GET TO KNOW YOUR MIDDLE SCHOOL GAME TRANSITION GROUP/FOCUS: E , M, H
Overview The Get to Know Your Middle School Game is a great way for incoming students transitioning from elementary school to middle school to get to know their new building (if applicable). This activity will also help transitioning students to meet key staff and gain a better understanding of what supports they offer.
Timeframe Prior to the first day of school for students
Outcomes • •
Introduces new students to key staff, personnel, and faculty and their availability, especially when students need help in academics or other areas Acclimates students to their new school
Implementation This activity can be created in multiple ways. Below are two ways that students can participate in this activity. Paper Version 1. Have several copies of the school building floorplan created, printed on cardstock, and laminated, if possible. This floorplan should be colorful and resemble a game board. Consider enlisting the help of the art or the CTE graphic design departments within the school/district to do this. The total number of game boards needed will depend on how many student groups will be formed. 2. Using cardstock or other material, create two separate stacks of cards as defined below. Shuffle each stack of cards separately and place a rubber band or paper clip around each stack. Put both stacks in a small plastic bag. Ensure you have one plastic bag per game board. a. Stack 1 will include individual cards that have the picture and name of each key staff member within the building (e.g., principal(s), grade level counselor(s), nurse(s), librarian, tech specialist(s), resource officer, etc.). b. Stack 2 will include the duties, roles, and/or responsibilities of key staff in student-friendly language. During student orientation, students should be placed in small groups of no more than five. This will allow students to meet new people and start building new relationships at their new school. 3. Provide each group of students with a game board and a plastic bag of each set of cards. 4. To play, each team of students will work together to match each card from Stack 1 with a card from Stack 2 and place them both on the Game Board. Digital Version 1. Create a team of students and staff or consider contacting the district CTE center’s graphic design instructor for assistance in developing a digital game board. 2. The team should collaborate on what the digital game should include and what graphics should be used. Consider using the mascot or other graphics that are part of the school. This will further promote the school culture and spirit. 3. Based on the design of the digital game board, determine which platform will be used (e.g., PowerPoint or Google Slides).
RELEASED SPRING 2022
24
