Four Corners

Last Friday, we did one of my favorite activities to do with students.  It's called "Four Corners" 

First, I gave the students this questionnaire. 

This whole summer, we will be exploring the kinds of things that make us who we are. This questionnaire helps get students thinking about what kinds of things have made them who they are. After giving students 4 minutes to complete the questionnaire silently, I have them stand up. 

In each corner of the room, I have placed 4 different signs--Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree, and Strongly Disagree.  After I read the statement out loud, students are expected to move silently to the corner that with the answer that they chose. 

This activity could be used along with other anticipation guides, icebreakers about their interests, when/if you discuss the education gap and privilege with your kids. The overall format of Four Corners can be applied to your lessons in so many ways.  The thing I love most about it is that it's a way for your class to start to see their similarities and differences and get to know each other.