How to conduct 'Self-Introduction' activity in your classroom

Teachers who teach English as a Second Language, need to plan lots of language activities for their students in the classroom to make their students proficient in Spoken English. As students do not have much exposure to the English language, they do not open up quickly in the classroom. To make the students open up, the facilitator has to plan for an activity.

To help the facilitator here is an activity of 'Self-Introduction'. The facilitator needs to go through the steps mentioned in the activity, he/she can modify it according to the level of his/her students.

Now let us see how to conduct a 'Self-Introduction' activity in the classroom by using the steps below:

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Activity #1: Self-Introduction

Goal of the activity:

The students are able to introduce themselves to others. The students begin to feel comfortable in their new surroundings.

Preparation:

A bowl (to keep chits of paper in)

Time required:

This activity requires approximately 90 minutes, however, it depends on the number of students and their learning level.

Steps to conduct the activity:

• Start the class by introducing yourself. You can tell them where you are from, where you grew up, what your native language is, etc.

• Remind them that you are there to help them out and that you are more of a friend than a teacher. Hence, they should not be afraid to approach you or open up to you.

• Give each student a piece of paper and ask them to write their name on it.

• Collect these pieces and put them in a bowl. Now pick up each chit and call out the name written on it.

• Ask the student whose name is called out to come and introduce himself. Each introduction must include:

       - Name

       - Age

       - Village/Town where the student comes from

       - Education

• They can also include details about their occupation, family, childhood dreams, why they want to learn English, etc.

• Encourage the students to speak phrases such as: My name is_______;  I am ______years old;  I am from________ village; etc.

Note to the Teacher:

The purpose of this Ice Breaker is to let the learners become somewhat familiar with you, the other students, and the environment of the classroom. It is likely that many of them may not be comfortable introducing themselves in English – in this case, tell them that they are free to use their first language. 

However, when you give your introduction to the learners (Step 1), you must speak in English. Speak slowly and clearly, and make sure that most learners can understand what you are saying. If you feel that the comprehension level of your class is very low, and they may not be able to understand even your introductory remarks, write the sentences that you have spoken on the board, and ask them to say out loud what each sentence means.

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Activity #2: Funny Introductions

The goal of the activity:

The students give a funny introduction of themselves, and hence become freer in interacting with each other.

Keywords:

My name is…, My favorite past-time is.., I want to be…, I am a…, etc.

Preparation:

Think of a funny introduction for yourself. You may choose to become an object that you see in the classroom, or any other bird, animal, etc.

Time required:

This activity requires approximately 90 minutes, however, it depends on the number of students and their learning level.

Steps to conduct the activity:

• Start the class by saying, “Today, let’s all have some fun!” or “Are you all ready to have some fun?!”

• Give your funny introduction to the class that you have thought of. Make sure that you use a simple enough word to describe yourself – and whenever possible, check for your learners’ response to what you are saying.

• Ask the learners to think of a similar funny introduction for themselves.

• Each student thinks of himself/herself as a bird, animal, building, fruit, vegetable, object, etc., and introduces himself/herself.

• You can write the following questions on the board:

      - Who are you?

      - What is your name?

      - Where do you live?

      - What do you eat?

      - What is the aim of your life?

      - What do you like to do most/what are your hobbies?

• The introduction must answer the above-mentioned questions.

• Encourage the students to be as imaginative, expressive, and funny as they can be.

Note to the Teacher:

The purpose of this ice breaker is to reduce the inhibitions that the learners may have in interacting with you and among themselves. Allow this session to be light-hearted and humorous; feel free to crack a few jokes in the class.

However, the use of humor in a class is always a double-edged sword – make sure that your light-hearted remarks are not misconstrued or go beyond the understanding of the learners.

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