Holiday Favorites Game

Shari Attebery

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Holiday Favorites Game

Build community and learn about each other

This lesson engages middle school students in a fun, holiday-themed game where they share their favorite things. The activity is designed to build community and help students learn more about each other in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. By focusing on personal interests and holiday themes, students can connect over shared likes and discover new things about their peers, fostering a supportive classroom environment.

Audience

Middle School Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Game-Based Learning

Materials

Printable Favorite Things Cards, Timer, and Whiteboard and Markers

Step 1

Introduction

3 minutes

Welcome students and explain the purpose of the activity: to learn more about each other and build community.
Briefly introduce the concept of 'favorite things' and how it relates to the holiday theme.

Step 2

Game Setup

2 minutes

Distribute the 'Printable Favorite Things Cards' to each student.
Explain the rules: each student will write down their favorite holiday-related thing (e.g., movie, food, tradition) on the card.

Step 3

Activity

10 minutes

Have students form a circle.
One by one, students will share their favorite holiday thing from their card.
Encourage students to ask questions or share similar interests after each turn.

Step 4

Group Discussion

5 minutes

Facilitate a group discussion where students can talk about why they chose their favorite holiday thing.
Encourage students to discuss how these favorites might reflect their personalities or cultural backgrounds.
Use the whiteboard to jot down common themes or interesting points.

Step 5

Closure

5 minutes

Gather students' attention and ask a few volunteers to share something new they learned about a classmate.
Reflect on how these shared interests can help build a stronger classroom community.
Thank students for participating and encourage them to continue these conversations outside of class.

Worksheet

Printable Favorite Things Cards

These cards are for students to write down their favorite holiday-related things. They will be used during the activity to facilitate sharing and discussion.

My favorite holiday movie is...

My favorite holiday food is...

My favorite holiday tradition is...

My favorite holiday song is...

My favorite holiday activity is...

My favorite book is...

My favorite hobby is...

My favorite sport is...

My favorite animal is...

My favorite place to visit is...

Discussion

Group Discussion Questions

These questions are designed to facilitate a group discussion about students' favorite holiday things and their significance.

Why did you choose this as your favorite holiday thing?

Encourage students to think about personal connections or memories associated with their choice.

How do you think your favorite holiday thing reflects your personality or cultural background?

Guide students to consider cultural traditions or personal traits that might influence their preferences.

Did you learn anything new about your classmates' cultures or interests?

Prompt students to share insights or surprises from the activity.