Such disparities, highlighted by seemingly innocuous activities, underscore a deeper truth: Creating equity in schools is as much about access to the curriculum as it is about integration into a culture of learning. Teachers can create easier access to learning by helping students bridge their innate toughness to the school setting with activities like these:

My learning superpower: Ask students to reflect on how they learn best. Do they prefer visual aids, hands-on activities, discussions or individual work? What helps them understand new concepts?
My personal brand: Ask students to describe themselves in one word or a short phrase that they feel encapsulates their personality and what they bring to school.

Tips for successful "get-to-know-you" activities

With the potential challenges of reframing mindsets for teachers and students alike, ensure beginning-of-the-year activities are as effective and engaging as they are enlightening:

Model first: Always share your own answers to the activity first to show vulnerability and set the tone.
Emphasize “No Right or Wrong Answers:" Reinforce that everyone’s experiences and interests are valid.
Provide options for sharing: Some students prefer to draw, others to write, some to speak. Offer choices.
Keep it brief and varied: Don’t spend too long on one activity. Mix them up throughout the first few days and continue with them for several weeks.
Connect to classroom culture: Explain how these activities help build a positive and inclusive learning environment.

In spite of the best culture-building activities during the first few days of school, our instructional design either invites or closes the door to student participation.  A key feature of curricular design is to use the skills and abilities as a bridge between students’ lived experiences and learning new content.

Instant Insights /

How to leverage innate toughness for modern learning

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