HT Games
Me Boxes
Me Boxes is a suitable activity for more introverted kids as well as outgoing ones. During the first week of school, instruct students to bring in an empty shoe box for week two. Tell them to take a little time and think about what they want to put in it and then fill it with six or seven items that represent special personal things. Make sure to let them know that they will be asked during week two to stand before the class and share all objects. Tell students they must be ready to reveal details about each item with the entire group. List possible categories on the chalkboard to inspire ideas. Family photos, sports memorabilia, comic books, video games and favorite movies are all suitable suggestions.
Build Newspaper Towers
Build Newspaper Towers is a fun and challenging activity that gets kids interacting with one another in teams. Divide the class up into three- or four-member teams, and instruct them the goal of the exercise is to build the most stable, highest, sturdiest newspaper tower. Choose the standards for the result as a group. You will need numerous newspaper sheets on hand to complete this task, as well as masking tape to secure levels, a heavy desk stapler, large paper plate and pennies. Two towers will need to be constructed for each team. One made out of cubes---horizontals and vertical lines---the other consisting of triangle braces. Roll newspaper sheets up to make all lines. Use tape to secure rolls and strengthen joints. Announce that groups must complete this project within a certain time frame to get the conversation flowing amongst teammates. After the students construct both towers, load paper plates up with pennies and see whose tower can withstand the heaviest weight.
Puzzle Piece Pairs
Puzzle Piece Pairs offers young people a chance to meet a variety of their peers in a short period of time and interact socially. Access to a puzzle with enough pieces for the entire class to have at least one piece is necessary. Select a puzzle that reflects classroom goals or your expectations as the teacher regarding group behavior. To begin this activity, pass out a different puzzle piece to every student. Next, instruct students to travel around the room, conversing with their classmates, in search of a puzzle piece that fits together with theirs. Once partners find each other, have them sit down and interview each other. Prepare questions ahead of time as a group, and list the top five favorite ones on the blackboard for reference. After students are finished interviewing, each person stands up and introduces her partner to the class, sharing at least two or three pieces of information.