Day 12: The Line Game

     One of my favorite down-time activities to do with students is a modified version of Erin
Gruwell's Line Game. Mrs. Gruwell worked with some of the most diverse and volatile students and over time was able to bring them together through commonality and caring. While I cannot say my teaching experiences even comes close to what she had to go through, I have modified many of her lessons
in order to help bring my students closer together and speak up about topics that they are passionate about.

     The line game is a simple lesson that pits students opinions and backgrounds against each other and reveals what they have in common. All you will need to do is either create a line (using tape) down the center of your room or I personally create stations around the room that say agree, disagree or I don't know and some questions. It is better to start out with easier questions and build up to harder topics as the groups get more comfortable, so start with things like: "Should school require you to take a fruit or a vegetable or simply have those options available for those that want them." As students move about the room to their respected spots I usually ask them why they chose to go where they did, especially those students that moved to the, "I don't know," category.  Students seem to love this modified version, because it tends to create mini-debates about the topics and most importantly there are no right or wrong answers.

    Now I do cation teachers to think before asking certain questions. In my experience this activity has brought my classrooms closer together, but that is because I think carefully about which questions I can and cannot ask and always bounce my ideas off of others prior to doing this day. Some students are more sensitive than others, some parents and schools frown upon certain topics, so use your best judgment when implementing an activity such as this. But like Hilary Swank says in the movie, Freedom Writers, "we can either sit at our desks and read through those work books or we can play a game. Either way we are here till the bell rings." So if your class is struggling to come together due to differences or if you simply want a fun and informative activity to get students excited about learning, I recommend implementing your own version of the line game.