Introductions

Key concepts

The key concepts for this starter are group work and concentration.

Objective

To work together as a class.

Starter

Ask students to gather together in separate groups according to certain criteria. For example, you could ask students to line up in order of one of the following:

• height (eg tallest to shortest)
• shoe size (eg largest to smallest)
• hand size (eg largest to smallest)
• name (alphabetically, using either their first name or their last name).

Alternatively, you could ask students to form groups based on:

• hair colour
• eye colour
• what kind of pet their family has.

Give a specific time limit, such as 30 seconds, for the groups or lines to form. This helps to ensure that the class works together quickly and that everyone is involved. The activity encourages students to learn more about each other and to improve their ability to work together.

Plenary

Discussion topics include:

• What did you learn about each other?
• What are the similarities between people in the class?
• Did this exercise help the class to get to know one another?

Variation

Most of the tasks can be done in silence; this increases students’ concentration and ensures cooperation.