An introductory activity that I really enjoy is a two-part activity. The first part is that using Flipgrid I ask students to introduce themselves. The directions are that they share their name and if they have a nickname that they would like me or their classmates to use (keeping it respectful). Then, I ask them to share what their name means. The students seem to really enjoy sharing and/or finding out what their name means. Many students expand and share if they feel that their name fits them or if they are still trying to grow into it.

The second step of the activity is a writing activity. Students are to compose two letters over the course of a week. The first letter is to their 13 year old self. What do they want the 13 year old version of them to know? What does the 13 year old inside of them need to hear? The second letter is a letter to their future selves. It depends on the grade level I am working with, but typically it is five years in the future. What did they do this academic year to support a successful future? What obstacles did they overcome? What do they hope they are doing in the future? Students put both letters in envelopes. Then around mid-terms, I give them their letters to their younger self to read. Often, it is just the comforting love that the need to hear before a big exam. The second letter is given to them at near the end of the semester. Students are offered an opportunity to share their letters aloud. However, every student must write a reflection on if they did the things they wrote down to help make life easier for the future them.