This document provides instructions for an activity called "Academic Mini-Mixers" where students learn about each other through brief introductions. The goals are to establish rapport, make students feel part of the class, and do a light writing assessment without students realizing. Students would create a 3-slide presentation with their name and 3 facts on slide 1, 3 things they are about on slide 2, and 3 things they are not about on slide 3. This could be done school-wide or for each class period to help students get to know each other at the start of the academic year.

1. Smart School Start
2015
Academic Mini-Mixers
Who Are You?
Estimated time: 30 minutes
by Marlena Hebern

2. Academic Goals
Culture Goals
Establish a positive climate
Students begin to build rapport with one another
Student feel like they are a part of the class
Light and meaningful writing activity
Use as a quick writing assessment and
the kids don’t even know!
Students have fun

3. In self contained classes:
Do this as a school wide activity
In departmentalized classes:
Do this for each period

4. Use any program such as Pages or Keynote!
Students can use the iPad camera to take a selfie,
insert into Pages, and write a short introduction!

5. Mrs. Hebern
I like camping, art, and swimming.
I lived in Mariposa for over 20 years.
I know small schools…
I had 81 kids in my high school senior class!

6. I am about….
Sarah and Garrett
Some stranger
in a costume
and Julie
Mr. Hebern
being a
mom and wife
and a teacher.
technology
1800 on Twitter
empowering others
helping out

7. I am not about….
people leaving other people out!
putting people down!
wearing dresses…ugg!
dogs AND cats TOGETHER!

8. Slide 1: Name and 3 facts
Slide 2: I am about….
(at least 3 things)
Slide 3: I am not about…
(at least 3 things)
Slide format:
Pictures are last…get the words in first!