fulfilling expectations is a crucial aspect in the success of learning-teaching process.
___________________________________________________________________________
50 things to do in the first few weeks
“Every
journey begins with a simple thought.”
– anonymous
A new school year or semester on the horizon can be
overwhelming. So much to…
Author:- ddeubel
Author:- ddeubel
“Every
journey begins with a simple thought.”
– anonymous
A new school year or semester on the horizon can be
overwhelming. So much to do, so little time! However, don't
fret. Most can be done during the first crucial week in class - a time
when experienced teachers gracefully assess the needs of their students, create
a wonderful class atmosphere and set the stage for the learning time to
come.
Here are my recommended things to do the first week
or two back. Many have a link taking you to a resource or further
reading. Browse at your leisure. Get all the other "50"
lists to help you teach, HERE.
1. Make A Seating Plan. First things first. Where will your students
sit? How will the seating be set up in the class? Horseshoe, rows,
groups? Design a plan and fill out where each student sits with their
name and photo (if possible). Use this constantly as a reference the first week
or two so you’ll remember their names. Don’t forget to use students names when
you can – it is proven to help students learn! Read more….
……………………………………….
2. Get Personal. Prepare a presentation or bring in photos of yourself. Have
students ask you questions about the photos. Get students to bring in
their own photos the next day so they can answer questions about their lives
and introduce themselves.
View My Own
Example! (using Tarheel Reader)
……………………………………….
3. Be prepared! There are so many things to do the first few weeks of the school
semester. How can you manage them all? How to keep track? Simple – make a
checklist and keep track of all the things you need to do / get done.
View It.
……………………………………….
4. Decorate. Your classroom is your castle and there is so much you can do in
the class. Get your students helping with ideas and decoration – it is
their classroom too!
……………………………………….
5. Go over all safety concerns. Teachers have the serious and ultimate responsibility for student
safety. Make sure to review all the exit and fire procedures and go over all
school rules about safety (allergies, school travel, bullying high among them).
Look over your classroom and make sure it is student safe!
……………………………………….
6. Negotiate Class rules. Don’t do this
the first day! Use that for getting to know students and
building class spirit. Second day, sit down students and brainstorm rules
for both the teacher and the students. They’ll definitely be creative! Put them
on chart paper and have everyone sign them. Also make sure to clearly note the
consequences for breaking the rules. Here’s what one
teacher did
……………………………………….
7. . Break The Ice. It is an art trying to get students to loosen up and relax. You
can reduce their affective filter by using some strong icebreaking activities
or warmers. I love the 2 truths, 1
lie game. But find what works for you and your
students. Get
More.
……………………………………….
8. Do An Informal Needs Survey. Get to know your students. The first few weeks is the time to assess
what you have to change to the curriculum and how you can personalize your long
range plans. Read more. What is a needs
survey?
……………………………………….
9. Prepare “extra” work. Some students will inevitably finish their tasks early. You’ll have to
be prepared with extra work or duties for these students. Photocopy booklets
they can use to do extra work/study. Prepare extra activities they might do.
Language acquisition takes more time than is available in class.
Think about using an EnglishCentral teacher trial to assign video lessons for
speaking/study and which you can quickly track and see if students have met
their “extra” goals. Find out more ….
……………………………………….
10. Take some “Me” time off. Yes, from week 1 start to look after yourself and keep your
teaching batteries sparking. Teachers need continual downtime and
relaxation. Schedule exercise, reading, time out just for yourself.
Read More ….
……………………………………….
11. Find out how much $ you have to spend.
You shouldn’t have to spend money from your own pocket
on school things. Many teachers do but most often it is because they didn’t ask
about this and budget with the school. Find out from the start and
prepare accordingly.
……………………………………….
12. Start
reflecting. Keep a journal. .Reflective teaching will help you
develop as a teacher. You don’t have to be Shakespeare either! Just
jot down during the week, the things that you feel concerned about or wish to
think more about. Plan some action research around some questions you may
have. It will be great at the end of the school year to re-read
your notes/journal and see how far you’ve come. Make the invisible (learning),
visible…. Read more.
……………………………………….
13. Start building a class
library. Possibly as a language teacher, the most
important thing you will do for your students. Bring in your own books,
magazines, comics etc… and have students also bring in their own to share (but
have them clearly put their name in each book and track them). Also get
your students making their own mini books to share and read in class. Use
the library for DEAR time (Drop Everything And Read) and for other activities
like “Quiet time”. Read more.
14. Set your classroom management
strategy. How will you discipline students? What
signals will you use during class? How will you transition between activities?
How will you keep students motivated? So many questions in this regard
and you should have an overall general strategy in this regard.
Tip: the more you can get students responsible for managing themselves,
the better off your life will be! Read more….
……………………………………….
15. Rubric It. Formative (ongoing) assessment is so important and
you’ll find that a basic rubric which you can use to simply/clearly explain the
goals and assessment of activities – invaluable. Fill it in yourself or
with students. If possible in the first language. Students will then clearly
know your expectations and what they have to do to gain a good mark. Learn More…
……………………………………….
16. Get social media friendly. Today’s students are for the most part, very social media savvy.
This means you the teacher should use this to your advantage. Use one
platform: twitter, facebook, tumblr and set up how you’ll all connect
there. Through a hashtag (#class2013), list or private group. Keep your
students updated and motivated there! Read More …
……………………………………….
17. Label It. A fun activity that will give students ownership of the class. Cut
up strips of paper and provide tape. In groups, students are assigned a
part of the class and must label all the important things in the class! They’ll
learn a lot of English, guaranteed.
……………………………………….
18. Reach out to all
stakeholders. There are more than students in your classroom.
There are also parents, guardians, family members, administrators, special
educators, previous teachers, siblings in the class as surrogates. First
week, it pays off big time to pick up the phone and introduce yourself as the
teacher. If you don’t speak the parents’ language, use a translator or send a
letter home in that language.
……………………………………….
19. Set some actionable PD goals.
The year will go by fast. Think about one or two
things you’d like to improve on this year and reflect on your progres on them
every few weeks. Pause more, use the whole classroom, speak slower, error
correct less etc…… Be specific about your goals, don’t make them overly
general. Join a
professional development group and ask your peers for some
help/advice.
……………………………………….
20. Make A Class Calendar. Use some chart paper and assign each group or pair of students a month
of the year. Have them design a calendar page listing the important dates for
the class, for the year (that you brainstormed together). Also list
student birthdays! Display for all to see.
……………………………………….
21. Prepare
for your absence. No matter how much you think of yourself as “Super
Teacher”, you are bound to miss a few days of class time. Prepare a
binder of simple lesson plans, printables and handouts that will help any
supply or substitute teacher seamlessly teach your class. Include safety
procedures, class lists and special concerns. Read more …
22. Create an online homebase.
Online communication with students is a must. It
will allow students who are away for an extended time to keep up with the
class. It will allow you to contact students when not at school. Also an
invaluable place for informal learning, sharing of student work
etc….. Edmodo is a tried and
tested place but a wiki or google sites will
do as well. Livebinders is
also a popular but limited option. Try This Out.
……………………………………….
23. Have An Exit Strategy. Also an entrance strategy. How will your students enter or
exit the classroom. What is expected to happen. Don’t leave it to be a
free for all or you are asking for trouble. Many ways but the easiest is
to dismiss students by groups so there isn’t a big rush. Also students
should know what to do when they come into the class, without you being
there. Set this up for success.
……………………………………….
24. Do A Toolkit Inventory.
With experience, a teacher builds a strong
toolkit. Ideas, handouts, websites, instant lessons that are in their
backpocket. Think of what your own are and keep them in a handy
place. Start adding to them either mentally or by filing them away as you
gather them. See more.
……………………………………….
25. Meet the school VIPs. The first week or so is the time to introduce yourself to the
important people where you work. By this, I don’t mean the Principal or DOS or
anyone in administration. Meet the janitor, meet the school secretary, meet the
librarian – they’ll be invaluable assets and friends during your school year.
Treat them well!.
……………………………………….
26. Decorate Your Door. Your classroom door is the first impression others will have about your
class and classroom. Also the first impression your students will
have. Think of how it might be inspiring and set the stage for what will
happen within. Here’s a great
example.
……………………………………….
27. Re-engineer your classroom. Don’t just accept what is there – IT IS YOUR CLASSROOM. Look at
your classroom objectively and decide how you can re-organize it to support
your teaching style and delivery. Think about where you will sit (back or
front), where the quiet area is, how you can keep the temperature stable.
What about noise levels? Quick exiting, safety
concerns?
……………………………………….
28. Prepare a picture library. All teachers from day 1 should start building a picture library.
The most important part of a language teacher’s toolkit. One made of
clipped newspaper/magazine images that are highly contextual and can be used
for all sorts of activities in the classroom (here are some
suggestions). Another that is digital and can be presented visually
in the classroom to prompt language. Can’t highlight the need for this one more
– thus, the list starts with it! More here
……………………………………….
29. Get Form Fit. What are the forms you need throughout the year? Keep them in a handy
place. If you don’t have any, ask how you can get them and who has them. Or if
needed, just make your own. Examples: parental consent, homework
list, sign up sheets, book order forms, project sign up list etc …….
30. Have Great Expectations.
Teachers that believe each and every student in
their class is a genius and intelligent, will have incredible success. This is
key and research supported. Set your expectations for students and
clearly communicate this to them.
……………………………………….
31. Picture It. Taking photos is something vital to a successful school year. Appoint a
class photographer and keep your photos in an accessible place. Use as part of
your lessons and for building/maintaining class spirit. Make sure you
have a class camera or video recorder and use it to great effect! View an example.
……………………………………….
32. Have Some “Go To” Games.
Games are something students of any age enjoy. Also
the perfect way to review the week’s learning in a fun, informal way. Games are
also handy for filling in extra time, especially board/discussion games!
Read more …
……………………………………….
33. Be Tech Tight.
Get to know what technology is available at your
school and who the “tech” guy/gal is. Make sure all your equipment is in
working order and you have all the hardware/software to succeed. If there
are problems, get this in order early in the school year! If necessary, do a
technology survey of the school / staff. See one here….
……………………………………….
34. Think
“open” and “outside”. Schools and
classrooms no longer have 4 walls. They should be open and take your students
into the outside world. Prepare guest visitors either in person or through
Skype. Plan your field trips and excursions the first few weeks, asking
students what they are interested in doing and why. Early birds will get
to take the trips! Get inspired…. Read more…..
……………………………………….
35. Build Classroom Spirit . Team building just doesn’t happen by chance. It will take your own
concerted effort. The first few weeks, prepare activities that get students
working as a team and becoming a tight unit. Read more … ……………………………………….
36. Use A Student Information
Sheet. No matter what
info. you already have, provide each student with a form that they can fill in
and submit to you. Short but sweet. Keep these handy with a photo attached if
possible. You’ll learn lots about your students this way and it will come
in handy for all sorts of reasons!
……………………………………….
37. Become a “Whole Classroom” teacher. One thing I’ve found that less experienced and ineffective
teachers do is remain glued to the front “hot spot” of the class. Start
week 1 walking around the classroom and speaking from all parts. Set up a
second desk at the back of the class and use that one where appropriate. It
will help your teaching immensely and all students will benefit. Read more…..
……………………………………….
38. Prepare for special
occassions. You’ll need some awards, some special prizes and
snacks to reward students who do wonderful things. I’ve in the past
bought medals (you can get them cheap) to hand out to students when warranted. Warning
– keep these in a safe place, students will find them!
……………………………………….
39. “Class”ify. Grouping students is an art and you should change student grouping
often. Too often our students end up working and knowing a few students in their
classroom and that is a pity. Think deeply about your seating and grouping
plans. How much student autonomy should you give? Female/male mixing? How large
of groups? How will be the group leaders?
……………………………………….
40. Review, Recycle and Review. Decide how you will review material that is studied. Too many teachers
don’t think this through and review, recycling is essential for students to
acquire and learn language. Set a weekly time to go over the week’s learning.
41. Use An Agenda. Students like organization and an agenda on the board, however flexible
will help both you and students use time effectively in class. Designate one
part of the board for a 1,2,3,4 agenda and cross the items off as you go along.
It will lend to a sense of achievement for the whole class. – Read more.
……………………………………….
42. Differentiate. We don’t teach a subject, we teach students. Each student is
different and at their own place/state/level. Decide your own strategy of
how you will differentiate the curriculum and allow each student to proceed at
their own level and rate. A student learning plan for each student is a
good place to start. Read more ….
……………………………………….
43. Prepare To Step Aside. The first week or so of class, you’ll be dominating the scene. But
after students catch their breath, it is time to let them take some control and
“be the teacher”. Students can effectively help and teach each other and
teachers should be prepared to step aside and allow students to control more
and more of what goes on in the classroom as the year goes along. Read more….
……………………………………….
44 Shared Responsibilities. Students should be doing a lot of the work in the classroom, don’t
do it yourself! Cleaning the board, pushing in chairs, sweeping up,
getting supplies and more. Assign duties on the board or a chart
and change regularly.
……………………………………….
45. Build Your PLN. You’ll need support to grow and develop as an ELT
professional. Make friends at conferences, use twitter (#eltchat) and social
media websites to meet fellow teachers struggling with the same concerns as
you. Read some great ELT blogs and build your own personal learning
network. Read more.
……………………………………….
46. Stay
Healthy. – besides having some aspirin handy in your
desk, make sure you and your students get exercise and stay mentally fit. Learn
to take a break and just do some stretching and relaxing. This is
important and too often teachers just keep pushing ahead when everyone is brain
bewildered and nothing is going in/on.
……………………………………….
47. Get Students Introducing
Themselves. Provide students the
opportunity to introduce themselves using both traditional means (making a word
poem, writing, conversation) and through online profiles or tools.
Voicethread is a great tool for putting up a photo and having students go there
to record a few words about themselves.
……………………………………….
48. Make
Friends. Find someone in the school that you get along with.
Share lunch, share a laugh and if possible, share classrooms from time to
time. Teaching can truly be so, so lonely. It is necessary for you to
take the first step and make friends on staff – at least one.
……………………………………..
49. Time. Teachers
need some way to keep time, manage time in class. Not just to help
students with time management but also themselves. Of course make sure you have
a clock everyone can view but also a timer. An egg timer will work wonders. So
too an online timer like this.
Along with a good signal for transitioning/ending activities, a timer will let
you conquer time, not time control you. See More...
……………………………………….
50. Quiet Time. Classrooms and especially language classrooms are by nature busy
and loud. That’s great. However, most people need some quiet time during the
day or at one time or another. Prepare and schedule some quiet time to step
back so you can jump ahead further! ___________________________________________________________________________
If you liked this post, you will probably enjoy
- Tips From The Trenches
** Not your ordinary, endless list - just what's number 1.
They Go Over The Class Rules Yes, despite so many teachers doing
this - I believe it a killer for creating the class atmosphere and "team
spirit" that is so essential for…
Author:- ddeubel
Author:- ddeubel
They Go Over The Class Rules
Yes, despite so many teachers doing this - I
believe it a killer for creating the class atmosphere and "team
spirit" that is so essential for teaching.
It is crucial that right away, teachers focus on
team building and getting to know you exercises. Bring the class together
immediately, the first period. Spend lots of time on this. Only later in the
day (if with the students all day) or the next class (if you have the class for
only one period) should you negotiate rules and set out the "Dos and
Don'ts".
First and last steps are so crucial when teaching
(and hereI outline why last things are so important!).
Language teaching especially, requires a tight knit
group that allows students to take risks and "be loose" - things so
important for successfully learning and practicing a language. By coming out
"heavy" right at the beginning, teachers set the tone incorrectly.
Start by introducing yourself with a slideshow or having students guess about
you. Then focus on them. Play informal conversation games that allow each other
to get to know about one another. Have fun! You'll have lots of time to get to
the rules.....
Here's a few places to find icebreakers or materials
about team building.
2. Latest Blog Carnival: Back to school fillers/icebreakers
6. Storming Out or Norming In? Marisa Constantinides
Set the tone for cooperation!
___________________________________________________________________________
Hi..I didn't introduce myself on the intro
discussion board, so I will do so here. I am teaching middle school in S.
Korea. I am just finishing up my first year of teaching ever and I have really
learned a lot, much of it from trial and error. I will start my next year at a
new, bigger school that will already be 1 month into the new semester. The 2nd
and 3rd year coed students that I will be teaching have been learning from a
native English teacher with whom they are familiar. I wanted to ask…
Author:- James
Author:- James
Hi..I didn't introduce myself on the intro
discussion board, so I will do so here. I am teaching middle school in S.
Korea. I am just finishing up my first year of teaching ever and I have really
learned a lot, much of it from trial and error. I will start my next year at a
new, bigger school that will already be 1 month into the new semester. The 2nd
and 3rd year coed students that I will be teaching have been learning from a
native English teacher with whom they are familiar. I wanted to ask other
teachers here what are realistic goals for the first week in my new classroom.
I am planning on introducing myself and our class procedures (starting class
journals, seating arrangements, behavior guidelines, etc.), playing some simple
introduction games to 'feel out' student ability levels, decorate the English
zone and start learning student names. Anyone have any other ideas of things
that might be useful in my situation? Any specific strategies? Should I already
have a full semester plan in place? Any icebreakers you recommend? I want to
thank anyone ahead of time for helping. I apologize if any of this is redundant
material covered elsewhere, but I have been doing a lot of research lately and
it seems that the endless variety of all of the sources I have been mining info
from are leaving me feeling a bit overwhelmed and scatterbrained....
I'd like to get a nice collection of icebreakers. I
asked the Canadian navy but they don't have any extra to lend out. So I'd like
to ask my fellow teachers :) Let's briefly describe our icebreaker idea and
state what levels it might be appropriate for, or what age groups. Mine is the
"Lie game" and I've adapted the common variety of this game. works
with any level but dead beginners. See …
Author:- ddeubel
Author:- ddeubel
I'd like to get a nice collection of icebreakers. I asked the Canadian
navy but they don't have any extra to lend out. So I'd like to ask my fellow
teachers :)Let's briefly describe our icebreaker idea and state what levels it might be appropriate for, or what age groups.
Mine is the "Lie game" and I've adapted the common variety of this game. works with any level but dead beginners. See this post for more options.
1. Write 4 sentences on the board.
a) I have .........................
b) I can ...........................
c) I am ..........................
d) I don't ............................
2. Read the students your sentences, completed. 3 are true, 1 is a lie. Students must guess which one they think is a lie about their teacher.
3. Give each student a blank piece of scrap A4 paper and a marker.
Ask the students to write down clearly, their own 4 sentences. One must be a lie.
4. When they are finished tell them to scrunch their paper up into a ball. Ask them
what they think you will do next ? If they don't guess, say "Snowball fight!" Allot
1 min for them to throw their ball at others in the room. They can pick up the balls near them and return fire.
5. After 1 min, ring your bell. Students pick up a snowball nearest them and unwrap it. Make sure everyone has a snowball.
6. In turns, each student reads out the sentences on their snowball paper. Students listen and try to guess who it is in the class. If they can't guess. Ask and that student raises their hand. Give that student back their paper. They then read the sentences again and the class decides which is the lie.
7. Continue until the whole class is finished. It gets easier to guess, as less students are possible. If your class is too large, you can only do some of them and then collect the unread papers and guess to begin the class next lesson.
Sounds maybe a bit complicated but it isn't. And it's loads of fun and really relaxes the class. With higher level students you can change the target sentence structures to something more challenging.....I often use, I wish I were/had/could.....
What is your fav. icebreaker? Here are a few favs of another author... Also see this discussion and this discussion
David
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Recently I was "tagged" for the "8
Random Facts Meme". ( What is a meme? Look here or here) I think this blog
tagging game could be an excellent icebreaker for getting to know your students
/classmates at the beginning of the school year, or in long distance
collaborative…
Author:- Susan
Author:- Susan
Recently I was "tagged" for the "8 Random Facts
Meme".
( What is a meme? Look here or here)
I think this blog tagging game could be an excellent icebreaker for getting to know your students /classmates at the beginning of the school year, or in long distance collaborative projects, (possibly even for vocabulary enrichment and grammar practice).
Basically, someone decides on ONE question, or instruction eg: Post 8 random facts about yourself, Why do/don't you blog, Name 5 places you would like to visit, 5 people you would like to meet, etc. etc.
The person who starts the 'meme' posts it on his own blog with rules similar to these:
a) Post these rules before you give your facts
b) List 8 random facts about yourself (change this per task)
c) At the end of your post, choose (tag) 8 people and list their names, adding a link to them
d) Leave a comment on their blogs, letting them know they’ve been tagged
He then "tags" the specified amount of people by visiting their blogs and leaving them a message such as - you've been tagged for the "8 Random Things Meme", to see the rules visit my blog.
Obviously this tagging game encourages people to visit each other's blogs.
I can see advantages of using this as an ice breaking activity even where people aren't used to blogging.
1) The task is very specific and the rules clear
2) When visiting the blog of the "tagger", it is possible to see an example of what is expected (by visiting pages of other "tagees" it is possible to see even more examples)
If I were to use "blogger tag" as an EFL activity I think I would like to add a follow up activity - obviously it would have to suit the Meme or task, so for instance if the Meme were "Describe your appearance in 5 sentences" then maybe the follow up task would be "Draw a picture/create an avatar of ? based on his description, and post the drawing/avatar on his blog.
I would also specify rules for whom to tag eg: tag 2 people that you don't know, or at least 3 people from your partner school etc.
Any other web20 icebreakers? Or ideas for EFL memes?
( What is a meme? Look here or here)
I think this blog tagging game could be an excellent icebreaker for getting to know your students /classmates at the beginning of the school year, or in long distance collaborative projects, (possibly even for vocabulary enrichment and grammar practice).
Basically, someone decides on ONE question, or instruction eg: Post 8 random facts about yourself, Why do/don't you blog, Name 5 places you would like to visit, 5 people you would like to meet, etc. etc.
The person who starts the 'meme' posts it on his own blog with rules similar to these:
a) Post these rules before you give your facts
b) List 8 random facts about yourself (change this per task)
c) At the end of your post, choose (tag) 8 people and list their names, adding a link to them
d) Leave a comment on their blogs, letting them know they’ve been tagged
He then "tags" the specified amount of people by visiting their blogs and leaving them a message such as - you've been tagged for the "8 Random Things Meme", to see the rules visit my blog.
Obviously this tagging game encourages people to visit each other's blogs.
I can see advantages of using this as an ice breaking activity even where people aren't used to blogging.
1) The task is very specific and the rules clear
2) When visiting the blog of the "tagger", it is possible to see an example of what is expected (by visiting pages of other "tagees" it is possible to see even more examples)
If I were to use "blogger tag" as an EFL activity I think I would like to add a follow up activity - obviously it would have to suit the Meme or task, so for instance if the Meme were "Describe your appearance in 5 sentences" then maybe the follow up task would be "Draw a picture/create an avatar of ? based on his description, and post the drawing/avatar on his blog.
I would also specify rules for whom to tag eg: tag 2 people that you don't know, or at least 3 people from your partner school etc.
Any other web20 icebreakers? Or ideas for EFL memes?
- See more at: http://www.eflclassroom.com/searchning/icebreakers#!
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