Step Up Step Back

Earlier in the month I mentioned a wonderful get to know you activity that I learned in a work shop called 2 Truths and a Fib.  If you missed that great post you can find it by clicking on the picture:

Another great get to know you activity that can also be used as an informal assessment is called Step Up Step Back.

First have your students get in line order in a creative way.  Have them do it without talking!  In the workshop I was in we got in line by birthday date and had to use our fingers.  That might be tough for the little ones, but you could have them get in order by height without talking!  Now you have already involved Math! whohohoooooooo!

Next, have your students face forward.  Give them get to know you questions.  Examples: If you like Coke more step up, Pepsi more step back.  If you like to watch swimming more step up, diving more step back.  If you like reading more step up, math more step back.  If you like football more step up, if you like dancing more step back.  If you like group work step up, individual work step back.  This is an awesome way to get to know your students and it is fun for them and gets them moving!!!

Now you may say what if a student says they like both the same much or don't like either.  This is just not worth a battle so tell them they can stay in their spot instead of moving up or back.

Once you have done that a few times the first week to get to know your students, you can turn it into an academic test review!  How about giving them True and False questions to step up and back?  Or Multiple Choice A step up, B stay in your spot, C step back.  Great way to review skills to see what your students know before you give them a test!  What fun!!!

Anyone try this before?  Any other ideas on how you could use this in the classroom?  List your ideas in the comments!

Thank you so much for hoppin' on over to Hopkins' Hoppin' Happenings!  Keep smiling!