Smart School Start

2015Academic Mini-Mixers

Things That Rock! Estimated time: 30 minutes

by Marlena Hebern

Academic Goals

Culture GoalsEstablish a positive climate

Students begin to build rapport with one another

Students feel like they are a part of the class

Light and meaningful social activity perfect for establishing and practicing “quiet” signals.

Students have fun

Get to know what your class thinks about school issues

In self contained classes: Do this as a school wide activity

In departmentalized classes: Do this for each period

How to Set Up the Activity: • Mark one side of the room as Lame and the other end as Rocks.

• Students physically move to the side of the room to identify with their view on the topic.

• Allow students to move on the continuum.

• Choose students to give their reasons for their position.

• Move on to the next topic and repeat!

Things That Rock Rules:

Things That Rock Rules:

When I raise my hand, you raise yours …and you are immediately quiet.

Things That Rock Rules:

When I raise my hand, you raise yours …and you are immediately quiet.

One person talks at a time.

Homework

iPads

Dodgeball

Girl or Boy Drama

Not Knowing Your Grade

Friends

Teachers

Rules

Bullies

Lunch Time

School Projects

PE

Pool Parties

Tech That Doesn’t Work

Missing Assignments

Missing the Bus

People Who Yell

Little Kid Parties

Math

Lame Project Partners

Back Packs

Working Alone

Chrome Books

Writing

Detention

Little Brothers or Sisters

Seeing the Principal

Reading Books

Recess

Field Trips