Day 1: Getting to Know Each Other

Objective: To create a positive and inclusive classroom environment by getting to know each other.

1. Icebreaker Activity: “Two Truths and a Lie”
   • Have each student come up with two true statements and one false statement about themselves.
   • Students take turns sharing their statements, and the rest of the class guesses which one is the lie.
   • Encourage students to ask follow-up questions to learn more about each other.
2. Classroom Scavenger Hunt
   • Create a list of items or places within the classroom for students to find.
   • Divide students into pairs or small groups and give them the scavenger hunt list.
   • Students work together to find and check off each item on the list.
   • After completing the scavenger hunt, have a class discussion about the different areas of the classroom and their purposes.
3. “All About Me” Collage
   • Provide each student with a large sheet of paper, magazines, scissors, and glue.
   • Instruct students to cut out pictures, words, or phrases from the magazines that represent their interests, hobbies, and goals.
   • Students arrange and glue the cutouts onto their paper to create a collage that reflects who they are.
   • Allow students to share their collages with the class, explaining the significance of their choices.

Day 2: Classroom Expectations and Rules

Objective: To establish clear expectations and rules for behavior in the classroom.

1. Class Discussion: Why Rules Are Important
   • Lead a discussion about the importance of having rules in the classroom.
   • Ask students to share their thoughts on why rules are necessary for a positive learning environment.
   • Write down their responses on the board and discuss each point.
2. Create Classroom Rules
   • Brainstorm a list of rules as a class, based on the discussion from the previous activity.
   • Discuss the importance of having specific and measurable rules.
   • Have students vote on the top 5 rules they believe are most important for the class.
   • Write down the chosen rules on a poster or chart paper and display them in the classroom.
3. Role-Play Scenarios
   • Divide students into small groups and provide them with different scenarios related to classroom behavior.
   • Each group acts out the scenario, demonstrating both appropriate and inappropriate behavior.
   • After each role-play, have a class discussion about the behavior shown and whether it aligns with the established rules.
   • Encourage students to suggest alternative, more appropriate responses to the scenarios.

Day 3: Building a Growth Mindset

Objective: To introduce the concept of a growth mindset and encourage students to embrace challenges and persevere.

1. Class Discussion: Fixed vs. Growth Mindset
   • Explain the difference between a fixed mindset (believing abilities are fixed and unchangeable) and a growth mindset (believing abilities can be developed through effort and practice).
   • Engage students in a discussion about the benefits of having a growth mindset.
   • Share examples of famous individuals who have demonstrated a growth mindset and achieved success.
2. Growth Mindset Poster
   • Provide each student with a blank sheet of paper and art supplies.
   • Instruct students to create a poster that represents a growth mindset.
   • Encourage them to include quotes, images, and symbols that inspire them to embrace challenges and believe in their ability to grow.
3. “The Power of Yet” Activity
   • Introduce the phrase “I can’t do it… yet!” as a way to shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset.
   • Have students write down something they currently struggle with or believe they cannot do.
   • Instruct them to add the word “yet” at the end of the sentence to indicate their belief in future growth.
   • Students can share their statements with a partner or in small groups, discussing how they can work towards achieving their goals.

Day 4: Team Building and Collaboration

Objective: To foster teamwork and collaboration skills among students.

1. Team Building Games
   • Engage students in team building activities such as “Human Knot” or “Minefield.”
   • These games require students to work together, communicate effectively, and problem-solve as a team.
   • After each game, facilitate a discussion about the strategies used, challenges faced, and lessons learned.
2. Collaborative Art Project
   • Divide students into small groups and provide each group with a large sheet of paper and art supplies.
   • Instruct each group to create a collaborative art piece based on a given theme or topic.
   • Encourage students to discuss and share ideas, assign roles, and work together to create a cohesive artwork.
   • Display the completed art pieces around the classroom to celebrate teamwork and creativity.

Day 5: Goal Setting and Growth

Objective: To introduce the concept of goal setting and encourage students to set personal and academic goals.

1. Class Discussion: Importance of Goal Setting
   • Lead a discussion about the benefits of setting goals, both short-term and long-term.
   • Discuss how goals can help students stay motivated, focused, and track their progress.
   • Share personal examples of goal setting and how it has positively impacted your life.
2. Personal Goal Setting
   • Provide each student with a goal-setting worksheet or template.
   • Instruct students to think about their personal and academic goals for the school year.
   • Students write down their goals, along with specific actions they can take to achieve them.
   • Encourage students to share their goals with a partner or in small groups, discussing strategies and supporting each other.
3. Growth Reflection Journal
   • Provide each student with a journal or notebook.
   • Instruct students to reflect on their growth and progress throughout the school year.
   • Encourage them to write about challenges they have overcome, skills they have developed, and areas they still want to improve.
   • Allow students to share their reflections with the class periodically, celebrating their growth and encouraging further development.