Hello and welcome to the new school year! Today we will be getting used to our classroom climate, meeting each other, and beginning to understand what this class is all about. I hope you have a great first/second day back and please feel free to ask me or any other staff members questions that come to mind!
Introductions
It is important that everyone in our class feels comfortable with each other throughout the year. This is our community and is a safe zone where you should feel at ease to share your thoughts, ideas, and opinions freely. In order to create this climate, we need to get to know each other first.
Please write on an index card:
Your name (full and what you prefer to be called)
Your gmail address (*If you don't have it right now it is fine; we will create one in a future class)
What languages you speak
And a fun fact about you
Do you play a musical instrument?
Do you have pets?
What is your favorite/least favorite color or food?
What is your favorite movie/TV show?
Please include any questions you have about me.
After you are done with your index card, turn to your neighbor and share what you have written. After a few minutes we will introduce ourselves as a whole group.
To learn more about me (Ms. McLean) please visit my about page!
What is History? Activity
In order to begin thinking and working together in the way you will need to in this class, we are going to do an activity as small groups and then work together as a whole class. As a small group, I would like you to answer the question "What is history?" Please write your group answers on a piece of paper. After a few minutes, we will walk around the room to see what each group came up with and then share our thoughts as a full class.
The Danger of a Single Story
As you will have noticed through our previous activity, there are many sides to every story, idea, concept, and person. Throughout this year, the rest of your high school career, and your life it is important to always consider the many different ways of looking at a situation. Please listen to Chimamanda Adichie's thoughts on this in her TED Talk, "The Danger of a Single Story".
Exit Ticket: Reflections
Today has been a busy, exciting, and overwhelming day. In the last few minutes of class I would like you to take some time on your own to think about everything we have discussed today.
On the back of your introduction sticky note please tell me:
Your thoughts/what you have learned so far and
What you need from me (Ms. McLean) to be successful in this class.
Thank you and have a great rest of your day! I look forward to working with you! - Ms. McLean