Rather than inundate students with class rules, procedures and paperwork on the first day back to school, some teachers may prefer to begin their class with a fun, interactive activity. This lesson plan is designed to help students think critically, interact with their peers, and move about the classroom to share ideas. It will also establish a tone of student inquiry that can be developed throughout the school year. Provide Students with Quotations Teachers should prepare for this lesson by selecting a variety of quotations that relate to the themes or concepts which will be explored in their classroom throughout the year. Each quote can be typed, printed, and laminated separately; otherwise, teachers may choose to write them on individual note cards. These quotes should be placed in a box or bag for random selection. There should be at least as many quotes available as there are students in the classroom, and similarities should exist between them. For example, at least three or four quotes should somehow relate to one topic. Students will select one quote to analyze by completing the following activity sheet. Directions for Quotation Analysis Activity This activity is designed to help students explore some topics they will study this school year. Students should take use a sheet of legal sized paper to complete the following steps. First, each student will select a quote and read it carefully. Second, each student will create two columns, one for his own quote and one for his partner’s. In the first column, each student will write a summary of his quote analysis by responding to the following instructions. Write down the selected quote. Write down an interpretation of this quote. Write down an opinion of this quote. What are two questions that emerge about this quote? Be specific. Third, once students have analyzed their own quotations, they will then interview as many other students as possible by walking around the room and sharing quotes. Each student will identify one partner whose quote is somehow similar to his. Students will discuss both quotes. Fourth, each student will analyze his partner’s quote and write his responses to the following instructions on the second column of his sheet. Write down the partner’s selected quote. Write down an interpretation of this quote. What are two questions that emerge about this quote? Be specific. Finally, students will complete Venn diagrams with their partners, each drawing their own charts. They will think about similarities and differences between their own quotes and their partner’s. Similarities will be written in the overlapping area of the two circles in the Venn diagram, and differences in the non-overlapping areas. Then, they will add as many details, thoughts, and questions as possible to the diagram. If time permits, pairs of students can volunteer to share their responses with the entire class. This lesson serves as a great ice-breaker for a classroom full of new students that promotes a positive learning environment. At the end of this first day of school activity, students will have analyzed two quotations by following several simple steps and interacting with their peers. They will have collaborated to create a Venn diagram and written thought-provoking questions about their quotations. Finally, the teacher will have had an opportunity to speak with individual students and pairs as well as observe student performance.
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