Introductions, Interest and the Classroom Icebreaker…
Picture this: a classroom buzzing with excitement, students on the edge of their seats, and creative energy filling the air. How can you make this happen? By letting students introduce themselves creatively! Since I’m likely to teach students more than once in their school journey, I use a different classroom icebreaker each year. Back in 2021 it was my Codebreaker. In 2022 it was my Personality Pages, and for 2023 it will be my aspirational This Year poetry (scaffold below). It might seem like a small thing, but trust me, it’s a game-changer, and here’s why…
- The Hook: Ever started a movie that grabs your attention from the first scene? Creative intros do the same for students. It’s like a preview of what’s to come in your class.
- The Spotlight: Everyone’s got a hidden talent or a story to tell. When students get to introduce themselves creatively, they unleash their personality, hobbies, and backgrounds. It’s like a sneak peek into their colorful worlds.
- The Mind: School’s not just about books; it’s about life skills too. Creative intros teach kids to think outside the box, solve problems, and talk confidently. These skills will stick around long after the bell rings.
- The Vibe: When creativity is your classroom’s middle name, the atmosphere changes. Everyone’s eager to share, laugh, and learn. It’s a vibe that makes learning fun. You know how a catchy song gets stuck in your head? Well, creative classroom icebreakers are like that – unforgettable. Lessons taught with a dash of creativity stick around longer.
- The Connection: Students open up when they know you care. Creative intros build a bridge between you and them. You’re not just their teacher; you’re their guide on this learning adventure.
So, the long and short of it: even when tempted to get stuck straight in to the course content, let those creative classroom icebreakers roll. You’re not just starting a class; you’re starting an interest, a relationship, and a journey. One that’s engaging, personal, and loaded with potential. Let the creative chaos begin!
If you’d like to use the poem scaffold I’m using this year without the visual prompts, click here for an instant download.