The first days and weeks of school can be exciting and scary at the same time. With a few exercises to get to know each other, you and your students can start the next school year more easily.
Below we have listed some ideas from you, our readers.
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ICE BREAKERS
first day of school
Have preschoolers draw each child a picture of their first day at school.
~Uploaded by KinderArt®
Transport diagram
Ask the children how they got to school (by car, bus, walk, train, subway, etc.). Record the results on the board.
~Uploaded by KinderArt®
Matching shoes
Ask students to take off one shoe and place it on the desk in front of them. Students then write a paragraph describing the shoe (color, shape, material, etc.). Students may also or instead want to draw a picture of a shoe. Collect all the descriptions and ask students to put their shoes back on. Later in the day, ask students to take off their shoe and put it in the middle of the classroom for all to see. Then give a description to each student (make sure students don't get their descriptions back). Students read the description one by one and then try to find a shoe that matches the description. If they get it right, the owner of the shoe raises his hand and the student matching the description of the shoe returns it to the owner.
~Uploaded by KinderArt®
Puzzles with names
If your students can write their names, this is a great exercise:
- I give students a blackboard long enough for them to write their names.
- After they write their names, I'll have them cut them into puzzle pieces. (Not enough!!) I usually say 5 is enough.
- Then the children take turns walking around the room and repeating their names.
This is a great activity to learn spelling or words on the wall.
~Uploaded by: Deanna
Team drawing
A pictorial version of consequence that helps students appreciate the art of others.
- Take a large piece of A3 paper and fold it into five parts. Label each section with head, shoulders, arms, legs and shoes/feet - enough photocopies for everyone in the class.
- Then ask each person to draw the appropriate item in the section, assemble it, and pass it on.
- Finally, put the results on the board and discuss the results.
I always find that at the end everyone is really laughing and relaxing together.
~Uploaded by Sue Bradshaw
All About Me book
I am asking my children to complete the All About Me mini book.
- There is a birthday cake on the cover and they paint the candles to represent their age.
- The next page is a blank photo frame where I can draw a picture of my family.
- Then below it says: I have ___ sisters and their name is ____________ same as my brothers.
- My father's name is my mother's.
- I have a pet, it is ________ and its name is ____.
- On the last page there is a picture of some crayons and I ask the children to color their two favorite colors.
For them, it is a simple book that they can use as a reference book for the first few weeks. Children like being remembered, so I can easily read about them and use what I've learned to talk to them about them and their families.
I am a teacher for 3 and 4 year olds and it works great for me.
~Uploaded by Denise
Do an artistic dance
- Give each student a few sheets of paper.
- Give each student different colors and media to choose from.
- Play strange sounds and music for a few seconds, constantly changing songs.
- Tell students to follow you by choosing a color that reminds them of the sound they hear and draw a line that also represents it.
- First, I show it so that they don't get scared of the strangeness, and I tell them when they hear something unusual, to dance too instead of the body, only with their hands!
I do this with every first grader!
~Uploaded by: Kellie Marz-Mele
fun with shoes
- I make three shoe patterns: heel, cowboy boots and sneakers.
- Children become shoe designers - they draw a shoe and decorate it with yarn, markers, etc.
- We look at shoes and talk about fashion design.
- She loves him!
~Uploaded by: Lisa
to omit
Pass Around is the perfect icebreaker. The students stand in a circle around the art tables. Everyone made a small 5x5 frame (or I do before class). Each student has a sheet of drawing paper with their name on the back. They have 10-15 seconds to draw a typography (wavy, zigzag) on a piece of paper. , curved). No line can detach from the paper. After 10 seconds, I yell "Pass". The student has 10 seconds to pass his work to the student to his left, who places the line again in front of him on a new sheet of paper. All 10 means "passed" in second grade. I usually count out loud for them. This is until you see that the page is pretty well covered. Say "stop" and each student will pull out their paper. Then the student takes their frame, finds the most interesting part of their paper and cuts it to fit the frame. The design is then colored and immediately has a non-objective, modern piece of art. They love emotions and what comes out of them. I used it from 3rd to 8th grade. Always hit!
~Uploaded by Janice Allen
self portrait
On the first day of class, I have students draw self-portraits. Children like to look at themselves in the mirror and have fun drawing. It's always a fun way to get to know yourself and yourself!
~Provided by: Jennifer
self portrait
Ask the children to sit in front of a long mirror (as in many kindergarten classrooms). Have them sit close enough to touch the mirror. Give the children a choice of colors and ask them to draw themselves directly on the mirror - they draw hair where they see their hair, eyes where they see their eyes, etc. After drawing the self-portrait Take the white construction 9x12 paper and press it against the mirror. The selfies are then transferred onto white paper and will be greatly appreciated!!! These kids love to see what their selfies look like - and their parents think they're hilarious!!! Laminate because it's a real eye-catcher!
~Uploaded by: Beth Benson
Make hats
I do this with older students. Place the newspaper, tape and scissors on the tables and ask the students to make a hat out of the materials. The hat must be designed to represent who you are. For example: If you like sports, you can try making a baseball cap. If you like nature, you can make a hat that looks like a tree and has branches; etc. Give them about 15 minutes and then have a fashion show where they have to say why the hats represent them. You can also group students into teams and they can make each other's hats. It's a fun activity to shake off cobwebs. For older children, there is also the possibility of playing music from the catwalk and a model walk. You're getting really stupid with this. That's funny.
~Uploaded by Elizabeth Beeson
Three ideas
- Students pair up, interview another student, and then tell the class about that person.
- Students write some facts about themselves without giving their names. They are then instructed to crumple the paper and engage in a "controlled" paper ball fight for several minutes. When the teacher says time is up, they grab another ball of paper and take turns reading aloud, trying to guess who that person is.
- Students play the game Two Truths and a Lie. They write down three things about themselves, two true and one completely made up - they read their three things and the class tries to guess which one is false. The teacher should start this game first to demonstrate how it works.
~Uploaded by: Melissa Corry
Freeze!
The children are sitting around the table. Each child receives a piece of paper with the name of a topic or activity related to school printed on the back. In the center of the table are various painting supplies (markers, crayons, watercolors, glue, tissue paper, pipe cleaners, etc.). According to the instructions, each child turns over their sheet and begins to create a picture that they describe on their sheet. I can use any art materials. The music plays as they begin to create. After 20-30 seconds, the music stops and the teacher says: "Stop!" At this point, each child puts down any craft material they are using and passes their piece of paper to the child on their right. The music continues and each child looks at a new word on the card they are given and adds this new creation. The process continues until each child adds something to each creation and the card is returned to the child who created it. At the end, each child holds the finished work in their hands and the children cheer each other on for their efforts. This is my students' favorite activity!
~Uploaded by Bonnie
line
I talk to my students about lines: straight lines, zigzag lines, curved lines, broken lines, etc. I have pictures to show them. Then I tell them to get up and tell them that we will follow the leader. I'm the leader and they have to raise their magic finger and when we walk around the classroom we have to put our fingers on all the things I told them. I say, "Oh, there's a sinuous line in that picture on the wall," tracing the sinuous lines with my finger. Then we all take turns leading the rest of the group through these movements. The students have a great time moving the lines they touch as we cross the room and describe each other.
~Dostavila: Jill Hartsell
Nbrand am
For fourth grader name tags, I provide large blank index cards.
I have students draw a thin border (1 inch) around the index card.
They then write their names in italics in the middle.
The edge is then divided into quarters (each quarter includes a corner).
Then I have them draw these four different things:
1. her family
2. what they want to be when they grow up
3. their hobbies, interests, sports, etc.
4. what they did in the summer (camping, holidays, etc.).
The children worked on it for a long time and only with crayons. When they were done, we walked around the room sharing our badges and talking about what was on them. Then I had them laminated and used them all year.
~Uploaded by: Maria
skydiving games
(For elementary school students) Take students outside while the weather is still clear and play parachute games. For example, raise the parachute and say the student's name. Then you and the kid run under the parachute and switch places. Then the student whose name you called calls out the name of his classmate and switches places with him, and so on. The rules are as follows: You must not call a student who has already been summoned. So that everyone has their turn, students going to the exchange can high five themselves by walking past.
~Uploaded by Luisa
is it art
For my older students, 6th to 8th grade, I have them fill out a student card with various information to get to know them better. I then have students work in groups, looking at laminated art examples from non-traditional artistsMereta OppenheimaIDonalda Judd, and ask them to write whether they think that example is an art - and why or why not. Then we discuss her thoughts in class and I present my definition of art. Then students can view some of my work that I bring into the room.
~Uploaded by Kathy Gross
Tri= Spring!
The children stand in a circle and I give them the instructions to follow:
If I say 1, it means "go".
2 = stand on one leg
3=Shock
You can say the instructions any way you like, for example: 3, 1, 2 or 2, 1, 3, etc.
Students simply have to do what is expected of them.
You can also use letters instead of numbers or use animals, shapes or colors and change direction.
For example: red = jump, blue = run, green = stop. This way you can notice what they already know and you can get them to follow along. Tried it a few times and really enjoyed it!
~Uploaded by Andrea
what is art
I ask "What is art?" and instead of answering with words, students have to draw their definition. Then we talk about what they drew and how their image reflects their definition. It encourages creativity and the idea that there is no right answer - it's different for everyone and that's okay!
~Uploaded by Alison
Hunting scavengers in the art room
Before the first week of school, I list the various art supplies and furniture in the room. Then I make a checklist of these items, and when the students arrive, it's time for scavenger hunts. Students must have their worksheets signed by other students to confirm that they have found the item. It's a great icebreaker because:
1. Encourages students to talk to each other.
2. In art class, they find out where everything is.
No more questions: "Where is the trash can?"
~Uploaded by Sarah Monge
my favorite things
As a new teacher, I plan for students to draw themselves and add their favorite things. Younger students can use crayons, older students can use markers and crayons. Then students distribute them at the end of the lesson and write their names on them. This allows me to see what students like, what stage of development and skill they are at, and what changes I need to make in upcoming lessons.
~Uploaded by: Michele
draw me! (This is a great lesson to introduce yourself)
On a piece of paper, students draw an unusual frame and divide it with lines to make it look like a stained glass window. Ask students to draw you in the center of the box. Have students focus on every detail about you (hair and eye color, jewelry, socks, shoes, etc.). The students enjoy it very much and are focused. In addition, sending your child home is a great way to introduce yourself to your child's family.
~Provided by: Jennifer
Proud display
On the first day of school/summer camp, I gather the children and get to know them. Once they know a few things, I tell them to get up and talk about the other person. It goes something like this: "Your favorite color is orange." They love dogs. Their favorite cartoon is SpongeBob and they can eat ice cream for the rest of their lives. I am proud to introduce you to... Nikola!” I encourage her to cheer and go crazy. They love it and it helps me get to know them. 🙂
~Uploaded by Channing
throw the ball
To lighten the mood after learning the rules and procedures, I like to play ball toss. Prepare a beach ball with different questions for each color. You can really use any soft ball you have space to write on. Example questions include, "What was your favorite activity this summer?" "What's your favorite art project you've done in school so far?" "What's your favorite sports team?" Throw the ball to the student - the student must say their name and then answer the question asked. Then I can throw the ball away. The teacher must repeat each student's name before throwing the ball to the next student. So in the end you have to name all the students one by one. It's a fun and amazing way to combine names and faces.
~Provided by: Molly
Sketching cover
For the first lesson, students design the first page of a drawing pad that they will use for the rest of the semester/year. The image can be a drawing or painting of a self-portrait, a favorite animal or toy, a favorite sport, etc., or just patterns of their choice.
~Uploaded by Vicky Mckay
line up
If the class is small, give everyone a number. Students then have to line up in numerical order without verbal communication or finger lifting. This can also be used for shoe sizes and calendar months.
~Uploaded by Samantha Bourd
In search of a different kind of treasure
It's a different kind of treasure hunt. To prepare, I divide a sheet of paper into 20 parts. In each section, I write examples of places students may have visited or descriptions they could describe. Some of the questions might include: Find someone who has been to Disney; Find a person whose favorite color is red. Find someone who has three siblings. Find someone who knows who Picasso is; etc. I make enough copies for all the students in the class. The students' task is then to find someone who fits into each box without duplicating the box. They allow a person matching the description to enter their initials. I let each student use the initial once and they can include me in the search. I always have an "art related" prize for whoever finishes first. Of course, you can save time by reducing the number of questions to 10 or 15. I've found this works quite well with fourth graders.
~Uploaded by Julia
color mix
Show children the magic of mixing secondary colors with primary colors: Place 6 clear plastic cups in a circle. Have the children add 3 drops of red, yellow and blue food coloring, leaving a distinct drop between them. Then a few selected children mix the red/yellow, red/blue and blue/red drops in the remaining cups in between. The resulting orange, purple, and green colors should evoke oh and aaah! If you're doing it outside, give the kids straws and pour some dishwashing liquid into the glasses. Then they can try blowing soap bubbles from the glasses to get pastel shades.
~Uploaded by Julie Duel