Use this great back-to-school icebreaker for middle and high school students to meet and greet or build team relationships. Students use the Connect a Dot handout to meet other students. Each student completes the handout, filling in personal responses to six questions. Next, they walk around the room comparing their responses to others and connecting the dots. This can be an independent or team competition, or just a discussion starter once the activity is completed. Detailed directions and example provided.

Every now and then even middle and high school students need a break. Brain breaks for younger children usually involve physical movements that shy middle and high school students are usually reluctant to do. These brain breaks involve using the brain but in a fun and relaxed way. I call them brain breaks, but they function as time fillers and icebreakers as well. These are quick and easy activities that involve no preparation by the teacher once the initial set of cards is printed and cut out. But even that step can be skipped by simply projecting the larger images. Just choose a card and read the directions to the class. Two ways to use the cards: Print off a set and fasten together with a ribbon or lanyard. Project the larger activity cards using classroom computer. Directions provided do not involve technology, but students can use technology to design several of the products.

I used this lesson handout when I worked with students who were struggling to pass the high school writing test. Students found this handout clear and easy to understand and were able to pass the test after completing the practice essay graphic organizer. Many liked the mnemonic device presented in the handout to help them remember the steps to follow in writing their essays.

I want to finish the school year feeling as good as I feel at the beginning of the school year. These are some strategies I am going to try this year. Please copy and paste URL below to read the blog article that goes with it: http://theirreverentteacher.blogspot.com/2015/07/ten-tips-for-teacher-self-care.html Have a great 2015-2016 school year!

This is a great icebreaker to use during that first week of high school when schedules are changing, students are moving in and out of your class, and you don't want to start the core curriculum just yet. Students write a two-minute speech about themselves and present it to the class with a visual aid. I started using this activity last year, and it worked very well. It provides an engaging activity for students in which they write about their favorite topic: themselves. It takes about four 50-minute class periods to prepare and then about two more periods to deliver their speeches. This is a very successful strategy for helping build strong classroom relationships. I was pleasantly surprised at how sensitive and supportive students were to each other during their presentations. For the teacher, this activity provides a student writing sample and invaluable information about your students' families, interests, and struggles.