Meet Your Crew Lesson Plan Tier 1 Community 60 Minutes
Meet Your Crew
Building a Strong Foundation for Our Voyage Ahead
Objective
Students will engage in fun icebreaker activities and create a personalized collage to share their interests, names, and backgrounds, fostering classroom community on the first day.
Materials
All About Me Worksheet
Construction Paper Sheets
Colorful Markers / Pencils
Soft Toss Ball
Scissors & Glue
Preparation
15 Minutes Prep Time
• Print "All About Me" worksheet (1 per student)
• Arrange desks in a large circle
• Set up art supply stations
• Have soft toss ball ready
Instructional Sequence Total: 60 Minutes
05
Welcome and Warm-Up
Greet each student at the door with a smile. Introduce yourself and briefly explain the day’s activities. Set expectations for respect and active participation.
10
Name and Motion Icebreaker WHOLE GROUP
Have students stand in a circle. Each student says their name and performs a unique motion (clap, spin, etc.). The class repeats the name and copies the motion. Continue until everyone has participated.
10
Pass the Ball Question
Prompt: "What is your favorite summer memory?"
Model tossing the ball while answering. Student catches, shares, then passes it on. Continue until all students have answered.
25
All About Me Collage CREATIVE WORK
Distribute worksheets and construction paper. Students complete drawings, interests, and fun facts. Glue worksheet onto construction paper and decorate. Teacher circulates to encourage creativity.
10
Gallery Walk and Share
Display collages around the room. Walk in small groups to view peers’ work. Invite volunteers to share one interesting fact they learned. Reinforce classroom unity.
Why This Matters
Building a positive classroom culture from day one helps students feel valued, promotes peer connections, and establishes a foundation for collaboration and a supportive learning environment.
Meet Your Crew Slides Meet Your
Crew
First Day Icebreakers & Collage Activity
Today's Goals
01
Learn each other's names and motions
02
Share favorite memories using a toss ball
03
Create and display an All About Me collage
Welcome & Warm-Up
Greet at the door
Sit in a circle
Discuss respect and participation expectations
Name & Motion Game
How to Play:
Stand in a circle
Say your name & do a unique motion
Class repeats name & copies motion
Continue until everyone goes!
Get Ready
To Move!
Pass the Ball
Prompt
"What is your favorite memory, book, or hobby?"
Toss the ball gently to a friend
Catch, share, and toss it on!
All About Me Collage
Creative Time!
1
Complete the All About Me Worksheet
2
Glue it to the construction paper
3
Decorate with markers and stickers!
Gallery Walk & Share
It's time to see our crew's hard work!
View Peer Work
Share Facts
Great Job, Crew!
Thanks for sharing and creating! I'm looking forward to a great year together.
All About Me Worksheet Crew Log No. 1
All About Me
Welcome to the Crew!
Sailor Name:
Date:
Draw Your Self-Portrait Here
Favorite Things
Favorite Food:
Favorite Book:
Favorite Hobby:
Fun Fact
Something nobody knows about me...
My Family
One interesting thing about my family:
My Big Goal
One goal I have for this school year:
Question for My Classmates
What is one thing you want to ask your new crew members?
Ready for Launch!
Name and Motion Icebreaker Guide Activity Guide
First Name & Motion
Duration: 10 Minutes
Classroom Tier 1
Objective
Help everyone learn each other’s names and get moving right away in a safe, fun environment.
Materials
Open Floor Space
No supplies needed!
Pro Tips
• Encourage big, clear motions so everyone can see.
• Remind students to listen closely when their turn comes.
• Celebrate each student’s creativity with applause or cheers!
Instructions
1
Gather the Crew
Have all students stand in a large circle, leaving enough space to move safely without bumping into neighbors.
2
Captain's Model
Teacher models first: say your name clearly and perform a simple motion (e.g., clap your hands, spin, stomp your feet).
3
The Echo
The entire class echoes the name and copies the motion together with enthusiasm.
4
Clockwise Voyage
Move clockwise: the next student repeats the previous person's name/motion (optional for challenge) or just introduces themselves with their own name and new motion.
5
The Finish Line
Continue around the circle until every student has had a turn to be the center of attention.
Optional Extension
After the first round, challenge the class to say names and perform motions in reverse order or "lightning round" style for extra fun and memory building.
Crew Reflections Worksheet Crew Reflections
First Day Voyage Report
Sailor: ________________________
Date: _________________________
1. My favorite part of today's activities was:
2. One interesting fact I learned about a classmate:
3. I felt __________________________ when sharing and listening.
(Happy, excited, nervous, proud, etc.)
4. One thing I will remember about today's crew time:
5. A goal I have for our next crew session is:
Turn & Talk Voyage
Pair up with a classmate and share one of your reflections.
Listen carefully to their thoughts and give one positive comment.
End of Log Entry