Ms. Monaco
English Education
EDUCATORS
Hello Comrades!
I have decided to share some of my favorite exercises and extras with you to create a positive learning environment in your classrooms. I see all of my classes as ensembles, or groups of people constantly working together, just like actors on the stage. It doesn't matter if you're Hamlet, or a guard to the castle door; if you're part of the ensemble, you're valued as an equal in responsibility and importance.
The best way to establish a safe and fun community in your classroom is by allowing the students to create a bond amongst the group. While we should never expect each student to be best-friends with the next, we should expect everyone to feel safe and at the very least comfortable while in our classrooms.
These are essentially team-building exercises. They are meant to create an ensemble, but they also allow students to get on their feet, connect with one another, and to have a little fun!
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at the bottom of this page.
ZIP-ZAP-ZOP
ZIP-ZAP-ZOP is easily a fan-favorite amongst students. Have your students stand in a large circle so that each student is visible to one another.
The object of the game is to make direct eye-contact with another person, make a direct motion to another person (by extending an arm or hand), and keeping the pattern of ZIP-ZAP-ZOP in order without anyone slipping up, saying the wrong word, or having a "brain-fart".
I love to use this game at the beginning of the year, on rainy Monday mornings, and during high-stakes testing.
Just like us, sometimes students need a break, too!
ENERGY BALL
Although this video clip may be a bit cheesy, the Energy Ball Exercise is a great way to build an ensemble in your classroom.
The object of this game is to remain focused. Observation skills are super important: when you create the energy ball that is to be passed around the circle, how heavy is it? How big in diameter? Connect with one another as you pass the ball.
If you are like me and create student-centered classrooms, you're most likely going to have a ton of group work and whole group activities and discussions. Exercises like this one will help your students build connections and trust with one another.
SHAKEDOWN
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Students and teachers alike love the Shakedown exercise. It's a great way to begin class so that everyone can shake-off their extra baggage at the door, and be energized and ready to learn.
While the video clip includes "shaking the booty", I leave that part out and just stick with shaking the right hand first, then left hand, followed by the right leg, and then the left leg. Begin at 8 shakes each, and count down from there. Of course, if you don't have time, you could always start at 5 shakes each, etc.
Although I like to start some classes with the Shakedown, you might also want to randomly call for a Shakedown if participation or energy seems to be lagging. Sometimes all the students need is to be active!