This year, more than ever, it’s so important to develop relationships early with your students. But how? It’s not easy with masks, screens, and tech issues getting in the way.
It is possible though.
Try focusing in on writing and speaking activities that give students a chance to share about their lives and dreams at the same time that they begin to use their ELA skills again after summer break. I shared about this earlier this summer in my podcast episode, A Plan for your First Fall Unit, Unknowns and All.
I’ve got a few favorite activities to suggest, including name tents, I am From Poems, and today’s easy project, 6 Word Memoirs.
Six word memoirs are a fun and simple concept. To tell a story of your own life in just six words is quite a challenge, but it’s a good one.
Students can either create a continuous six word story relating to their lives, like “The day she arrived, everything changed.” Or share a series of key words like “tennis / journalism / Sarah / frosting / meditation / photography.”
You know me, I can’t resist combining a bit of imagery and color with the ideas. Giving this a one-pageresque spin helps students share more of themselves along the way. Ask kids to represent their words with images and color to accent meaning. This can easily be done on a Google Slide, Canva poster, or piece of paper (depending on your scenario and LMS).
Want to try a fresh discussion strategy that engages your students in critical thinking while also improving their group dynamics and creating that focused buzz of conversation in your classroom that you love? Try using my free digital hexagonal thinking kit. It has everything you need to get started with this popular classroom tool. Click here to sign up for this free resource.
One Comment
Is there a free printable for this 6-Words project?