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Discussion
30 minutes
Whole group circle
My Favorite Things Circle
Week 1 Activity - Detailed Instructions
Learning Objectives
- Students will practice speaking in front of a group
- Students will learn about similarities and differences among classmates
- Students will develop listening skills and respect for others' sharing
Materials Needed
- Circle time carpet or designated area
- Special sharing chair or cushion
- Chart paper and markers
- Camera for documentation
Preparation Steps
- 1Send home a note asking families to help children choose 3 favorite things to share
- 2Prepare a chart with categories (foods, activities, colors, etc.)
- 3Set up the circle area with clear boundaries
- 4Prepare your own favorite things to model sharing
Step-by-Step Instructions
1
Gather students in a circle and explain the sharing rules
2
Model by sharing your own three favorite things first
3
Invite each student to share one favorite thing at a time
4
Record responses on chart paper by category
5
Encourage questions and comments from other students
6
Look for connections between students' favorites
7
End by celebrating the variety of favorites in the class
Assessment
- Note students' comfort level with public speaking
- Observe listening behaviors during others' sharing
- Document the variety of interests represented
- Assess students' ability to ask appropriate questions
Teaching Tips
- Keep sharing time manageable - consider doing this over several days
- Use a talking stick or special object to indicate whose turn it is
- Celebrate both similarities and differences you notice
- Take photos of students sharing to create a documentation display
Extension Activities
Additional ways to extend and enrich this learning experience
- 1Create graphs showing class favorites in different categories
- 2Write a class book about 'Our Favorite Things'
- 3Plan activities based on popular class favorites
- 4Invite family members to share their favorite things too