Students are chosen to give 60-second talks on anything, from self-selected topics they are passionate about, have specific expertise in, etc., to topics given from teacher. Topics can be content-related, such as parts of speech, colors, geometric figures, historical figures, etc. When a topic is identified, topic resets. Green DoorĪ leader chooses a topic, but keeps it quiet, only saying that “You can bring a _ through the green door.” Students are then forced to deduce the topic by asking if other things can be brought through the green door as well, e.g., “Can I bring a _ through the green door?” Play is completed when all students have gone. Others raise their hand or are called on to identify which were facts, and which were fiction. In a circle, the first student offers two facts and one piece of fiction about themselves. After given time period (1-5 minutes), peers guess ‘what happened,’ but they must give up all four important details: Who, What, Where, and When, e.g.: They are given one minute to prepare a scene where they discuss the ‘event’ without ever actually saying what happened.
Two students volunteer-or are selected-to act out ‘what happened’ in a fictional news story. Two chairs are placed together to resemble a park bench. If that statement or fact is true about another student, they stand up and say “Me too!” They can also stay seated, but simply raise their hand and say “Me too!” 2. The first student gives a fact about themselves-I love basketball, I have two sisters, etc. 10 Team-Building Games For The First Day Of School 1. Certain students may feel overly liberated-especially in middle school-with the idea of a ‘game,’ and so expectations must be carefully given to younger K-8 learners-and even 9-12-to ensure that every student is set up for success. Note that which game you choose, your rules for the game, and any revisions to the rules depend on the nature of the class you’re using them with.
Before you dismiss them as too juvenile, try one. Though many older students in high school and college may groan at their thought, they’re usually fun, and great ways to help students feel at ease. Not only can they help establish routines, tone, and expectations, they’re also fun, and can help learners feel comfortable. Team-building activities are great–especially for the first day of school or early in the school year, 10 Team-Building Games For The First Day Of School