The first day of class is approaching and this day is filled with emotions. Students might be filled with excitement or dread. They may be filled with eagerness or anxiety, but no matter the emotions it’s an important day for you to set the tone for the rest of the semester. In this episode, we’ll go through specific generative games you can implement on the first day to prime students’ minds for open mindedness; we’ll explain how you an use a kite drawing activity to have students introduce themselves; and we’ll talk about how you can use toast to help explain the diversity of opinions and the merit of working together.

Recommended resource:

• 20-Minute Mentor: How Can I Use the First Day to Set the Tone for a Semester of Learning?
• 20-Minute Mentor: How Can I Maximize the First 10 Minutes of Remote Teaching to Spark Student Engagement?
• Faculty Focus article: Connecting Before We Can Physically Connect: Online Icebreakers to Use for the First Day of Class
• Faculty Focus article: Advice for the First Day of Class: Today We Will
• Faculty Focus article: First Day of Class Activities that Create a Climate for Learning
• Free report: Back to School: First Day of Class Strategies
• TED Talk: Got a wicked problem? First, tell me how you make toast