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EduMatch® connects educators worldwide with similar passions and interests who wish to grow and expand their learning.

Five Activities for Getting To Know Your Students

Connecting with Your Students - More Than Just Names and Faces

In the hustle and bustle of an educational setting, it's easy to skim the surface when it comes to understanding our students. But we know, as educators, that each student comes to us with a unique mix of experiences, interests, and aspirations. So, how do we crack open that door a bit wider and learn more about who they truly are? Here are five hands-on, practical activities that can help us to do just that:

1. Our Classroom Soundtrack: Music moves us. It speaks to us in a way that words often can't. Ask your students to choose a song that means something to them. Have them share why they picked it. Put those songs together, and you've got a playlist that's not just music - it's the rhythm of your classroom.

2. Getting to Know You - The 3-2-1 Way: Everyone can use a fresh take on the getting-to-know-you activity. Have your students put together a quick video that shares three facts about themselves, two things they love, and one goal they have for the year. It's simple, but that's the beauty of it. You're not asking for their life stories, just a snapshot of who they are right now. Another option is to use the same format but ask students to include three things everyone knows about them, two things nobody knows about them, and one thing they always wonder about.

3. The Digital Time Capsule: Here's an activity that embraces the tech skills of our students. Have them create a digital "time capsule" - a blog post, a video, a slideshow - that represents who they are at this moment. Save those time capsules and revisit them at the end of the year. It's a journey of self-discovery, reflection, and growth.

4. Not Your Usual Self-Portrait: Invite your students to create a self-portrait, but with a twist - no physical features allowed. What you're asking for are the colors, symbols, and images that capture their spirit. It's less about what they look like and more about who they are.

5. Mapping My World: Every one of us is shaped by the places we come from and the places we've been. Have your students create a personal map of the places that matter to them. Each marked location becomes a story told, an experience shared. They don’t need to have visited in order to include it on the map.

Incorporating these activities in your classroom can help you - and your students - peel back the layers of who they are. You're not just learning about them, you're also giving them the chance to share, to open up, and to connect. And that's what being a part of a learning family is all about.

You know, it's not every day that you get to hang out with a bunch of awesome elementary and middle school principals, but that's exactly what we got to do at the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) conference. And let me tell you - it was a blast! We chatted, we listened, we learned, and we walked away even more excited about the work we're doing. Our hats are off to all those hardworking principals out there. You guys rock!

And guess what? Our "Edu-matchmaking" game was a hit! In case you're wondering, no, we're not a dating site (got to keep reiterating that!). The game is all about connecting educators and sharing resources, all wrapped up in a fun, interactive format. The principals dug it, and we're super pumped to keep spreading the EduMatch love. So, thanks to everyone who made the NAESP event so special. You've left us with smiles on our faces and a whole lot of inspiration to keep doing what we do!

To schedule a 15-minute discovery call to find out how EduMatch can support your professional learning goals this year, email us at [email protected].

A Simple Tip to Fight Beginning-of-the-Year Decision Fatigue

You know that feeling when you've made a thousand decisions in a day and the simplest choice feels like a mountain? That's decision fatigue. It's real, it's exhausting, and it can throw off your whole groove. Now, think about how often you're faced with the "what's for dinner?" dilemma. Too often, right?

Here's an idea that might just help cut down on that fatigue: dinner planning on Sundays. It's like giving your future self a little gift. You sit down, plan out your meals for the week, and bam - fewer on-the-spot decisions to make when you're already running on empty.

If you're into the meal prep scene, cooking and freezing your meals can be a serious game-changer (I haven't quite mastered that yet, but I hear it's amazing). Even better, make it a social event. Get your friends involved - cook together, or have each person take a meal and cook enough for everyone. Then, meet up, exchange meals, and enjoy the rest of the week with a variety of home-cooked dinners ready to go. It's a win-win - less decision fatigue, more good times, and good food!

Here is a Canvas template for a weekly menu that you can customize and make your own. Also, share your favorite meal prep tips or recipes on the socials and hashtag it with #EduMatch!