I transfered my daughter to a new school, and she is the only new student in a very tight-knit 3rd grade class. She is having a little trouble mixing in with the other kids. Her birthday is next week, and her teacher suggested I bring in some treats and play a short game to get the class to know her better and mingle a little. I am clueless as to what to play. Does anyone have any ideas what we can do? Or if you would like to share other ideas of how I can get her to mix with her class, that would be appreciated too. The other girls are nice to her but don't go out of their way to include her, and she is being very shy so that's not helping either.
- Thumbs Up/Seven Up
- A team race where they build something
- Washable tattoos are always a hit!
- Create a word find of some of her favorite things
I really like Megan's ideas below. I taught 3rd grade and the kids LOVED playing Heads Up Seven Up. The word search idea is great too. You can make free word searches online at puzzlemaker.com. Good luck and happy birthday to your daughter!
What does your daughter like to play? Be sure you use a game she's familiar with, so she can be instrumental in teaching the game to children who may not know how to play.
One game I've seen kids love anywhere is Bingo. You can find another version of the same game to make it more interesting too.
A real simple game that my 3rd grader and all his friends love is "paas the Present". You will need 1 present that holds enough "prizes" for each student (i.e pencils, candy, stickers, bouncy balls...). Put the "presents" in a box and wrap it. FOr their sakes, I keep the contents inside loose so the kids can shake it around and "wonder" what is inside. Have the kids sit around in a big circle. Have the teacher, your child, or even you read a book to the class. Use a book that has a repetitious word. Everytime they hear that certain word, they are to pass the present around. When the book is done, the person with the present gets to open it, then either you or your daughter can distribute it. During X'mas I used "How the Grinch..." and everytime they heard "who" or "whoville" they had to pass it around. At Halloween the "magic" word was "BOO". The book can be a book they are reading in class or even your child's favorite book. This game has always been a hit for us. Hope it helps!
You can cut out a shape out of wood or a carracter (maybe have dad do it) and paint it, make bean bags and have the kids play bean toss. This always went over real good when my kids were little. Then you could even donate it to the class and every time they play, they will think of your daughter. They will think she is so cool! Maybe the teacher can suggest something to cut out, but give it to the class as a surprise.
good luck~~
Get a bunch of stick on name tags, write a bunch of characters, objects or peoples names on them.
Sponge Bob
Cinderella
Lion
Tin Man
The Teachers name
Refridgerator
TV
Then attach one of these name tags on each childs back (Could include the teacher)
Each person has to ask others questions about who or what they are without telling the answer.. Each child has to guess who or what they are, based on the answers..
Am I a person?
Am I a thing?
Am I real?
Can you see me on TV?
Do I talk?
It is funny seeing each person figure out who or what they are..
I was in that situation when I was younger and adults do it when they start a new job. Clicks are clicks no matter how old you are and 3rd grade is the best time to learn how to crack them =D People don't really change...lol
The new person will always be outside until the greater group trusts the new person. They are just as scared to let someone in as the new person is about not being let in usually. If she is always smiling at the other kids, makes eye contact, makes "small talk", helps others without being asked and inserts herself into activities without taking them over she should "blend in" in no time. Obviously not so shy people will have an easier time, but a smile goes a long way.
Just encourage her that if her smiles are being reciprocated, then that is an in for her to talk, play, whatever. I met my best friend because we had the same lunch box that year. Maybe she can find something in common with the other kids?
I have hidden puzzle pieces (there are blank puzzles at Michael's or Joann's fabircs) and I write on the puzzles (3 teams) different questions about my son (fav. team, color, etc) I let the teams find the puzzle pieces and put them together and answer the questions.
You can hide the puzzle peices in different colored Easter eggs so the team can differentiate themelves.
Also, you can buy the chocolate coins and write on them with a sharpee. I write different letters on them and have the kids spell words. I buy the silver ones to use for vowels and choc for consonants. I usualy just do this for word practice but you can say they should make words about your daughter.
Good luck. I think its a great idea. The kids will remember the fun they had and associate it with your daughter.
