Back to School Selfie! (First lesson of Year 8)

This is what I'm using to start the year with my 5èmes (Year 8 in UK, 7th Grade in the USA).

First, I'll be using a picture by Mrs Thompson (http://www.mrsthompsonstreasures.com/2016/08/free-first-day-of-school-printables/) so they can name as many objects as possible in a limited time.

Then we will listen to and read Kenn Nesbitt's poem "Hello My Name is Madison" (https://soundcloud.com/user-761545519/hello-my-name-is-madison-by-kenn-nesbitt). This way we can work on who they are, how they can introduce themselves (good way for me to start remembering their names too!). To check what they understand, I'll make them complete their own poem (or write one from scratch if they're able to) and read it to the class (to check their pronunciation skills).

After that, they'll read text messages and complete a comprehension grid.

For next class, the students will have to draw themselves in a phone (as if it were a selfie) and introduce themselves in a text message. It's not difficult but it's just to check who's working at home and who's not...!

If we still have some time left, I'll make them ask each other questions about their age, family, place of residence, etc. with a set of dice.