Where Should Students Sit on the First day?
This year my thinking was challenged when I heard the phrase "engaging students in seating challenges". My first thought was what is that? After reading the article Teaching Secrets: Get to Know Students Through Seat Challenges, I was intrigued!
A seat challenge is a whole class task that requires everyone (students) to work together the very first moment your students enter into your room. I love this idea because it gives the teacher immediate feedback as to the "chemistry, learning styles, and personality."
Day 1 can begin with students having to seat themselves in birthday order, January 1 - December 31st. Students have to work collaboratively to seat the class in order in and try to beat the timer. A timer can be set for 3-10 minutes (give or take a few). When they think they have it, they can sign for finished. (The sign for finished, looks like you are pushing something away with your pinkies. Start the sign by taking both your hands opened up and palms facing you. Flip your hands around so that you end with your palms facing out. Finished is the same sign as "all done".)
To read more engaging seat challenges, read the article by Sandy Merz!