The True/False Grid
Check out this True/False grid community building activity. It's a great way to help the class get to know you in a fun and competitive way. It also gets them talking, so that's an added bonus.
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Five Introduction Icebreakers
Having students introduce themselves and learn a bit about each other is a first day of class staple. Of course, there are many different ways this can be done. This post shares a few of my favorites that I’ve heard about throughout the years.
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First Week of Class Community Building Lesson Plan
I made these slides for my intermediate integrated skills course for this first week. The lead the class through all of the big first week tasks: building community, talking about course policies, learning names, etc. The slides also contain links to all handouts that you will need.
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Community Building Unit: Student Packet
Need some fresh ideas for your first week routine? Check out this community building unit to help get your class off to a great start.
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Which One – Ask and Switch
This activity consists of 20 pages, each with four pictures of a particular category. On the top is written a question using which. For example, "Which hat do you like best?" This handout is great for various discussion activities to get students chatting and practicing the superlative.
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Five Great First Day of Class Activities
As August approaches, and with it the start of school, it's a great time to look at ways we can lower the affective filter in our language classes and create a strong positive classroom rapport where learning can thrive. Check out these five first day community building activities to get your class off on the right foot.
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Color Cards Discussion
Whether it's a discussion about a book students are reading in class or a first week community building activity, these cards are great.
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Friendship Quilt
At the start of every semester, we all face the task of finding ways to get our students comfortable and connected. One activity that I've used is the friendship quilt discussion where students ask four classmates four questions to get to know them better.
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Picture Collage
I love using pictures in my classes. They can be interesting, engaging, and also give students a starting place for talking. One great way to use pictures in your classroom is to use a picture collage.
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Things In Common
This activity is a staple of my first-week routine. Students spend time discussing in groups trying to find things they all have in common. It's a great way to start the semester on a note of connection.
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