Previously I discussed how harsh older classmates can be on one another. I also described the fear and anxiety that many students experience when it comes to moments when children are asked to choose teams or partners. These times can be awkward and embarrassing for some students.
In the last article I also gave some tips that teachers can do to help minimize the anxiety and tension that children experience from one another. Another way that teachers can help reduce the amount of cruelty that students place on each other is through students introductions.
These help greatly when the majority of the students have come from different schools. For example, when students move up to a middle or high school. Students are less likely to make fun of one another when they know each other and know everyone’s name. Many students make fun of others because they fear the unknown.
Some teachers use the traditional tell us about yourself method. However that often causes more anxiety because one student is placed on the spot.
Below I have described a game that is fun and introduces students to one another. It is a great way to start a new school year.
The game- Adjectives
Ask each student to think of an adjective to describe themselves at that particular moment. Give some examples of adjectives that they may want to use. Some examples are talented, hungry, pretty, friendly.
Begin in one corner of the room and start asking students to say their name and their adjective. Continue asking students until you have reached five. Go back to the first student and ask the entire class “Who is this?” Continue asking for those five people. Work through five more students and repeat the process.
After all of the students have had a chance to give their name and adjective ask the class to get out a sheet of paper and pencil. The teacher calls out an adjective that was said in random order and the students must write down which name matched it.
Additional Related Articles
Helping your Child with Peer Pressure