While they are pre-testing, I try to go around and found out where each student is from, then in the Get to Know activity for the next day, I have a worksheet for them to ask specific questions (based on the actual students in the class). Example: Where is Gerson from? When did Maria move to Las Vegas? How long has Wailawan lived in the United States? Where was Mahesh born? There is at least one question for every student. They seem really thrilled that each student is actually in the worksheet, and it gives them a opportunity to begin meeting their new classmates immediately. If they do not know a student who is named in the question (which most of them do not) we talk about how to ask the class "Who is David?" before they can ask David his specific question. I also include myself in the worksheet. They get a big kick out of trying to find out who Karen is, then once they ask "who is Karen?", I respond "I am Karen" and they really think it is funny that I am included, or that I have a first name!
After they spend quite awhile getting to know each other, I go through an extensive introduction of myself, showing them with maps where I was born, went to school, went to college, pictures of my daughters, grandchildren, countries I have visited, hobbies, etc. They especially like me cutting up the copy of my wedding photo when I explain to them that I am now divorced.
Mary Lou Jordan (guest) 22 May 2010 17:40
