Build relationships. The Photo Gallery.

The first week of school. Build relationships.

                                               I see you. You matter. 

“Invest in students.”

                  A key concept in The KOL’s Mission Statement

Equally as important as the academic aspect of an education is the Social Emotional Learning component (SEL).

Build relationships.

Start the first week of school with the Photo Gallery.

(In advance, buy 3”x 5” index cards, a package of 100 in yellow, lavender, green, pink, and blue.  Purchase at least two or three packages to give students a better chance at being able to select their favorite color.)

Designate a space in the room where the “photo cards” can be displayed for at least two to three weeks.  Make a header that reads:

“All the world’s a stage. . .And we are. . .players on it.” ---Shakespeare

Explain to students that they will create a card (one side only) that tells the class about them, starting with their favorite color. It will include their name, a photo of them (a copy, not an original), any words or symbols or items that tell what matters to them (soccer ball, musical notes, skateboard, Sister, Friend, etc.) They can decorate and embellish as they choose.

Pick one day during the first week to assemble the “photo cards” in class.

Have students bring scotch tape if they can. Or provide it for them.

Put each photo card, including your own, on the Photo Gallery wall. 

Expect to be delighted by the reactions and instant popularity.

After two to three weeks take down the cards and keep them sorted by class period.  Use as a reference about each child throughout the year.

My ELA colleagues adopted the Photo Gallery concept the following year.