| aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type | Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson |
| Which subject | English as second language |
| What age group | Year or Grade 7 |
| What topic | First day of school ice breaker |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Any other preferences |
To help students introduce themselves, learn about each other, and create a friendly classroom atmosphere.
Welcome the students to the first day of school! Begin by expressing your excitement for the year ahead and the importance of getting to know one another.
The activity we will be doing today is called "The Name Game." This fun and interactive ice breaker will help us learn each other's names and a little bit about ourselves.
Name Tags: Give each student a name tag or sticky note. Ask them to write their first name in big letters. If they feel comfortable, they can also include one interesting fact about themselves (e.g., favorite hobby, a place they have visited, or a dream they have).
Group Circle: Arrange the students in a circle (or a semi-circle, if space is limited).
Passing the Ball: Introduce the ball or soft object. Explain that when someone has the ball, they will say their name and the interesting fact they wrote on their name tag. After sharing, they will pass the ball to someone else in the circle.
Encourage Participation: Remind students to listen carefully to their classmates. After the game, they’ll have the chance to make connections and remember each other’s names.
Repeat for Memory: For an added challenge, you can ask the next student to repeat the names and facts of everyone who has already gone before sharing their own. This will help reinforce memory and encourage attentiveness.
After everyone has had a turn, thank the class for participating. To wrap up the activity, emphasize the importance of building a supportive community in the classroom. Encourage students to use their classmates' names in future interactions to foster strong connections.
As a final part of the lesson, ask students how they felt about the ice breaker. What did they learn about their classmates that surprised them? How might these new connections help them throughout the school year?
This activity not only serves as an engaging ice breaker but also sets a positive tone for the learning community you'll be building together this year! Enjoy your first day!