- At the beginning of the year, place objects in a white paper lunch bag that you have decorated with markers and your name. Place five or more objects that represent your interests in the bag. For example, a picture of your family, pet, favorite candy bar, needlework, picture of hiking boots, travel pamphlet, etc. As you take out each item have the students guess why you chose it, or tell a story about each one. Then give each child an "About Me" bag to decorate and fill with items representing their preferences and interests. After they are returned, provide an opportunity for the students to talk about their items. These bags provide the teacher or leader with valuable insight into each child's life. A variation is to show cut-out magazine pictures or to draw pictures on an overhead transparency that describe you. For example, a book, swimsuit, baby, etc. Pass out paper and have the children draw pictures or cut out pictures from magazines that represent themselves. Have them discuss their pictures.
- Share your expectations, rules, and plans for the year with your students. Tell them that you are interested in their ideas, thoughts, and interests. Have them discuss or write about:
- Their favorite teacher and what made him or her special
- Their interests, hobbies or activities
- What they like best about school
- What was my favorite story?
If the children are too young to write, ask them the questions and write all of their comments on a board.
- Ask the children to line themselves up by height, in alphabetical order by first name, or by birth date. When they have succeeded tell them how capable they are. Stress that by asking questions and working together they will be successful in your class.
- For a bulletin board entitled, "We Are All Different, Yet All The Same," have the children draw themselves on paper or their head on a paper plate. Provide a variety of markers, felt, yarn, construction paper and other materials for use on their self-portrait. You may have older students fill out a questionnaire or list two goals for their school year to be displayed with their picture.
- Divide a sheet of paper into 8, 12, 16 or 24 sections. On each write something like: has a big brother, has a little sister, was born in another state/country, likes mushrooms on pizza, likes to read, has a relative named John, has a pet bird, loves horses, watches (name of show) on TV, does not have a TV, broke leg or arm, likes to ice skate, plays basketball, likes to fish, wears glasses, has a summer birthday, plays the piano, first name begins with "M," etc. Pick phrases with your students in mind. Some children would relish the extra attention they would receive, i.e. born in a foreign country, or a shy child whose name begins with the chosen letter.
For children who do not read, draw a picture in each space and discuss what each means. For example, a dog would mean that the child has a dog or likes dogs, a cat, a baby, a big brother, a fish, an arm with a cast, glasses, roller skates, baseball, etc. If the children cannot write their names small enough to fit in the section, have them print their initial in the space.
Pass out the sheets and have the children walk around the room and get a signature from someone who fits each description. An individual may only sign a child's sheet once.
- Have the students draw and/or write on a sheet of paper entitled, "The most important thing about me is..." or "Something I am proud of is..." Then have each child talk about his or her picture in front of the class or in small groups. A variation is to have the children write down and/or illustrate three or four statements about themselves on a sheet of paper entitled, "Who Am I?" It may be necessary to brainstorm a variety of statements children may use -- for example:
- I was born in Alaska
- I have two brothers
- I love to sing
You could also read each child's statements and have the other children guess the author. Older students may enjoy adding more statements, one of which is untrue -- for example, "My dog had ten puppies." The children then guess which of the statements is false.
Afterwards, combine the children's pages to make a class book.
- Have the children sit in a circle. Ask each child to introduce himself or herself by saying his or her first name and a descriptive adjective or phase that begins with the same letter of their name, i.e. Friendly Fran, Very Happy Van, Strong Sam, or have them name a food they enjoy eating that begins like their name, i.e. Pizza Paul or Apple Anne. Younger children may need help thinking up a adjective or food to go with their name. The teacher or group leader begins and sets the tone of acceptance and fun. Have the children repeat the name of the child sitting next to them, before they say their special name, i.e. "This is Friendly Fran and I am..." If you have a small group, some of the children may be able to memorize all the names and then repeat them around the circle.
- Have the children stand in a circle. Using a large ball of yarn, begin by holding the end of the yarn and naming someone across the circle along with saying something kind about a child like, "Tom plays fair." Then toss the ball to the student who says another child's name and makes a positive comment about him or her before tossing the ball of yarn. The ball is tossed around the circle weaving a "web" until the yarn is totally unrolled. The teacher or leader comments that everyone in the group is important and belongs. This activity contributes to group cohesiveness and a feeling of acceptance and self-worth.
Used by permission of the author, Leah Davies, and selected from the Kelly Bear website [www.kellybear.com]. 7/04
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Leah Davies received her Master's Degree from the Department of Counseling and Counseling Psychology, Auburn University. She has been dedicated to the well-being of children for 44 years as a certified teacher, counselor, prevention specialist, parent, and grandparent. Her professional experience includes teaching, counseling, consulting, instructing at Auburn University, and directing educational and prevention services at a mental health agency.