aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	English
What age group	Year or Grade 7
What topic	Get acquainted first day activity
Quantity	1
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Welcome to English Class: Get Acquainted Activity

Objective:

To help students get to know each other while developing their English speaking and writing skills.

Activity Title: "The Human Bingo"

Introduction:

On the very first day of English class, it is essential to create a welcoming atmosphere where students feel comfortable and eager to participate. This activity, "The Human Bingo," not only allows students to learn fun facts about one another but also encourages them to practice their English speaking and listening skills in an interactive way.

Materials Needed:

• Printable Bingo cards (1 per student)
• Pens or pencils
• Small prizes (optional, for the winners)

Instructions:

1. Create Bingo Cards: Prepare Bingo cards with a 5x5 grid. Instead of numbers, fill each square with statements or characteristics relevant to middle school students. Examples might include:

   • Has a pet
   • Speaks more than one language
   • Plays a musical instrument
   • Has visited another country
   • Loves to read fantasy books
   • Can dance
   • Enjoys cooking
   • Has a favorite superhero
   • Has tried a unique food
   • Is a fan of a particular sport or team

2. Distribute Materials: Hand out one Bingo card and a pen to each student as they enter the classroom.

3. Explain the Rules: Explain to the students that their goal is to fill out their Bingo card by finding classmates who match the characteristics in the squares. When they find a classmate who fits a characteristic, they should ask them about it in English and write that student’s name in the corresponding square. Encourage them to engage in brief conversations to make it more interactive.

4. Interaction Time: Set a timer for about 20-30 minutes. Allow students to mingle around the room, asking each other questions, and filling out their Bingo cards. They should aim to get five squares in a row marked off by finding different classmates for each.

5. Wrap-Up: Once the time is up, gather the class back together. Ask students to share some interesting facts they learned about their classmates. This could be structured as a whole-class discussion or in small groups.

Optional Extension:

To wrap up the activity in a creative way, you can have students create a short written reflection or a poem about what they learned about their classmates, which can be shared in future classes.

Conclusion:

"The Human Bingo" activity not only serves as an engaging icebreaker but also introduces students to English conversation in a fun and meaningful context. Get ready to make new friends and discover what you have in common with your classmates!