Got this from David Maust (Latin, Los Angeles) last week:
Hi Ben,
I’ve been really benefiting from the blog these past couple weeks. Great discussions. Here’s a topic on which I’m looking for some ideas:
What are some introductory activities for students, especially in upper level classes. I have two large combo 3/4, high school level classes this year and a lot of kids won’t know each other (different grade levels and classes in previous years). I want to start the year with the class feeling like it has it’s own, new sense of community (and not a sense of “I liked my class last year and I don’t know who these new people are” – I want them to welcome one another into their new setting and class).
So, I’ve already done “Circling with Balls” with them in previous years, even expanded it last year for the 2s and 3s to have them put on their cards what they did over the summer instead of their hobby / interest. And I’ve done “the Big Circle” with them too. So, any other “get-to-know” you kind of games or activities (they don’t have to be in target language) that you have had success with and that help build a positive classroom community from the start of the year?
Thanks! David