# data[].attributes.body
Exit slips are written student responses to questions teachers pose at the end of a class or lesson. These quick, informal assessments enable teachers to quickly assess students' understanding of the material

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Think back to that special teacher from your childhood. What made them so special? It likely wasn't what they were teaching, it was how and why they were teaching. It was that bond, that connection, that feeling you had walking into the classroom that allowed you to learn and grow.

Creating that same feeling you had as a child is intentional and takes effort, albeit one that is well worth the investment as quality teacher-pupil relationships have been consistently linked to students' academic and social-emotional outcomes (Hamre & Pianta, 2001).

Welcoming rituals are an ideal first step in creating a positive culture within the classroom, one that sets the stage for social and emotional learning. Initiating routines for respectful communication while allowing people to connect and giving students a voice goes a long way in creating an inclusive classroom community.

Ideally, welcoming rituals are well planned, appropriately facilitated and connected to the learning objectives of the day. They also offer an opportunity for a reflection of thoughts, feelings and emotions to reinforce positive behavioral norms.

A welcoming routine is not necessarily something that is used every day by every teacher. Rather, it is one of many tools to promote a positive classroom climate. While there are obvious times when one is needed (e.g. start of the year, return from winter break or welcoming a new student), its best to gauge the physical, emotional and intellectual needs of students before deciding when to implement a welcoming ritual.

According to , there are several things to consider when thinking through a welcoming ritual. If the group seems lethargic and needs a pick me up, perhaps select a routine that involves movement. If emotions are running high, an activity that maximizes opportunities for individual and group discussion to "talk things out" may be appropriate. If the group requires intellectual stimulation, an activity that includes difficult questions might be in order.

Below are a few examples to get you started. You may also want to explore the work of the Cleveland (OH) Metropolitan School District, the Springfield (IL) Public Schools and the Oakland (CA) Unified School District who engaged in many best SEL practices.

1. Give a brief explanation of nonverbal behavior. Include examples of nonverbal

Behavior such as hand gestures (pointing, waving), facial gestures (raised

eyebrows; indicating yes, no; frowning; smiling).

2. Then explain that you will place a colored dot (or whatever shape or color you

Have available) on each person's forehead. The different colors of the dots

represent the different groups that they are going to join. Also tell them they

cannot look at their own dot or tell someone else what color dot they have.

The rules of the game are:

Students must use only non-verbal behavior to discover the color of their dot and to form a group with those who have dots of the same color.

3. The teacher begins the "no talking" time and goes around the room placing the

different colored dots on the foreheads. Do not let them see their own dots as

you place it on their foreheads. The teacher selects one student (try to avoid

choosing someone who is often excluded by others) to get the yellow dot.

10 students get a GREEN sticker

6 students get a BLUE sticker

2 students get a RED sticker

1 student gets a YELLOW sticker

4. The teacher then instructs the class to form groups using nonverbal behavior by

joining those with the same color dot. It will soon become apparent that the

student with the yellow dot is not a part of any group.

5. Once everyone has found the correct group, ask the student who has the yellow

sticker to explain his or her feelings about being left out of the groups. Then

involve the other students in the discussion on "how it feels to be excluded."

"What can we do to include others?" "Do new students feel this way?" Discuss

the non-verbal behavior that students used to let others know that they were

included or excluded in their group.

1. Place a question on the board for students to answer. Instructor can decide if

students will write their names on the paper or not. After all students have

responded to the question, students will crumple their paper and throw it across

the room. Allow students to throw as long as you like. After throwing, students

should grab any paper they find on the ground and read it. Class discusses what

commonalities and differences between the answers.

1. Have students come to the meeting area 2. Begin with meditation, deep breathing, or another mindfulness strategy

3. Check in with students by asking them to rate their feelings on a scale of 1-5

using their fingers (5 being the most positive)

4. Give students an opportunity to share why they feel that way and also take note

of who may be in need of an individual check in/more support

Rock, Paper, Scissors, Cheer! (5 minutes)

1. Students should each find a beginning partner to play the game rock, paper,

2. The student who wins the round moves on to find another player while the

did not win becomes the student cheer section.

3. Each time a partnership plays rock, paper, scissors the winning partner moves on

and the rest of the team continues to cheer on the winner.

4. Play should continue until half of the room is cheering behind one student and

half is cheering behind the other.

Hamre, B. K., & Pianta, R. C. (2001). Early teacher-child relationships and the trajectory of children's school outcomes through eighth grade. Child Development, 72(2), 625-638.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Think back to that special teacher from your childhood. What made them so special? It likely wasn't what they were teaching, it was how and why they were teaching. It was that bond, that connection, that feeling you had walking into the classroom that allowed you to learn and grow.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Use a Gallery Walk format for students to get feedback on their work. Hang student products, such as drawings, visual representations, poster projects, etc. Students, individually or in groups, rotate around the room and provide feedback to the creator of the work.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
There's nothing quite like the awkwardness of the first few days of school.

Unlike in elementary school, middle school students are far less likely to immediately make friends with every other kid they meet, which can make introductions that much trickier. If you're struggling to come up with ways to kick off school without those awkward silences, then icebreakers might be just what you need.

We've put together a list of 25 middle school icebreakers to get you started, but feel free to add your own ideas and thoughts if you find something that works well.

Read on for 25 icebreakers that are sure to have your students on friendly terms in next to no time:

Movement-based icebreakers

Students sat at desks and not moving about are generally far less motivated to connect with others. Get your class moving, and they won't have time to tune out or be bored - they'll have far too much to do.

1. Organization Race - see how quickly your class can get themselves organized into groups based on a range of factors. This could be boys vs. girls, alphabetical splits, or anything else. Keep on mixing it up, and your students will soon find themselves having fun with kids that were previously complete strangers.

2. Getting to know you - In this game, students must move from the 'true' area to the 'false' area based on getting to know you statements. For example, 'I've never been to Europe' or 'I'm vegetarian.' This is a quick way for your class to get to know each other based on common traits, and for you to learn a bit too.

3. Group up - Name a color, and students must quickly race into groups depending on if they are wearing that color on their feet, top or bottom - or not at all. Quick, easy, and fun. You can also nominate different students to supply colors to incorporate them into the game, even more.

4. Question ball - Students will be asked to catch a beach-ball with multiple questions on it, such as what is your favorite color? or where is your favorite place to go on holiday? Whichever question is facing them when they catch the ball with both hands is the one they have to answer, before throwing it on to the next student.

5. Tower tumble - this Jenga game has a question on every single block, each of which must be answered when they are pulled out. This game is sure to add some hilarity to the day, as each student tries to stop the tower from falling while answering get-to-know-you questions along the way.

6. Step to the truth - As with getting to know you, in this game, the teacher will ask true or false statements. For each statement that's the truth, the student will take a step towards the middle of the circle. It might get a little cramped, but the first to reach the middle of the circle is the winner - and they get to read out the statements for the next round.

7. Butt Shuffle - This game has students make a circle of chairs, with one remaining empty. All students should be seated except for one, and the fun begins. Students must shuffle their butts in a circle, reversing when 'switch' is called out. The student in the middle has to try and get in that empty seat as quickly as possible, which is more of a challenge than you might think with some furious shuffling going on!

8. Tangled up - Students create a circle from shoulder-to-shoulder, and then must grab the hands of two other students anywhere within the circle. Now everyone together has to figure out how to untangle - without ever letting go of their hands. Fun and a bit of a challenge to get the class working together.

Communication-based icebreakers

Another popular solution to icebreakers is doing something middle schoolers love - talking and arguing in equal measure. These activities provide all that and more to learn more about each other.

1. I'm famous - In this classic party game, a post-it with the name of a famous person will be put on a student's forehead. They must guess who they are using yes or no questions only. The first one to guess correctly is the winner.

2. Battle scars - Students will be invited to talk about a scar they have on their body and explain how it got there; for example, falling over in the playground, surgery, or anything else in-between. For students without any scars, they can tell a funny story about when they hurt themselves by accident.

3. Good with the bad - In this game, one student should say something bad about their day, and the other must immediately follow it with something twice as good. Keep the game going, and you'll soon reach ludicrous heights of positivity that are sure to have you in stitches.

4. Would you rather? - Everyone knows would you rather, but with middle schoolers, the more original and exciting the questions the better. Choose something that your students will love to debate about, whether it's sports heroes, television or superpowers, and your entire class will soon be chatting like old friends.

5. TP tricks - Pass around a roll of TP, and direct each student to wrap up a part of their body like a bandage. The hitch is that the number of individual pieces of toilet paper represents how many facts that student must say about themselves.

6. Headlines - Invite students to sum themselves up in one sentence, like the headline of a popular magazine or newspaper. You're sure to get some imaginative and funny responses to this question, especially if you direct them to speak like reporters with a fake microphone when they're reporting on themselves.

7. Color games - Give each student a handful of colorful counters or candy and reveal to them that each one represents a different type of fact. Blue, for example, means you have to say their favorite color. Or red is their favorite song. The choice is up to you.

8. The worst ever - In this fun game, students much choose a profession - such as a doctor, dentist, or lawyer - and describe what makes them the worst at the jobs. A librarian that can't read, for example, or a film star who always looks ugly on camera. The most imaginative answer wins.

9. Pass the secret - One student will whisper a fact about themselves to the child next to them. This fact will be whispered around the class until the final student, who must say what they think they heard. You're bound to end up with some excellent responses, with some students listening better than others.

Brain games

For those that prefer something that involves a little more thought, brain games might be just the thing. These games don't require a specific skill, but they do need students to put their heads together and figure out a solution.

1. Murder - One student is directed to stand in the middle of the circle as the detective, and another is assigned the murderer role. When the murdered sticks their tongue out at another student, they must die dramatically. The detective must figure it out before time is up.

2. Shopping cart - The game starts with one student naming a single thing they would buy from the grocery store. The next student must add one on, remembering the first. This game continues throughout the class until someone forgets and then starts again with the next player. The funnier the items, the better.

3. Rock idol - Students must group up, choose a word from a bowl, and sing as many songs related to that word as possible. The group with the most songs to their name wins.

4. Color counter - Students will be grouped into teams and asked to pick a color and a category. From there, they must name as many things in that category that are the specific color. Yellow animals, for example, or blue TV characters. When one person hesitates, the game must start again.

5. Fast facts - Each student will tell the class one fact about themselves. Then the teacher will point to each student to stand up, and the class must respond with the fact they've been told. The one with the most right answers wins.

6. Reach one hundred - This numbers-based game has students shouting out random numbers. The final total can't exceed 100, and the goal is to reach the magic number with every single student participating with their own number. The closer to 100 they get the better.

7. Guess the fact - Students will be asked to stand up and say one word related to a fact about their life. For example, if a student said 'Egypt,' they could mean they've been on holiday there, they lived there, or they even have family there. The rest of the class must guess what the full fact is based on the one-word clue.

8. The odd one out - Students will pair up and be given 30 seconds to memorize the appearance of their partner. Then, the other student will turn away and change something - whether it's taking down their hair, undoing a button, or removing their glasses. The first student must identify what's missing as quickly as possible.

With these icebreaker ideas, your middle school class will soon be having the time of their lives. What's your favorite icebreaker activity for new students?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
There's nothing quite like the awkwardness of the first few days of school. Unlike in elementary school, middle school students are far less likely to immediately make friends with every other kid they meet, which can make introductions that much trickier. If you're struggling to come up with ways to kick off school without those [...]

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A strong sense of classroom community is your greatest asset in secondary school. The key to any safe, welcoming, and productive work environment is communication. This is why I introduce icebreakers for high school students during the first week of school. We've played a ton of popular icebreakers for teens , and this blog post will share some student favorites!

It might seem unproductive to spend more than one block of instructional time on icebreaker activities. But if you're trying to cultivate a classroom culture where students engage with one another and participate in your lessons, then opportunities to engage really matter.

When it comes to icebreakers for high school students, it'simportant to have a goal in mind. Are you looking for a fun way to learn students' names? Or are you hoping to develop team-building skills? Perhaps you just want to get students talking with one another. This can help you decide which icebreaker game would work best for your classroom.

As a rule, it's mindful to avoid anything that excludes students, undermines their intelligence, or demands too much vulnerability. Transitioning to high school is challenging enough; expecting students to open up to new peers does not make it any easier. Although competitive games are fun for some students, they're generally not as fun for everyone; the goal, then, is to facilitate activities that are inclusive, engaging, and team-building.

Here are a few of my favorite icebreakers for high school students :

Speed-Meeting Icebreaker Activity

This game involves icebreaker questions for high school students . To play, you can choose from a few options: you can either seat studentsin pairs at a circle of desks or create new groups of students at the beginning of each class.

Option One: Seat students in pairs at a circle of desks. Place a few icebreaker questions suitable for teenagers at each desk and set a timer. Students can have a set amount of time to discuss the icebreaker questions before rotating to a new station with new questions. I find the easiest way to do this is to have students in the inner circle move to the left after the first round, then have the students in the outer circle move to the right after the next round, etc.

Option Two: For the first few days of school, create new groups of students at the start of class. Select a new set of icebreaker questions for each day, and have different groups of students discuss them. This is a great option if you'd like to incorporate icebreaker activities over an extended period of time.

The key to this icebreaker activity is to select icebreaker questions that students will feel comfortable answering. This includes 30 engaging and age-appropriate icebreaker questions that are organized into ready-to-print activity sheets. You can also use the card deck template to create a deck of cards.

If you have any students who are reluctant to participate, you can provide them with these icebreaker questions ahead of time so that they can prepare answers that they feel comfortable sharing.

Fun Fact Scavenger Hunt

Here's a great icebreaker activity for freshmen to help them get to know staff within the school. To prepare for this scavenger hunt, select a group of teachers and staff members that are likely to interact with freshmen students. Each staff member can share a fun fact about themselves to contribute to the scavenger hunt.

Students can then work in groups or individually to identify the staff member that shared each fun fact. This scavenger hunt can be completed outside of class. Alternatively, you can provide students with permission to complete the scavenger hunt during class hours - the latter option offers students the opportunity to explore other classrooms and feel oriented with the school.

Collaborative Playlist

Teenagers are notoriously reluctant to overshare. One way to help them let down their guard is to allow them to express their identities through music preferences. Allow each student to select a song to contribute to a class playlist.

This icebreaker for high school students doubles as a writing activity. Get your students to write a short paragraph about what the song means to them. I typically reserve their written paragraphs for myself as I find this to be a great way to build confidentiality and trust with students; given the personal nature of music, I find this activity works best when students aren't required to share their responses.

After you've built this playlist, you can modify it by finding clean versions of any songs with explicit language. Then, use this playlist during classwork periods or downtime.

"Find Your Partner" Ice Breaker

This icebreaker game for teens will activate students' inquiry-based learning skills and give them the opportunity to talk to their classmates. To start, write down a list of items or identities that often appear as pairs. Some examples include salt and pepper, Romeo and Juliet, the sun and the moon, peanut butter and jelly, Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, etc.

To play, each student in your class will assume the role of the item or identity you provide them with. You can even have students make their own from paper and glue and then adhere their identity with velcro or tape. This role is kept secret, and the goal of this icebreaker game is for each student to communicate to find their matching partner. To do so, students can ask yes or no questions about anything other than the name of their classmate's role: for example, they can't ask "are you the sun?" or "does your name rhyme with bun?"

If you have an uneven number of students, you can include a trio into the mix: so for example, you can have one set that includes red, yellow, and blue (primary colors) or stop, drop, and roll. Informing students that there is a trio can up the ante by making this icebreaker more challenging.

These are perfect for facilitating this "Find Your Partner" icebreaker game. You can continue to use this resource throughout the school year to pair partners at random for classroom activities and assignments. This resource also includes a headband template so that students can adhere their identity to their forehead.

Collaborative Story Writing

I especially love this option for freshmen and junior students in the English Language Arts classroom. For this icebreaker activity, you need a transcriber, a timer, and a method to transcribe - I find that a word-processing device works best for this.

Students have a set amount of time to write a story based on a writing prompt - you can have a student create the prompt or select one from a list of pre-made writing prompts . Each student will add a sentence that relates to the sentence written by the student before them. They can say the sentence out loud while the transcriber notes it; alternatively, you can create a shared Google Doc® that enables each student to write down their sentence when it is their turn. Remind them not to worry too much about what they write - the whole point of this activity is to have fun.

When the last student has contributed a line to the story, you can loop back to the student who contributed the first sentence and continue to pass the responsibility along until the timer runs out. Whoever is the last one to contribute to the story must write a conclusion to tie the story together. You can then have a student volunteer read the entire story aloud.

Self-Serve Seating Plan

This icebreaker activity promotes critical thinking and group collaboration. The goal of this game is for students to arrange themselves according to the seating plan you provide. Some ideas include having students sit in alphabetical order or by date of birth. I typically make the instructions vague so that the problem-solving is left up to them.

If you have students sit in alphabetical order, it is a great opportunity to help with memorizing names. You can even keep this seating arrangement for the first few days of school to support this process as you observe the natural dynamics of the class before changing the seating arrangement.

For a fun twist, you can challenge students to communicate non-verbally while they arrange the seating plan. This twist is possible if you have students arrange themselves by height or distance traveled to school.

Icebreaker Bingo

I love using this icebreaker game as a get-to-know-you activity. To create a bingo card for your class list, you can start out with a student survey to collect some information about your students. Be sure to preface this activity with the fact that you'll be sharing fun facts about them so that they don't assume the form to be confidential.

Alternatively, you can create a bingo card using generic facts that can apply to several different students in your class. Examples can include: "this student is the oldest child in their family," or "this student speaks three languages."

Once you've created your bingo card template, you can provide a copy to each student and have them circulate the room to engage with their classmates. When they've found someone to whom the fact on the bingo sheet applies, they can write that student's name down in the box.

A Meme Tells a Thousand Words

This icebreaker game will have students share their thoughts about class content through the vehicle of a meme. To play this game, you can search for memes or royalty-free images that express different reactions. Students can select the meme or image that best represents their thoughts on the subject that you teach. Alternatively, you can find royalty-free photographs that elicit a similar response.

Place the memes and images around the classroom. When students enter the room, you can instruct them to circulate and observe each image or meme to identify the one that best describes how they feel about the subject you teach.

Once they've selected the image, you can group them together based on their selection and have them discuss their answers with their peers. This provides students with the opportunity to interact with like-minded peers; additionally, this is a great time for you to circulate the room, to join in on conversations by reflectively listening, and to show your support to students by validating their comments or concerns.

Fun icebreakers for high school students can be hard to come by. High school students are often reluctant to overshare. This is especially true for freshmen that are intimidated by their new environment, or seniors that prefer to keep to themselves. But the right icebreaker can make an immense difference in your learning environment by breaking through these mindsets.

I hope this list of icebreaker activities for teens helps you foster a supportive and inclusive classroom culture this year. For more ideas for the 2021-2022 back-to-school season, check out my blog post on 8 Strategies for Starting a New School Year.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Back-to-School Icebreakers for High School Students

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Here are a few of my favorite icebreakers for high school. These icebreaker activities for teenagers are engaging and age-appropriate.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Flip is where social and emotional learning happens! The leading video discussion platform for millions of PreK to PhD educators, students, and families.

# data[].attributes.body
Play various types of music to get their day going. Music is played at the beginning of the class and the music is ended when the bell rings.

# data[].attributes.body
Door greetings, review agenda, play LoFi music, learning intentions, quote of the day, play heardle, play wordle, non-academic questions to simulate discussions.

# data[].attributes.headline
TOHS English: Door Greetings; Let students get comfortable in their room and step out and socialize with students outside while the come in.  Play music that incorporates student choice as they walk in; as students come in to class, connect with them in small groups or individually:  How was your weekend?  How was your cousin's party this past weekend?  

# data[].attributes.subject
TOHS English: Door Greetings; Let students get comfortable in their room and step out and socialize with students outside while the come in.  Play music that incorporates student choice as they walk in; as students come in to class, connect with them in small groups or individually:  How was your weekend?  How was your cousin's party this past weekend?  

# data[].attributes.body
Create a Google Slide presentation with 5 to 10 pictures that identify you as a person. (Academic and Ethical Images only)

# data[].attributes.body
-Collaborative warm up.
-Class entrance song while having -conversations with kids and listening to the responces.
-Asking kids about their lives and current sports/activities.
-Sharing about what is happening in my life/family. Asking students for their perspecives.
-Quizzlet live (intergration of Tech and collaboration)

# data[].attributes.body
Foreign Language greetings and cultural customs apply to the rituals starting daily class, returning after a weekend, etc.

# data[].attributes.body
*Say hello by name as they enter
*Ask how they are doing, make a connection
*Quick check in, group discussion
*"Good Morning or Good Afternoon" each day
*Monday check in about the weekend

# data[].attributes.body
Greet kids at the door.
Opening Question of the Day to subject matter or current event
Play Music related to the Historical Time Period or Play Music in General
What's in the News discussions

# data[].attributes.body
While checking homework completion at the beginning of class, check in with students. "How are you doing today?" "How was your weekend?" etc.

# data[].attributes.body
Music and high fives as students enter;
Opening group "check-in" at start of period;

# data[].attributes.body
Students write down three facts about themselves at the start of the year on a notecard. Then, throughout semester one, we will read the three facts (students remain standing if the fact is true for them). At the end, I identify which student's card it is. it allows students to see what they have in common and it also allows us to get to know each other.

# data[].attributes.body
Informal chatting, letters of introduction, daily routine presentations, autobiography writing, describing self, family and friends, google forms for preferences, attending games, activities

# data[].attributes.body
At the beginning of the year, students complete a "Get to Know You" Google Form. Form includes questions about student interests, learning styles, etc.

# data[].attributes.body
Had students take a personality surve.
Getting to know you activities.
Ongoing conversations

# data[].attributes.body
Opening Surveys: Ask students what will help them learn in the class
Talk to students about their sports, activities, work
Call home to talk to parents
Create a student soundtrack (Spotify)

# data[].attributes.body
Play blooket, kahoots, group competitions, locker room design, photo album, flip, peardeck, student survey, and general conversations

# data[].attributes.body
The students give feedback about the day's lesson. What did they like, what didn't they like, and what can I do better next time?

# data[].attributes.body
*Course Content in College/Careers and Peer Mentors allows to get to know students daily - group discussions
*Student interest surveys at start of the year
*Class get to know each other activities
*Ask meaningful questions
*Students share about other students - helps teacher know when to step in to provide support
*Draw pictures to allow artistic students to lead

# data[].attributes.headline
TOHS English Dept: questionnaires build connections: have students create a Google Survey by pairing them together.  Then they present each other over the course of the first 5 weeks; manipulation activities that represent themselves  (Play Doh, abstract art), etc.

# data[].attributes.subject
TOHS English Dept: questionnaires build connections: have students create a Google Survey by pairing them together.  Then they present each other over the course of the first 5 weeks; manipulation activities that represent themselves  (Play Doh, abstract art), etc.

# data[].attributes.body
On unit tests, ask students what was their favorite thing they learned and/or what their most proud of from the recent unit. I give a couple of points on the test for each answer and get really good info/feedback.

# data[].attributes.body
My students have difficulty sharing information about themselves due to communication challenges. At the beginning of the year, I sent out a Google Form to parents asking them to share their student's likes, dislikes, behaviors, etc. This gives me an opportunity to make instant connection with my students by talking about and incorporating things they like into conversations and classwork.

# data[].attributes.body
Allowing students to pick from a "menu" of options for their final projects.

# data[].attributes.body
This story is a great introduction to learning the phonetic way to pronounce your students' names.  I've been doing this during the first week of school for the last two years and it's even helped the other teachers in my grade level. ♡

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
For teaching the "how to" of a Frayer & how much info goes into a Frayer model for future academic use to define concepts/terms & getting to know students

# data[].attributes.headline
"Frayer" Yourself and/or "Frayer a Friend/Classmate

# data[].attributes.subject
"Frayer" Yourself and/or "Frayer a Friend/Classmate

# data[].attributes.body
*EduProtocol

# data[].attributes.body
- Greet at door - inform of supply list for class
- daily SEL (not called that with students
as they roll their eyes when they hear SEL)
- daily slideshow with every step of the class
- brain breaks when they have to get out of their seat and move
-require students to fill out assignment notebook with the information on the "homework" slide and then I stamp it
- check in with each student prior to excusing them from class

# data[].attributes.body
Give students options for test dates
Ask students what do they want to learn
One assignment: five options (artistic, video, writing, etc)
Offer options to learn what is the best to study the material (flashcards, create Kahoots, practice questions)

# data[].attributes.body
-students working at the board
-asking students for feedback on timming per sections
-Blooket- gamming approach to learning math
-Using student interests to guide specific topics
-Partner and group work often

# data[].attributes.headline
TOHS English Dept: Provide multiple options (menu) of ways to show learning; "4 Corners" discussion to introduce new concepts and get them to talk to each other; Mini-debates on opinion questions, Survey students to find out how they want to learn something in the classroom (providing options and ideas)

# data[].attributes.subject
TOHS English Dept: Provide multiple options (menu) of ways to show learning; "4 Corners" discussion to introduce new concepts and get them to talk to each other; Mini-debates on opinion questions, Survey students to find out how they want to learn something in the classroom (providing options and ideas)

# data[].attributes.body
Students chose some content with parameters, options with assessments (ex: chose 3 of these 6), sometimes choice with partners or working alone

# data[].attributes.body
Student Input re: test/quiz date

Assessment options (types of questions)

Assignment choices

# data[].attributes.body
Beginning of the year: Student Survey, "About Me" slide presentation;
Throughout the year: Narrative Writing, IEP planning and case management

# data[].attributes.body
*Have students mentor younger students (in first course) to explain projects or lessons
*Choice in projects to allow for student voice
*Students can turn in virtual or paper assignments to meet learner needs
*Set weekly goals . . . and try to check back in to show progress
*Guest speakers based on career goals to inspire students in each industry
*Professional swag to get kids excited
*Field trips and conferences for professional experiences
*Classroom token economy to increase student engagement
*Flexibility in planning culminating project to demonstrate creativity

# data[].attributes.body
Be positive and genuinely say 'good morning' to each student.

Treat each day as a new beginning, no matter what took place the day before.  No one wants to start the day with "yesterday's dirty dishes!"

Students don't know you care about them until they KNOW you care about them!

# data[].attributes.body
Choice boards, inquiry based labs

# data[].attributes.body
I give students a choice about how they want to read from our novel: on your own, reciprocal reading with a friend, listening to the audio version of the book, I read aloud to them.

# data[].attributes.body
Create a survey or poll for students to answer questions of the day or share a reflective perspective to share with the class.

# data[].attributes.body
I give students a choice board for final projects: make a model of a theme from the book, reenact a scene on video/provide script, write a reflection piece on the novel, write about how a character compares with someone you know.

# data[].attributes.body
Polls, exit tickets, reflections, surveys, thumbs up/thumbs down, peadeck end polls, and just ask.

# data[].attributes.body
-google forms
-Asking student's about how other teachers teach things like vocab that works for them.
-Exit surve
-Exit tickets
-End of year surve
-Department discussions

# data[].attributes.body
- helps keep data organized and is "sortable" in Google Sheets
- For feedback from students on class activities & reflection questions on students own performance

# data[].attributes.body
Exit tickets
Discussions via Canvas
Survey
Facial Expressions
Individual and Class Conversations

# data[].attributes.body
Quarterly asking for feedback about favorite, beneficial or least favorite activities.

# data[].attributes.headline
TOHS English Dept: 3-2-1 (Learned-what do you want to know more about-a question you still have); Journal reflections; Beginning of year goal-setting (through letters to themselves), Students reflect on their own work and learning; SEL - look at your grades, reflect on where you could improve and what you're doing well on!

# data[].attributes.subject
TOHS English Dept: 3-2-1 (Learned-what do you want to know more about-a question you still have); Journal reflections; Beginning of year goal-setting (through letters to themselves), Students reflect on their own work and learning; SEL - look at your grades, reflect on where you could improve and what you're doing well on!

# data[].attributes.body
End-of-semester or End-of Year reflections/surveys

Assignment reflections/feedback

# data[].attributes.body
*Self-reflections after projects
*Use formative assessments and body language to alter assignments to keep students engaged
*Nonverbal cues to direct lesson advancement
*Student interest surveys to identify guest speakers, field trips, research projects
*Individual conferences to identify successful strategies and units of study
*Analyze student work (quality and which students are behind) to determine feedback

# data[].attributes.body
Students can share a rose or thorn (positive or negative) from their week.

# data[].attributes.body
On Monday morning, students share best (Sparkle) and most challenging (Farkle) parts of their weekend.

# data[].attributes.body
Say three words that represent how you would describe your weekend.

# data[].attributes.body
Free and sign in with google account. Provides a variety of ways to Poll students.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Host interactive online meetings | Poll Everywhere

# data[].attributes.headline
Daily Warm-Ups To encourage student voice 

# data[].attributes.subject
Daily Warm-Ups To encourage student voice 

# data[].attributes.body
Create a dynamic webpage that represents you. Include images, links, and dynamic content that allow the viewers of your website to better understand you.

# data[].attributes.body
Ask a question (what is a video game you like, what is a restaurant you like) and each student has to answer.  Other students can give snaps, but can't talk during the sharing session, or you start over. This can then be used to discuss performances and evaluations of the group strenghths and weaknesses.

# data[].attributes.headline
Beginning of the Year Getting to Know You - Colina Science

# data[].attributes.subject
Beginning of the Year Getting to Know You - Colina Science

# data[].attributes.body
Google Slides Add on that offers opportunities for students to take a poll, to draw, to add in text, to add in emojis. Students just need the code to login and follow along.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Integrations & Partnerships | Pear Deck Learning

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Elevate education with Pear Deck Learning’s multitude of top-notch integrations and partnerships with industry all-stars like Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, and many more.

# data[].attributes.body
Give students 8 problems. Let them choose which 5 they want to solve. This can be done on a handout or posting problems around the classroom.

# data[].attributes.body
Discussion Questions - Create content-based discussion questions. Students discuss with their table groups and make connections to their lives.

Friday Rose/Thorn - Reflect on your week and share something you're proud of and something that was challenging for you.

# data[].attributes.body
Plan on writing software as part of your Post-AP project that provides functionality that you have always wanted to write. Keep this idea in your mind as you learn throughout the semester. Research what you will need to know to create that software.

# data[].attributes.body
First week of school using a name tent to learn names, but inside of each one are spaces to ask questions of students and then create a dialog with students to comment and/or ask more questions of your students. Great opportunity for kids to share and teachers to learn more. (courtesy of Sarah VanDerWerff)

# data[].attributes.body
I have a random question on my screen each day.  As the kids come in they begin talking about it, when the bell rings, I welcome them and begin calling on people for their answer.  I've found it helps them put aside whatever was happening between classes and refocus on my classroom.  Though it takes several minutes at the beginning of class, it saves a LOT of effort from redirecting throughout class.

# data[].attributes.body
*Do nows-short informal low stakes writing prompts that connect to the current unit to introduce the reading topic day/week
*Pair share yesterdays lesson objectives
*Greet at door
*compliment the hiders (those that are wallflowers)

# data[].attributes.body
1. journal entries connecting to themes
2. share accomplishments and celebrations
3. greet at the door

# data[].attributes.body
Ask students "what was your favorite part of the unit?" as a question on the test or exit ticket.

# data[].attributes.body
Weekly "Community Circles". Students bring chairs outside and form a circle. Question is asked by teacher, "What is your proudest moment?" Students hold onto stuffed cougar and share their experience. Stuffed cougar travels around the circle and everyone shares. Teacher then asks students to give a classmate a compliment and we go around the circle again with the stuffed cougar. Holding stuffed animal means you are talking and no stuffed animal means you are listening. Then students can share what they are doing over the weekend. This activity really opens up the class and helps students bond to one another. Turns a class into a family. <3

# data[].attributes.body
Each student creates a journal that serves as a record of what they have done during the school year, how they have felt about it, and what they would like to do to further their explorations.

# data[].attributes.body
1.  Give choice of carefully curated roles when doing collaborative projects.  The roles should reflect learning styles and differentiation and will change depending on the specific task given;
2.  Student choice of novels for book club reading;
3.  Students can choose which character's perspective to write from;
4. Choice menus for how to respond to given prompt or task.

# data[].attributes.body
1. Student Spotlight
2. student conferences

# data[].attributes.body
1)  Entrance Card- students answer questions about the previous nights homework and then we go over.  The  questions could also be about like a pre-test about the lesson for the day to get them to think about the topic we will do.
2) Peer Homework club - answer each others homework questions.

# data[].attributes.body
*Peardeck - What is filling/draining your bucket? Share with the whole class
*Greet kids at the door
*Ask students about their weekend/outside activities
*Have music playing as they enter class
*Teacher shares random personal stories to connect with students
*This Day in History - Relate the event to students' lives
*Discovery History Baskets for each civilization
*Share different cultural traditions & practices

# data[].attributes.body
Students respond to daily questions in Canvas at the end of each class. The questions ask students to respond with opinions about class activities or feedback on their effort/participation, etc.

# data[].attributes.body
Students start each class with a check in question and dynamic warm up.

# data[].attributes.body
Class ends with a daily closure for relaxation, breathing, body awareness, personal check in.

# data[].attributes.body
Darin tells jokes- Monday Bad Pun Day & Tuesday No Blues Day; Welcome the class

# data[].attributes.body
Surveys, walk the classroom & talk to students, go to games & school activities

# data[].attributes.headline
Debriefing: 5 questions after a cooperative game.

# data[].attributes.subject
Debriefing: 5 questions after a cooperative game.

# data[].attributes.body
1. What did you notice?
2. Why did it happen?
3. Does it happen in life/school?
4. Where does it happen?
5. How can you use that?

# data[].attributes.body
Discuss & give student options for test days when the test falls at an awkward time; design inquiry labs; choice of materials & how to demonstrate concepts in iMotion; for certain labs, students have choice in how they format their lab report; optional extra help for difficult concepts

# data[].attributes.body
end of course surveys; end of unit reflections; exit tickets; talk to the students/ask their opinion through verbal conversation & email

# data[].attributes.headline
Breaking News/Smiles and Frowns (LCMS English)

# data[].attributes.subject
Breaking News/Smiles and Frowns (LCMS English)

# data[].attributes.body
Checking in with students as part of a regular part of our classroom routine about their outside interests and experiences increases connections in the classroom and give teachers more background information about their interests, experiences, and dispositions.

# data[].attributes.body
Having students self-assess themselves helps teachers give more meaningful and targeted feedback as well as inspires reflective thinking practices.

# data[].attributes.body
Students create a Google slide "All About Me" that highlights their personal interests and strengths.

# data[].attributes.headline
LCMS SS - 1. Greeting at the door with eye contact. 2. Good News Intro which includes students.

# data[].attributes.subject
LCMS SS - 1. Greeting at the door with eye contact. 2. Good News Intro which includes students.

# data[].attributes.body
Students fill out Google Form/Canvas Questionnaire/Exit Ticket," What do you want me to do more of or change to help you get better at math or learn math?"

# data[].attributes.headline
LCMS SS - www.Pollev.com or Google Forms that can give feedback instantly or anonymously.

# data[].attributes.subject
LCMS SS - www.Pollev.com or Google Forms that can give feedback instantly or anonymously.