Teachers Network
Translate Translate English to Chinese Translate English to French
  Translate English to German Translate English to Italian Translate English to Japan
  Translate English to Korean Russian Translate English to Spanish
Lesson Plan Search
Our Lesson Plans
TeachNet Curriculum Units
Classroom Specials
Popular Teacher Designed Activities
TeachNet NYC Directory of Lesson Plans TeachNet NYC Dirctory of Lesson Plans

VIDEOS FOR TEACHERS
RESOURCES
Teachers Network Leadership Institute
How-To Articles
Videos About Teaching
Effective Teachers Website
Lesson Plans
TeachNet Curriculum Units
Classroom Specials
Teacher Research
For NYC Teachers
For New Teachers
HOW-TO ARTICLES
TEACHER RESEARCH
LINKS

GRANT WINNERS
TeachNet Grant:
Lesson Plans
2010
TeachNet Grant Winners
2009
TeachNet Grant Winners
Adaptor Grant Winners
2008
TeachNet Grant Winners
Adaptor Grant Winners
2007
TeachNet Grant Winners
Adaptor Grant Winners
Other Grant Winners
Power-to-Learn
Math and Science Learning
Ready-Set-Tech
Impact II
Grant Resources
Grant How-To's
Free Resources for Teachers
ABOUT
Our Mission
Funders
   Pacesetters
   Benefactors
   Donors
   Sponsors
   Contributors
   Friends
Press
   Articles
   Press Releases
Awards
   Cine
   Silver Reel
   2002 Educational Publishers Award

Sitemap

How-To: Get Started

Breaking the Ice Marianne Francone

The first day of school can be uncomfortable for both staff and students. Planned "Ice Breakers" can allow for trust building while having fun. The following are some activities that are adaptable for all ages.

THE M&M GAME:
Objective: To allow members of a class, group, or team to reveal characteristics and strengths of their personalities.

Supplies: Basket or bowl, one lb. of M&M's (peanut), two lbs. M&M's plain, napkins.

  • Pass out napkins.
  • Begin passing the basket of mixed M&M's while instructing the students to take a handful. (Yes, some handfuls will be bigger than others!)
  • Explain that students must refrain from eating until their turn is completed.
Directions:
  • For each plain M&M, students are to tell something about themselves; for each peanut M&M, students should identify a strength or talent.
  • Teacher should begin the sharing as a role model.
Culmination: Eating!

THE GREAT CHASE: Objective: To learn about peers while participating in a cooperative activity. Supplies: Pencils, prepared worksheets

  • Before the first day of school, seek information on each of your students. Checking files, speaking to past teachers, or calling parents can reveal interesting tidbits (e.g. a student may be bilingual; a student may hold a black belt in karate).
  • Make a list of experiences or characteristics, including one for each student and staff member. If you are unable to individualize for each child, create some generic items
    (e.g.
    • ___loves to eat pizza
    • ___has driven a motorcycle)
Directions: Find a person who matches an experience or characteristic. Have the person sign on the blank. Use each name only once.

Culmination: First one finished earns a reward. Have the winner read each item and the corresponding name.

WHO AM I?
Objective: To interact positively with peers and staff.

Supplies: 3x5 cards (with names of well-known people on them), masking tape.

  • Before the start of class, write the name of a well-known person on one side of each card. Have enough for each member of the class (and a few extra).
  • Names can be real or fictional.
Directions: Each student will be assigned a card but will not be told the name of the well-known person written on it. They will need to find a partner and ask YES or NO questions leading to the discovery of the person.

For example:

The person is George Washington.
Questions:

  • Is it a man?-yes
  • Is he alive?-no
  • Was he a sports hero?-no, etc.
Students will enjoy helping peers after they have discovered whose name was written on their own cards.

Culmination: Allow the students to try some on the teacher!

 

Come across an outdated link?
Please visit The Wayback Machine to find what you are looking for.

 

Journey Back to the Great Before