In just about every English class I took throughout high school teachers asked us to write about our summer. Even if we had great summers we sure didn't feel like writing about them. Those summer memories were fading fast and the thought that an entire school year would have to pass before we enjoyed such freedom again almost seemed too much to bear. But we wrote. We wrote watching our spelling and punctuation. We wrote because we had to.
To offer a twist on the first day, I would like to share a fun activity a college professor had us do. I, in turn, did the same activity with freshmen and sophomores adding a few twists of my own creating a rewarding and memorable keepsake of the first days of class. Note: This activity can be done with younger students as well (somewhat modified of course!)
1. Before class begins, a letter is sent to all students instructing them to bring to class on the first day 3 objects that are special to them or have some kind of significance to their lives. They are to place these objects into a container that also has significance. For instance: an egg carton as the container represents life on a farm and the chore of collecting eggs every day after school. A watch represents needing to know the time every second of every day. A bookmark represents a love of reading. And a horse showing ribbon represents a love of horses. Note: Do not offer too many ideas, perhaps one to clarify the assignment only. Students are more creative when left on their own! I had a student bring in a baseball cap filled with objects, another a shoe. You never know what you're gonna get! 2. True, many students will know one another from one school year to the next, but introductions are still in order. People change, new faces appear, and yes, sometimes people you thought you knew surprise you! Sit in a large circle (I moved the desks into a circle prior to the beginning of class ). Starting with the teacher (yes, it's best if the teacher participates as well), go around the room and have each student introduce him or herself and share the items brought to class. This may take a couple of days depending on your class schedule. It's worth it! As the students are talking, have the other students take notes. Tell them they'll be using these notes in another activity, so they need to take accurate ones!!
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