First Day, First Challenge

By Briana Nussbaum

College of Education
Long Island University, C. W. Post Campus
September , 2010

During our first class of the semester in EDI 15A, we started off with an activity called “The Name Game.” This is where each member of the class said their name and a creative way for everyone to remember their name. We went around the room, and each person had to state their name the names of the each student before him. At first, when instructed to play this game everyone was a bit nervous and unsure. This was because no one knew each other and everyone was feeling uncomfortable. A lot of these nerves came from people being uncomfortable with speaking publically. We were told that we could write everyone’s names down as they were said, but when it was our turn we were instructed to try challenging ourselves without the use of our notes.

Once the game started, the stress level in the classroom began to drop and everyone started to feel more at ease. Once everyone was laughing and trying, the ice was broken and the overall comfort level began to increase. I noticed that when we first started, that those who were nervous tended to speak softer than those who were more confident. I will admit I was a little unsure at first, but as my turn approached I started to feel much better about the task. As a whole this activity was very successful and we all learned more than just each other’s names. We learned that students tend to work better in a more relaxed environment.

A lesson about challenging students was taught through this activity as well. By participating in this activity we were able to see how students react when challenged, and how to deal with their stress. The key to success is to always encourage the students and to prove to them that if they work hard and do not give up, with effort, they will succeed. This is a tactic that I plan on using at a later date when I become a teacher. This activity taught a valuable lesson to the class, which is vital in the education field.