Meet Someone Who
Objective:
To discover and evaluate ways in which students are unique and what things they may have in common .
Preparation:
Hand out teacher-made sheet on which students may record their findings. Directions should be given, verbally, so that the students are clear about the assignment and so that they don’t think of it as “another” ditto.
Procedure:
(Part 1) Student selects partners. Teacher directs both students to talk with each other about any subject(s) they choose, for three minutes. Next they should begin to discuss attributes and interests each one has. One student will be responsible for writing. Various suggestions should be given, a: things they own, skills they have, places they have visited, likes and dislikes, and others.
(Part 2) After 15-20 minutes, give students a list of items and ask them to move freely about the room to locate other classmates who share common interests or traits and write their names beside the items listed. The list may consist of any combination of ideas.
(Part 3) Ask students to write about themselves and allow others to read it. Students might list some accomplishments, weird behaviors, talents, etc. The child is sharing information about what he, feels makes him unique.
( Part 4) A quick oral evaluation of how the children felt about meeting other students, what they learned about each other or about themselves could be done within this class setting or at another time. Specific questions might be raised. “ What are some of the differences that exist among you?” “Which of these differences are sufficient enough to keep you separated in your classrooms or communities? What are some common traits among you?” “Knowing what you do about an individual, how would you use that information to work with that student, here in the classroom?”
Note the evaluation stage could take on a rather philosophical tone. It should be remembered that the children will relax if the teacher relaxes.