BACK TO SCHOOL

Getting-to-know-you
ACTIVITY
By Room 213
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 Getting to know you…
It’s so important to get to know our students as soon as we can, so we
can start building those all-important relationships. However, students in
middle and high school will see multiple teachers on the first day, and it
can be a little mind-numbing for them if we all do the same thing, like the
typical “what I did all summer” essay or a “letter of introduction.”

I decided to make a fun activity that serves multiple purposes. My two

page “getting to know you” activity gets students to introduce them-
selves to me in a more creative and interesting way.

• On the first page they will let me know about themselves using some
typical English techniques like simile, metaphor and symbolism. This has a
dual purpose: not only do I learn about them, but also about their
understanding of these techniques. In another section they will let me
know what they like and dislike about English class. This can help me with
my planning.

• The second section also has a dual purpose: I get my kids up and
moving, (something that’s always important but is especially so on the
first day back) and it gets them to talk to and learn about each other.
The question about favourite books helps me and them learn about good
reads to add to our lists. Another activity has them suggest three rules
for the class; I will read them over and organize a discussion of them for
the next class.

• The last part is something I give for homework, so they can have time
to think. I want them to introduce themselves to me, but I want them to
do so in a way that stretches their creative and persuasive muscles.

*There is a Canadian AND American version to deal with different

spellings.

Enjoy your first day back!

 Name: ________________________  
Email: ________________________

Write a metaphor to describe yourself: What picture or image would you use to represent who
you are:

Which song on your playlist best Three things you would take to a deserted island:
represents who you are or what
you believe in?

Favorite things about English class:

re a
If my life we
be:
color it would

 h#ps://openclipart.org/download/
183963/Sad-­‐Face.svgh#ps://
Finish this simile: openclipart.org/download/183963/Sad-­‐
Least favorite things about English class:
Face.svg  
English class is
like…

A Favorite Quote:
 Getting to know you…
Talk to someone you don’t know. Write Find a partner and write down three important
his/her name & two facts about him/her: rules for this class:
1
1
2
2
3

Get the name of someone who has Get the names of five students and their favorite books ever:
read the whole Harry Potter 1
series: 2
3
Someone who's been in another country: 4

For homework Yes, I said homework…

Write me a letter of introduction, but not an ordinary letter of
introduction. Instead, I want you to PRETEND that there are a
limited number of seats in this classroom, and that I will be
choosing who gets to stay and take the class, based
on the letters I receive tomorrow. In order to be
one of the chosen few, you will have to convince
me why you should be selected. Are you the
world’s greatest English student? Not so great at
English but a hard worker? One who never gives
up? Or are you fun to have around, witty and
charming? Or will you offer something else that will
make me glad you’re in my class? Be persuasive
and help me get to know the real you a little
better. (And have fun with it!!)
Staple your letter to this sheet and pass it in at the first of next class.
Thanks, and I look forward to getting to know you better!
 Name: ________________________  
Email: ________________________

Write a metaphor to describe yourself: What picture or image would you use to represent who
you are:

Which song on your playlist best Three things you would take to a deserted island:
represents who you are or what
you believe in?

Favourite things about English class:

re a
If my life we
r it w o u ld b e :
colou

 h#ps://openclipart.org/download/
183963/Sad-­‐Face.svgh#ps://
Finish this simile: openclipart.org/download/183963/Sad-­‐
Least favourite things about English class:
Face.svg  
English class is
like…

A Favourite Quote:
 Getting to know you…
Talk to someone you don’t know. Write Find a partner and write down three important rules
his/her name & two facts about him/her: for this class:
1
1
2
2
3

Get the name of someone who has Get the names of five students and their favourite books ever:
read the whole Harry Potter 1
series: 2
3
Someone who's been in another country: 4
5

For homework Yes, I said homework…

Write me a letter of introduction, but not an ordinary letter of
introduction. Instead, I want you to PRETEND that there are a
limited number of seats in this classroom, and that I will be
choosing who gets to stay and take the class, based
on the letters I receive tomorrow. In order to be
one of the chosen few, you will have to convince
me why you should be selected. Are you the
world’s greatest English student? Not so great at
English but a hard worker? One who never gives
up? Or are you fun to have around, witty and
charming? Or will you offer something else that will
make me glad you’re in my class? Be persuasive
and help me get to know the real you a little
better. (And have fun with it!!)
Staple your letter to this sheet and pass it in at the first of next class.
Thanks, and I look forward to getting to know you better!