Activity #1 – Challenge Set
I have been trying to find ways to incorporate more UDL in my classroom, and I think the challenges provided in the UDL Explorer were great! One challenge that I chose to complete was “Challenge #2: Create and Activity that Builds Community in Your Class” (https://udlchallenge.opened.ca/challenge-2/).
Over the course of the last term, I tried to begin every class with an icebreaker or team-building type exercise. Each week I chose a question or task that was related to the topic we were covering, and we spent the first 5-15 minutes of class completing the activity. For example, we answered questions like “what is something you are looking forward to?” or “what is the best event you have been to and why?” in a community circle. Another week, they were split into groups and had to create a safe landing zone for the egg-drop challenge. On a different week, we completed a charades style game, and during another, we all contributed to a group mural.
It was rewarding to see a couple things happen over the term:
- Students were more engaged in discussions throughout the entire class.
- Students were chatting about their personal lives with each other more.
- There was less “drama” during group activities.
- Students came into the class eager to see what the beginning activity would be.
- Students’ grades were higher this term than in previous terms.
Overall, I noticed the impact of community building in only one term – I look forward to seeing if my next term has the same results!
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https://udlchallenge.opened.ca/challenge-2/
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