This Smart Start activity is modeled after the much-loved edcamp activity, Things That Suck.

1. Smart School Start
2015
Academic Mini-Mixers
Things That Rock!
Estimated time: 30 minutes
by Marlena Hebern

2. Academic Goals
Culture Goals
Establish a positive climate
Students begin to build rapport with one another
Students feel like they are a part of the class
Light and meaningful social activity perfect for
establishing and practicing “quiet” signals.
Students have fun
Get to know what your class thinks about
school issues

3. In self contained classes:
Do this as a school wide activity
In departmentalized classes:
Do this for each period

4. How to Set Up the Activity:
• Mark one side of the room as Lame and the other end as Rocks.
• Students physically move to the side of the room to identify with
their view on the topic.
• Allow students to move on the continuum.
• Choose students to give their reasons for their position.
• Move on to the next topic and repeat!

5. Things That Rock Rules:

6. Things That Rock Rules:
When I raise my hand, you raise yours
…and you are immediately quiet.

7. Things That Rock Rules:
When I raise my hand, you raise yours
…and you are immediately quiet.
One person talks at a time.

8. Homework

9. iPads

10. Dodgeball

11. Girl or Boy
Drama

12. Not Knowing
Your Grade

13. Friends

14. Teachers

15. Rules

16. Bullies

17. Lunch Time

18. School Projects

19. PE

20. Pool Parties

21. Tech That
Doesn’t Work

22. Missing
Assignments

23. Missing the Bus

24. People
Who Yell

25. Little Kid
Parties

26. Math

27. Lame Project
Partners

28. Back Packs

29. Working Alone

30. Chrome Books

31. Writing

32. Detention

33. Little Brothers
or Sisters

34. Seeing the
Principal

35. Reading Books

36. Recess

37. Field Trips