First Day 3D Metaphor Nameplate and MORE!

On the very first day, your students will have created a personal metaphor, completed a cool 3D visual art nameplate which can be used as an effective classroom management strategy throughout the year, completed a public speaking opportunity straight from the Common Core Standards, and will have proven themselves to be a supportive listener in the classroom. Yep, all in this one interactive critical thinking activity . . .

In this introductory lesson, students use a graphic organizer to brainstorm a personal metaphor. They transform this metaphor into a 3D nameplate for their desktop—a nameplate that will eventually transform into a practical management use throughout the school year. In an extension, students adapt their metaphor’s details into a low-pressure public speaking opportunity in a brief speech of introduction. Finally, students will use best practices in public speaking to respond to the speeches in a meaningful way.

In this lesson, you get all the instructions you’ll need to get the year started in a meaningful and fun way in your upper elementary classroom, samples, ready-to-print graphic organizers, templates, and referenced Common Core Standards. Also included are tips and instructions about how to use the “craft stick” method of encouraging participation in your classroom.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.5.4 Report on a topic or text or present an opinion, sequencing ideas logically and using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas or themes; speak clearly at an understandable pace.