The routine of school brings safety and predictability. These are good things, of course. However, too much monotony combined with the “grind” of teaching can lead to feelings of being in a rut – for both students and teacher.
To break the monotony of routine, I like to have a period or school day where I teach something outlandishly different. I want this activity to be random and fresh. For some classes, I do something silly. For others, I do something reflective. It all depends on the class, and their energy.
Here are some activities I use when I am feeling fatigued, in a rut, and in need of something creative and fresh.
Write a Mid-Year Reflection:
Life gets busy. Between classes, homework, exams, and social events, there’s always something demanding our attention.
To live intentionally and take control of our lives, we need to pause, reflect, and write.
Below is a mid-semester reflection I give to my students. The goal is to encourage them to sit down, reflect, and respond to the following questions:
- What is going well at school?
- What have you learned so far this school year?
- What are some things you wish you understood better?
- How are your grades?
- What grades do you want to achieve?
- What is frustrating about school?
- What steps can you take to overcome these frustrations?
Worksheet:
Choose Your Quote:
Worksheet:
Respond to a 17-Year-Old Tupac
Here is a great video for students to think intergenerationally, and to ponder the role teenagers play in society. Many students (at least mine) think highly of Tupac – so this interview could resonate with them.
Worksheet:
You Get 10 Million Dollars If…
Worksheet:
Show Off Your Knowledge
Worksheet:
Write an Epic Story in 10 Minutes
Worksheet:
Think-Write-Pass:
Worksheet:
The Sea Monster:
Worksheet:
Who Said It: Tupac or Shakespeare?
Worksheet:
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