Chi-Ji Cards

Description
Group Activity | 10 minutes

Students might find it hard to express their feelings as they relate to abstract concepts like math. Chi-Ji (or similar) cards help overcome these hurdles by using ambiguous images and imaginations to diversify the modality used for feedback. Instead of direct conversation, students can use these cards to process feelings in an open-ended and non-threatening way. Click here to download this page as a PDF. This activity can:

Create non-verbal and non-linear opportunities for student feedback.
Show how approaching math can include creative/playful thinking.
Ease social anxiety by diversifying the conversation modality.

Instructions

1. Begin with a card deck.

Start by downloading our sheet of images, or you can purchase your own Chi-Ji card deck. You can also download print-and-play versions or make your own if you have time or interest. The point is to have a large selection of images that students can choose from to represent their own feelings.

2. Ask a guiding question.

There are many ways to play Chi-Ji cards. The easiest is a question-response modality. Ask a guiding question like “What image best represents how you feel about math?”, “What image best represents you as a student?”, and “Think about our session today, which image vibe with you the most?”.

3. Remind students that they can pick any card.

If students struggle to pick one card in response to your guiding question, remind them that there isn't a right or wrong answer, whatever they feel is valid. Invite students to be creative with the images that are available or to draw their own.

4. Facilitate conversation.

After students pick a card, have them share how/why they relate to the image they have chosen. This can be done verbally around the classroom, in self-journaling, or in small groups. Look for opportunities to Express Care by affirming student feelings, sharing your personal experience, and reinforcing how emotional/psychological struggle is a fundamental part of the learning process.

Tips and Tricks

Being culturally sensitive. If you make your own Chi-Ji deck, be mindful as you gather images. Make sure they are age appropriate and culturally appropriate. Avoid images that might prompt unpleasant emotions or stress in students, as these images can be counter-productive to the purpose of the activity.

Online Adaptation. Consider creating your own images on Jamboard or using a grid of images on a Google Slide. Students can then choose an image and respond in a discussion board, breakout rooms, or in the chat function.

Group Adaptation. This activity is best one-on-one or in small groups, but you can translate the activity to larger groups. Try putting multiple images on a screen or board and asking students to choose the one that most represents how they feel. For example, show students a grid of nine distinct images of sheep, from serene to goofy to somber. Then, as students look at the images, have them share which one most represents how they feel.

Engaging Families. You can also adapt this activity for use by families by using these directions and sending home a copy of the image collage.

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