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F Miami, 26 let’s talk 😉
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Bowl Leader
Hi can we check PMR in workday ?
Bain & Company Bain & Company Do you have any insights into what they are expecting in the second (last) round? I saw that there are two cases and a presentation. Are they more interested in professionalism than the "analytical" skills assessed in the first round? Do you have any more insights into the presentation?
Many thanks in advance
Community Builder
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My high school students are around 14/15 years old. One of the icebreakers we do get the kids moving is to put them all at the back of the classroom- they lineup shoulder to shoulder. I am already prepared with a list of interesting questions on my notepad which they cannot see because I'm standing in front of the room. I ask the students to take one step forward if the question applies to them. Depending on the outcome and after a few questions I may say take 2 steps forward. The goal is to have studrnts reach the front wall where I am & learn along the way.
For example, "Take 1 step forward if you can speak more than 1 language." At that point I may or may not take a moment to show interest and ask the students that took a step forward which languages they speak. It gives them a spotlight. Questions should have a wide range. The few students who reach the front of the room 1st have to tell us a little bit about themselves. Nothing major, just 2 or 3 things (or more of they wish). In this way, the students get to know each other better, and you get to find some fascinating things which you may be able to use to underbelly certain examples in your future teaching.
Also, on a separate note, make sure to pass out a Syllabus during the 1st week. It doesn't need to be on the icebreaker day, but it does need to be passed out to each student and gone over in class. Just a quick read over is fine. Make sure you include your rules & consequences including your policy for late work and missing assignments. Then have each student sign and date the last paper saying that they received and agreed. Collect it and keep it in a folder during the year. ( You may also wish to keep a copy in Google Classroom so any new students that arrive mid year have access to the syllabus.) This is so important so that when parents email you about issues that will inevitably come up, you can bring the paper to the meeting and prove the student agreed to the policy.
I don't do a lot of what you might think of as ice breakers. Most of my students know each other and have been in the same classes for years
They are seniors and have been in the building since they were freshmen.
I give them a chance to write, tell me what is making them happy or stressed, etc.
Even though they haven't had me for class, a lot of them know me or know of me. I have interacted with almost all of them in some way already.
Bowl Leader
Life maps are effective as a get-to-know-you activity. This is fun for mature audiences for sure.
I teach senior English and I'm going to tell you, they still like fun activities! You would be AMAZED at what they will do to potentially win a sticker for their computer or water bottle! (I design and make stickers that are themed for our units.) With that in mind, don't assume they WON'T want to play or participate. One of my student's favorites is "Would you rather..." I get them on their feet and read the question: "Would you rather...eat worms or get poison ivy?" Then I assign one side of the room for one response and the other side for the other. They go and stand and then a few give their reasons. I allow them to switch sides if a reason is convincing. Some are silly questions, others are more serious. There's lots of moving around and students get to stand by many different people. The best part about this activity is that I establish one of my cardinal expectations: you have to be able to back up your ideas with logic, proof, etc. and use verbal skills to communicate those ideas without me saying a word.