Title: Getting to Know Each Other

Grade Level: 4th Grade

Subject: Social Studies

Objective: - Students will introduce themselves to their classmates and teacher. - Students will learn about their classmates’ interests, hobbies, and backgrounds. - Students will develop a sense of belonging and community within the classroom.

Materials: - Chart paper - Markers - Sticky notes - Index cards - Pencils - Colored pencils or markers - Construction paper - Glue sticks

Procedure:

1. Introduction (5 minutes):
   • Greet the students and welcome them to the new school year.
   • Explain the importance of getting to know each other and building a positive classroom community.
   • Share a brief personal story or interest to model self-introduction.
2. Icebreaker Activity: “All About Me” (15 minutes):
   • Distribute index cards and pencils to each student.
   • Instruct students to write their name, age, favorite hobby, and one interesting fact about themselves on the index card.
   • Collect the index cards and shuffle them.
   • Randomly distribute the index cards among the students.
   • Ask each student to read the information on the card they received and introduce the person to the class.
   • Encourage students to ask follow-up questions to learn more about their classmates.
3. Class Collage (20 minutes):
   • Divide the students into small groups of 4-5.
   • Provide each group with a large sheet of construction paper, markers, and glue sticks.
   • Instruct the groups to create a collage that represents their group members’ interests, hobbies, and backgrounds.
   • Encourage students to use drawings, cutouts from magazines, or written descriptions to represent each member.
   • After completion, have each group present their collage to the class, explaining the significance of each element.
4. Classroom Rules and Expectations (10 minutes):
   • Discuss the importance of establishing rules and expectations to create a positive learning environment.
   • Brainstorm with the students about the rules they believe are necessary for a successful classroom.
   • Write down their ideas on chart paper.
   • Facilitate a class discussion to refine and agree upon a set of rules that everyone can follow.
   • Display the finalized rules in the classroom for future reference.
5. Reflection and Closure (5 minutes):
   • Ask students to reflect on what they have learned about their classmates and how they feel about the class community.
   • Allow a few students to share their thoughts and feelings.
   • Emphasize the importance of respect, empathy, and inclusivity in maintaining a positive classroom environment.
   • Conclude the lesson by expressing excitement for the upcoming school year and the opportunity to learn and grow together.

Note: Adjust the time allocation for each activity based on the needs and pace of your students.