First Day Discussion Starter
Here’s a short class opener that might be appropriate for the first day of a new semester. Secure playing cards ace (one) through eight. Print and number the following sentences on the board: I want my friends to see me as a person who . . . Academically, this semester I hope to . . . This semester I hope to know God better by . . . This semester I am looking forward to . . . A person I would like to get to know better this semester is . . . Athletically this semester I hope to . . . Ten years from now I hope to . . . After I die, I hope I will be remembered for . . . Say: Spend a few minutes deciding what you might say if you were called on to finish each of the sentences on the board. Think of endings that tell us something important about you and your values. You can work together with a partner to think up your answers. When most are ready say: I have in my hand playing cards valued from one (ace) to eight. When it is almost your turn, I will pull a number to tell you which sentence you are going to finish for us. You will be told your number one turn ahead so you have a minute to get your thoughts together. Pick the numbers of the first two people. Call on a talkative person to give his or her first answer. After the person talks, allow the rest of the class to ask one or two follow up questions. Then pick a number for a third person as the second person answers his or her question. Continue on for as long as you have time. When you play the game again, begin with students who didn’t get a chance to talk the first time.
