Habits: Gallery Walk - Creating a Safe, Learning Centered Classroom Culture

To be used as a beginning of the year 'get to know you' activity. Start by writing each statement (10) from the list provided on large posters. For example, What word best describes your eating habits? The worst habit I see among my family is…The habit I’d like to break is… If ten posters is too much, delete some of the questions to suit your needs.

If you have the supplies, provide each student with a small stack of sticky notes (up to 10). Have them write a response to each question on their sticky notes (students can also write directly on the posters). Give students time to do a Gallery Walk - they should make their way around the room stopping at each poster to review the responses of their classmates.

When students return to their seats, the teacher (or students) should go to each poster (one at a time) and read out some of the student's responses. When given the opportunity to share (anonymously), students will open up and give amazingly valuable information that will assist you in creating a safe classroom culture built on trust.