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Lesson Plan: Getting to know your classmates; The All About Us Project

Ann S. Michaelsen

Objective

Students will collaboratively create a multimedia presentation that showcases the diverse personalities, interests, and goals within their group, enhancing team-building skills and fostering connections with classmates.

Lesson Structure

Day 1: Introduction and Group Formation

  1. Introduction
    • Explain the purpose of the “All About Us” project
    • Discuss the importance of teamwork and celebrating diversity
  2. Group Formation
    • Divide the class into groups of 4 using a method that ensures diversity; see the example below.
    • Assign roles: Team Leader, Creative Director, Researcher, and Tech Specialist
  3. Ice Breaker Activity
    • Groups play “Two Truths and a Lie” to start getting to know each other
  4. Project Guidelines
    • Present project requirements:
      • 8-10 minute group presentation
      • Must include at least four different types of media
      • Cover at least three aspects of each group member’s life
      • Identify and present one common interest/experience shared by all members

Day 2: Cooperative Learning and Content Creation

Jigsaw Activity

  1. Regrouping by Roles (15 minutes):
    • Regroup students so that all individuals with the same role (e.g., Team Leaders, Creative Directors, Researchers, Editors) come together.
    • Each role group discusses strategies and best practices for their specific part of the project. In addition to project strategies, discuss how their role can facilitate positive classroom behavior and teamwork. For example:
      • Team Leaders: Discuss how to foster inclusive discussions, ensure all voices are heard, and manage conflicts.
      • Creative Directors: Share ideas to encourage creativity while respecting diverse perspectives and ideas.
      • Researchers: Talk about sharing information openly and respecting intellectual property.
      • Editors: Discuss how to give constructive feedback and maintain a positive tone.
  2. Icebreaker Activity (5 minutes):
    • Before returning to their original groups, have each role group participate in a quick icebreaker activity to help students learn more about each other. For example, “Two Truths and a Lie” or “Favorite Things,” where students share a favorite book, movie, or hobby.
  3. Sharing Insights (10 minutes):
    • Students return to their original groups and share the insights and strategies they discussed in their role groups.
    • Please encourage students to share something they learned about a classmate during the icebreaker.

Group Work

  1. Team Collaboration:
    • Teams work on their presentations, applying the strategies shared during the Jigsaw activity.
    • Encourage the use of cooperative learning strategies like Think-Pair-Share:
      • Think: Each student thinks individually about their contribution to the project and how they can support positive group dynamics.
      • Pair: Students pair up with a team member to discuss their thoughts and ideas, focusing on collaborating effectively.
      • Share: Pairs share their ideas with the entire group, fostering a collaborative environment and reinforcing respectful communication.
  2. Classroom Behavior Discussion:
    • As teams work, encourage them to discuss and agree on norms for classroom behavior and group interactions. This can include:
      • Listening actively and without interruption.
      • Being respectful and supportive of each other’s ideas.
      • Taking responsibility for their part in the project.

Progress Check

  1. Class Discussion:
    • Facilitate a brief class discussion where each group shares their progress, challenges, and what they learned about their classmates.
    • Please encourage students to reflect on how understanding their classmates better has helped them work more effectively as a team.
  2. Feedback and Support:
    • Offer feedback and support to groups, addressing any issues that may have arisen.
    • Highlight any successful strategies or creative ideas that emerged during the group work, especially those related to teamwork and positive behavior.

Closing

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