Step Right Up: Class Activity
This is a short activity that can be conducted with any age students. Students are to stand in a line in an open space. The teacher will read several statements out loud. If the statement is true for the student she should take one large step forward. If it is false she should take one large step back. If she is unsure or the statement is not applicable she should stay where she is.
This activity will help students find things in common – helping them to open the lines of communication. This activity can be a first day of school ice breaker to help students get to know each other. Or it can be modified to address more serious student issues like bullying or Islamic Identity.
Note: if a large open space is not available teachers can conduct this activity by having students stand or sit at their desk. Also questions should be modified according to student ages.
Sample Questions for the first day of school:
Lower Elementary / Upper Elementary1. I brushed my teeth today. / 1.I like to watch or play sports.
2. I read a dua’ before eating. / 2.I read a good book this summer.
3. I’m good at drawing pictures. / 3. I’m really good at using a computer.
4. I like dinosaurs. / 4. I have memorized at least 25 surahs.
5. I like to eat spaghetti. / 5.I have lived somewhere else besides
Illinois.
6.I like butterflies. / 6. I have a close family member or friend
that passed away.
7.I like to look at bugs. / 7. I’m good at fixing or building things
around the house.
8.I have a best friend. / 8.I attended tarawih during Ramadan.
9.I know three surahs. / 9. I consider myself artistic.
10. I like to feed the animals. / 10. I have been to Hajj or Umrah.
Is the oldest child in their family / Favorite subject in school is gym / Kept at least one full fast in Ramadan / Favorite color is blue
First time in Sunday School / Has a computer at home / Favorite food is Pizza / Finished the Quran at least once
Reads a dua’ before eating or sitting in the car / Has more then 6 letters in their first name / Is wearing Green / Has been on an airplane
Is a Bears fan / Prayed Fajr today / Gets an A in math / Has one sister
Is doing hifz / Likes to read / Has at least 5 surahs memorized / Plays a sport or musical instrument in school
Student Scavenger Hunt: Class Activity
This is another excellent first day of school activity to help students of any age to get to know each other.
Students are to move around the classroom to find classmates that fit each of the descriptions below. When a student is found that matches one of the descriptions he or she should write their name in the box. There can only be one name in each box. Teachers are encouraged to play along with students.
Note: this chart was created for a 5th grade class. Questions should be modified to relate to student ages.