1 2 3 Come Do A "Getting to Know You" Craft With Me I truly believe that when classmates get to know each other camaraderie and a classroom commUNITY is established, which helps squelch discipline problems. My favorite classes in school even up through college, were those that we had a real community going. These were usually conducted by my favorite teachers, who felt that a classroom was sort of like a family. They made time to make us all feel welcome, safe, and important. I truly felt cared about. One of the ways they promoted these feelings was that they spent some time getting to know us. With that in mind, I do a variety of BTS “Getting to Know You” activities for an entire month, as well as several throughout the year. Students seem to love sharing things about themselves, so they really enjoy these activities. My newest creation, "Getting to the Point," is a pencil writing prompt craftivity. It's quick, easy & fun, with simple “print & go” prep. There are 6 pages to choose from, plus a blank page for more writing or something else you dream up. This variety allows you to differentiate your lessons within your class, and still have everyone working on the same activity. The activity also suits different grade levels too. Younger students can simply do one page, while older children will enjoy making a complete, 6-page booklet. After choosing the pages you want, students simply fill in the information, trim their "pencil page" then staple them to the top of the inside of their cover. I purposely did not number the pages, not only so that you can pick which ones you want, but also so that you can choose the order you want them in. For example, for one of my samples, I glued the "selfie page" to the inside of the cover. Speaking of the cover, it's a double-patterned pencil, which students trim AROUND then fold over, creating the booklet. For extra pizzazz & to make this a bit of a keepsake, have students glue their school photo to the eraser. If you do this, then have kiddos DRAW a selfie of themselves, or omit that page. "Get to the Point" is great for your writing block or fun as a homework assignment too. Completed projects make a sweet bulletin board. I’ve included 4 pencil-themed posters to enhance your display. I've also added a Bonus. Which is a writing prompt poster: “Life without _____________ is pointless.” The other posters can also be used to kick start journal writing. Today's FREEBIE is another super-fun BTS icebreaker. This one uses M & Ms or Skittles candy. Icebreakers are a perfect way to help build that cameraderie & team spirit of working together. They are especially important during the 1st month of school when students are a bit nervous and looking at a very diverse bunch of strangers, listening to rules-rules & more rules. One of the icebreakers my kiddos really enjoy is the M & M or Skittle Game, which has been around awhile, going by as many names as there are colors, and can be played in a variety of ways as well. These are my versions. I hope you find them useful. Thanks for stopping by. I hoping you and your students really enjoy “Getting to the Point” and popping a sweet treat as they build team spirit. Wishing you a wonderful school year. For more Back To School activities, click on the link. Come join the fun on Facebook for my exclusive FREEBIES & Monthly Giveaways. Check out my educational Pinterest boards. "Don't be afraid of pressure. Remember that pressure is what turns a lump of coal into a diamond." - Unknown