I am about to go back on the road and visit more after school programs. During the site visits, I conduct classroom observations and demonstrations. One of the things I always look forward to is playing Opening Magic games with students. Here are two that seem to work with all grade levels no matter where I go.

Back to Back

You can see this one in the Opening Magic video on the website. Everyone starts back to back with a partner. When they hear "face to face," students turn around and introduce themselves. When they hear "back to back," students find a new partner to stand back to back with. Keep playing for a few rounds to help students get to know each other.

Change If

In this game, students stand up or sit down if they fit the category. For example, the students start out sitting down and the leader says, "change if, you are wearing a watch." Any student wearing a watch stands up. The leader says, "change if, you are a boy." If you are a boy, you would sit down (if you were already standing) or stand up (if you were already sitting.) Girls would not "change" because they do not fit the category. "Change if, you like apples."

Try these Opening Magic activities in your classroom to start the day in a different way. Let me know how they worked for you.