Response to Engaging Students

 “Writing helps us convey ideas, solve problems, and understand ourselves and our changing world.  

            Writing is a bridge to the future.”– NWP

 One of my favorite activities for getting students to know one another is to pair students for an interview activity.  If possible, have students work with someone they don’t already know. (If you are working online, you can set up the pairs.)  It also works effectively if the instructor first demonstrates the activity by participating with a student.

Brainstorm possible questions – family traditions, favorite subjects, favorite childhood memory, family traditions, etc.  (10 minutes)

1. Take turns interviewing each other. (10 minutes)
2. Write a paragraph about partner highlighting a key trait or something unique. (10 minutes)
3. Introduce partner by reading paragraph.

In an earlier entry, I shared the 3-sheet writing activity.  This activity could certainly be used for students to interview each other. Also, this activity could be a self-interview.

ANOTHER POSSIBILITY 

1. First introduce yourself to your students by demonstrating how to construct a web of favorite activities, hobbies, pets, foods, music, etc.   

      

2. Then students create own webs.
3. Pair students (mix as much as possible with unknown partners).
4. Partners interview each other, noting ways in which they are alike and ways they are different.
5. Incorporate findings into a Venn diagram to illustrate similarities/differences.

 

6. Partners collaborate to write two paragraphs: one student writes about their differences; the other one focuses on their similarities. Then they introduce each other to the class using their paragraphs as guides. 

SUGGESTION:  TAKE PICTURES OF THE STUDENTS AS THEY SHARE TO DISPLAY.

Finally, check out these two excellent resources:

https://www.boredteachers.com/classroom-ideas/21-social-distance-friendly-and-virtual-icebreakers-students-will-actually-have-fun-with

https://writenow.nwp.org/designing-for-teaching-writers-online-aeec68be7b0