Getting to know new class

I. GETTING to KNOW a NEW CLASS To carry out this activity, prepare : 1.Materials / Aids : (1). One small, soft, light ball; (2). Fictional name-cards, also containing details of occupation, hometown and hobbies; 2.Background Knowledge : It’s very important for a teacher to get to know his/her students as quickly as possible, and especially, for students to get to know each other. The reasons for its importance are : (1). If the students rapidly come to feel that they are not sitting there with some strangers, they will be more at ease, will speak up more, and probably perform better; (2). The teacher will be in a better position to choose and adapt materials suitable for the students; (3). The lessons will probably become more lively and humorous; (4). A group-feeling will develop, with a strong spirit of mutual help.

GAMES I. NAMES (1). State clearly that getting to know a person’s name is one of the vital steps in “breaking the ice” with someone. (2). Game 1 : a. Everybody stands up and forms a circle ( including the teacher ); b. A student says his/her name and then throws the ball to someone else, who does likewise. c. After some time, students say someone else’s name and then throw the ball to that person. This is continued until everybody is familiar with everybody else’s name. Be aware of those who aren’t receiving the ball much, maybe their names haven’t been remembered.

(3). Game 2 : a. Using fictional names, the teacher gets one student to say “My name’s ” b. The teacher then says ( mention the names mentioned previously ) : His/her name’s My name’s c. This continues with other students and the responses get longer and longer each time.

II. Personal Information Getting the students involved by “personalising” classroom activities as much as possible is obviously something that should be done throughout the course. Here are some suggestions : (1). Adapt game 2 above to bring in some personal info, e.g. “My name’s and I’m from ”; or “My name’s And I like.....(hobby )....”, etc. (2). The students “brainstorm” in groups to make a list of ten questions that might be asked on meeting some one for the first time. With this questionnaire, they interview their partners ( from other groups ). Then, report back to the group.

(3). Self introduction might be a good idea, but it is a difficult task except for advanced students. (4). Moving people around / mingle. Teachers should not be afraid to move people around, and ask people to change partners, etc. Students will be less shy in general if they have had a face – to – face conversation with many of the individual members of the group.