Block Scheduling?

Question

Any ideas on first day activities on a 90 min. block schedule? I already thought of introducing myself, the student introductions, rules, etc. but 90 mins. seems so long i think i need an icebreaker activity to take up some more time. any ideas??

Answer 1

In my high school English classes I do go over the rules and expectations. I'm sure you can adapt things to your grade levels and subject matter.

I have done different things in different years.
I get 3 large pieces of paper...poster board or bulletin board paper... and write "Fears," "Agreements," and "Expectations" on each separate sheet. (So you have one heading on each sheet.) I then write the first "Agreement" for them: "We will call each other by name." I give each student a magic marker. Then I explain that they are to take the magic marker and write their own fears, agreements, and expectations for the class. They get 5-8 minutes (depending on class size) to write a comment or two on each sheet. Yes, it's a little chaotic for a few minutes, but they settle down quickly. I then have a student tack the papers on the board or wall (I'm short) and we go over each comment. They don't have to admit to which they have written. And yes, there are a few that we throw out immediately..."No homework" "pass me no matter what." But they enjoy the feeling of having made some of the class rules. Later, I take the statements we've all agreed to and type them up and give each student a copy and then put a copy on the wall. It's pretty effective for keeping order and they like to remind each other what we've agreed to.

I also have played "What's in a Name?" I read them the "what's in a name?" speech from Romeo and Juliet and we discuss the meaning of names and how important names are and if we could change our names etc. Then we discuss acrostic poetry and they use their first and last names to create their own personal acrostic poems. I give them markers, crayons, construction paper, glue, etc. They can make their "posters" as creative as they choose. I tell them that they cannot use one word lines and they have to begin each line with the letters in thier first and last names. It usually takes them the remainder of the period or part of the next to complete. Then each student presents his/her poem to the class. We get to know something about each one; I get a jump on learning names; and they've created thier first poem. I hang the poems up around the room so everyone can enjoy thier work.

I have also done book and/or classroom scavenger hunts; I have written letters of introduction to the students about myself and then let them write one to me. I have played getting to know you games and name games. There are all kinds of ways to fill up 90 minutes on the first day. As a matter of fact, as your year progresses, somedays you will think 90 minutes isn't long enough to get done what you what.

Feel free to email me if you'd like any more tips.

Answer 2

i've got faith block scheduling is greater appropriate. My college merely replaced this twelve months from a 7 40-minute classes to 4 80-4-minute blocks with alternating "A" and "B" days. In block scheduling, instructors have lots greater freedom of their coaching approaches. in many my 40-minute classes final twelve months, my instructors might merely lecture some subject count and supply appropriate homework. In block-scheduling, lots of my instructors have lots greater eleborate lession plans that entail lectures, activites, discussions, etc. besides the indisputable fact that, block-scheduling does have some setbacks. you purely get to ascertain a instructor the different day. it must be no longer undemanding to acquire your instructor in case you like some help or have a question. additionally some instructors actually supply longer assignments, giving the rationalization that there are 2 days to do it. besides the indisputable fact that, block-scheduling overall is the perfect thank you to circulate. The block-shape is sweet prepare for the destiny; college coures are some hours long that meet some cases a week. because you probably did no longer rather say, i visit anticipate you're a student. while you're, then I recommend you initiate a petition pointing out the reward of block scheduling. Get our friends to sign it. confer with instructors and attempt to get mothers and dads to rally alongside. attempt to get the perfect spokesperson to represent your opposition to the substitute, that are you. attempt to acquire the crucial and have a communique with him when you have thorough and complete motives on your thinking. you ought to additionally ascertain why your college desires to make the substitute. many faculties around my area are doing the precise opposite technique; short classes to blocks. There could desire to be a good reason for this unfavorable substitute.

Answer 3

Getting used to the block can be difficult, but once you get into the routine, it is wonderful.

This year I did "Senior English Bingo" and "Junior English Bingo". I made bingo cards using Word. In each of the blocks, I had them find someone in the class who had the characteristic listed in the block. For example, "I read a book this summer." The answering student had to inital the block.

The had to search the room to fill in their blocks. They could even ask me ;) It broke the ice with me as well as with the other students.

Good luck :)

Answer 4

It depends on the grade level and the nature of the class. One thing I do on the first day is have students make an "about me" poster. They draw a picture of themselves, write their names, and some interesting information about them (things about their families, their favorites, etc.).

Good luck in the new school year! :-D