Micro-Moments

A classroom is a busy place.

Homework sheets, contests, tests, recess time, projects…the action is nonstop. In this thriving hive of activity, how can we find the time to build real, lasting relationships with our students? To encourage our students to foster relationships with each other? To connect with them on their level?

Introducing Micro Moments!

A curated collection of suggestions, ideas, activities, and projects that can fit into your classroom, in those small pockets of time that open up throughout the year. Designed to utilize each available moment as a connection building opportunity, these Micro Moments cards are easy, fun, and can be adapted to your classroom style and grade level.
Two extra minutes at the end of class? Day after midwinter vacation? School assembly finished early?
Pull out a card and turn those micro-moments into macro-opportunities!

Here are a few to get you hooked, or buy the full collection!

For the first day back after Pesach vacation:

STICKER DESIGN

Using round or rectangular blank labels, students design ‘bumper stickers’ or ‘doctor stickers’ that depict a scene from their vacaction/Yom Tov break. All stickers are then stuck onto a large oaktag/poster board for the students to view and discuss during recess.

Prompt Ideas:

Draw your family’s seder table, the game you played at your Chanukah party, the main idea of a new book you read over vacation, etc.

This is a welcome change from the standard ‘What did you do on Chol Hamoed?’ competition!

To keep the class going in the last few weeks of the year:

UNCOVER A REWARD

There is nothing like a group achievement to raise spirits and bolster connection! Create a poster with an incentive written on it in big letters. Cover the incentive with small papers/post its that have class acheivements written on them (lined up for recess quickly, davened beautifully as a class, passed up papers using the proper procedure, etc.). Each time the class as a whole completes one of the achievements, have a student peel off the corresponding post it. Watch the anticipation grow as the reward gets uncovered!

Incentive examples: Class ice cream party, extra 15 minutes of recess, trip to the park

Those last five minutes before recess….

PASS THE MIKE

Students pass a microphone (fake or imaginary) around the classroom. Each student shares her quick opinion on a topic/prompt that is given by the teacher.

Prompts:

What’s something you are looking forward to?

What was the most exciting thing that happened to you this week?

What do you want to do when you graduate?

Fun variation! Instead of using a microphone, use an item related to the time of year/day’s lesson. For example, Chanukah time, pass around a tall candle or a stuffed dreidel.

MORE TO EXPLORE

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Skill Building Through the Haggadah

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Behind the Desk to Director’s Chair

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