The first week of school is about much more than learning schedules, finding classrooms, and opening textbooks. It’s also an important time for students to build relationships, establish classroom expectations, and learn how to work and communicate effectively with one another.
Our Sixth Grade students put those skills to the test with a fun communication challenge!
Working in pairs and sitting back-to-back, one student was given a picture and had to describe it using only words. Their partner—who couldn’t see the original—had to listen carefully and draw exactly what they heard.
Sounds easy, right? Well…not exactly!
Some of the first drawings produced plenty of laughs, but something interesting started happening as the students tried again: they got better!
Students began realizing that good communication takes effort from both sides. Speakers needed to slow down, be specific, organize their thoughts, and choose their words carefully. Listeners needed to focus, process information, ask thoughtful questions, and make sure they understood what was being communicated.
And that lesson extends far beyond this activity.
As our Sixth Graders begin a new year together, they are establishing the ground rules for the kind of classroom community they want to create—one where students listen to understand, communicate clearly, ask questions, respect different perspectives, and work together when things don’t go exactly as planned.
There was plenty of laughter along the way, but there was also some pretty important learning happening.
Good communication takes practice—and Sixth Grade is already off to a great start!
