Group+6

In order to promote a healthy and safe learning environment from day 1 in a typical fifth grade class, our group would focus primarily on “getting-to-know-you” games, icebreakers, and teambuilding activities. One particular activity, entitled Summer Swap Out, involves the students discussing what they did over the summer. To start the activity, the teacher will have the students arrange their chairs in the shape of a circle. Each student will be able to sit down in a chair with the exception of one student. This student will be standing in the middle of the circle and will therefore be the “hot spot”. The teacher will demonstrate to the students how the game works by being the first person in the “hot spot”. The teacher will state one thing that they did or witnessed over the summer, whichever student also did that activity or experience will stand up and move to another seat. The goal is to NOT end up in the “hot spot”! Whoever is next to stand in the hot spot will then say something they did or experienced over the summer. The students who also did that activity will stand up and move to the next seat. The rules of the game are: - Students may not keep moving to only the seat next to them. They MUST get up and move around to a seat at least one two spots from where they were sitting. - The student in the hot spot will also be able to say a certain place they went to or anything else which pertains to their summer vacation. The goal of the game is for the teacher to get to know each student and to have fun! The teacher will be able to facilitate the things which are being described and allow for interaction to take place. This is an excellent way to get to know the students. It will also help the teacher get to know the students.