Back to School Activity
As a middle school teacher, I was always looking for that perfect way to make meaningful connections with my students and learn all of their names (I could see up to 190 kids a day!).
Unfortunately, it wasn’t until late in my career that I ran across this idea - it is perfect!
Knowing a little bit about your students and having their names down pat ASAP is not just a best practice, it is scientifically proven to increase student achievement!
In his research project and now famous book, Visible Learning, Dr. John Hattie has identified 250 influences on student achievement. Through his work finding, reading, and analyzing meta-analyses, Dr. Hattie was able to determine the effect size of these 250 influences. Dr. Hattie defines an effect size of 0.4 to be the hinge point, an effect size at which an initiative can be said to be having a 'greater than average influence' on achievement.
So any influence showing an effect size of 0.4 or higher is very good and should support student achievement.
According to Hattie’s research, a positive teacher-student relationship has an effect size of 0.52. Well above the hinge point of 0.4. So, taking the time early on to get to know your students and develop a positive relationship will really pay off!
Most teachers put their students' names on their desks, many of us have done this in the form of a name tent made out of folder paper. But have you thought about using this name tent as a form of two-way communication between you and your students?
Hear me out…
You can have your students create and personalize their name tents (here is one teacher's directions to her class). The inside of the name tent will be used for the students to answer a daily prompt from you and you in turn will respond to each one.
I know this sounds like a lot of work (especially if you see 190 kids like I do) but, you likely don’t have much heavy grading to do this first week of school and I truly believe that this time invested up front will pay off throughout the school year with improved student relationships (and test scores).
The inside of the name tent can be divided into the days of the week with a space for student and teacher responses.
This visual is just to get you started.
The questions are just examples - the types of questions will depend on your grade level and what you want to know.
The questions will most likely be posted on the board or overhead projector (not printed in the tent)
Some teachers are brave and ask the students what they would like to know about their teacher!
Taking the time to respond every day to each student shows your commitment and care towards your students.
I liked to have my seating chart out while writing my responses. I could “see” where this student was in my class, try to put a name with a face and now some personal information.
I greet my students at the door as they enter; trying to remember their name and giving them the correct name tent is always a fun challenge (I also think it is good for the student to see you struggle with a task, like remembering their names, and persevere until you are successful.
Even if school has already started for you - this activity can be used anytime in the first few weeks to help build a positive teacher-student relationship and have a positive impact on student achievement.
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Boost student achievement and test scores by implementing these strategies. It worked for me so it can work for you and your students too!
Betsy
