OBJECTIVE:
Ensure students feel welcomed and connected to their cohort and the program
REQUIRED PREP:
Transform your room – Next Gen sessions should be different from typical classes — change the atmosphere of your classroom and get ready for your first session!
Meet Your Cohort Leaders - 15 mins
Goal: Students meet or reconnect with their cohort leaders.
Opening Huddle:
Review the opening ritual that was created the last session, and conduct it with the cohort. Teach the ritual to any new students who have joined or missed the last session.
Opening Huddle -5 mins
Goal: Practice the ritual, and build team cohesion.
Feel free to play music to generate energy and set the vibe! You can also assign the role of “DJ” to students.
Gather the students and introduce yourself, share the following:
- Name
- Role with Next Gen
- How long you have been a part of Next Gen & why you joined
Activity 1: Two Truths and a Dream - 20 mins
Goal: Students learn more about each other.
- A spin on Two Truths and a Lie, but instead of lying, students share two true facts about themselves and one dream/goal they have.
- Encourages honesty while still being fun.
Activity 2: Creating our Ritual - 20 mins
Goal: Before the session ends, create your cohort ritual.
As you continue to learn more about each other as a group you will begin to set your own cohort norms and rituals. Help your students decide how they want to kick off and end every session this year. You can use the same ritual from last year or create a new one.
Mentors: Use the following examples to prompt a discussion and help create a ritual:
Mood Check? Hand Shake? Chant or Mantra? 2 Min Meditation?
Keep it short yet effective! Together create a ritual that allows your cohort to disconnect from the school day and reconnect into a safe space as a cohort! This will be how you start & end every session!
Closing - 5 mins
Closing Huddle:
- Complete student survey – Every student such complete one
- End by collectively performing your exit ritual!
- Remind students of the next session!
