Icebreaker

Building Blocks – A lesson in Active Learning

January 21, 2019

Start your class off on the right foot with this community building activity that doubles as a lesson in how to be a successful language learner. ...

Acceleration / Community Building / Discussion / Discussion Game / Graphic Organizers / Icebreaker / Lessons and Handouts

The True/False Grid

August 1, 2018

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....

Classroom Ideas / Community Building / Icebreaker

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...

Community Building / Icebreaker / Lessons and Handouts / Slides

First Week of Class Community Building Lesson Plan

January 24, 2018

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...

Acceleration / Community Building / Discussion / Icebreaker / Lessons and Handouts / Student Packets

Community Building Unit: Student Packet

November 7, 2017

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. ...

Discussion / Discussion Game / Icebreaker / Lessons and Handouts / Picture Bank / Vocabulary

Which One – Ask and Switch

September 19, 2017

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...

Classroom Ideas / Community Building / Icebreaker

Five Great First Day of Class Activities

July 26, 2017

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...

Classroom Ideas / Community Building / Discussion / Icebreaker

Color Cards Discussion

February 25, 2017

Whether it's a discussion about a book students are reading in class or a first week community building activity, these cards are great. ...

Community Building / Icebreaker / Lessons and Handouts

Friendship Quilt

February 25, 2017

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...

Community Building / Discussion / Icebreaker / Lessons and Handouts

Picture Collage

February 23, 2017

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....

Classroom Ideas / Community Building / Discussion / Icebreaker

Things In Common

February 23, 2017

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....