Includes index.

LouAnne Johnson's newest book is a collection of fun and simple educational icebreaker activities that get students excited and engaged from the very first minute of class. These activities are great to use with students at all levels, and many of the activities include variations and modifications for different groups. Research has shown that the use of icebreakers increases student motivation by creating an emotional connection between the student and school. In as little as five minutes, a creative icebreaker can engage students' brains, encourage critical thinking, and much more.

From the Back Cover Kick-Start Your Class "My first priority in any class is to help my students believe in themselves and their ability to learn." -LouAnne Johnson In Kick-Start Your Class, LouAnne Johnson (educational expert, long-time teacher, and author of the New York Times best-seller Dangerous Minds) offers a dynamic way to engage students that will get them on the road to learning with enthusiasm. The book is a collection of icebreakers specifically designed for teachers-quick, cost-effective, enjoyable activities that engage students from the very first minute of class. In addition to being fun, these activities serve a real purpose in the classroom. Research shows that effective academic icebreakers can increase student motivation, create a positive classroom environment, and much more. Using these inspirational icebreakers will help: Engage students' brains Promote critical thinking Improve behavior and cooperation Encourage creativity Unify the classroom community Create positive attitudes towards learning The teacher-tested activities within may be used with students at all levels, and many of the activities include variations and modifications so they can be applied effectively with different groups. "An amazing gift for a student or a beginning or seasoned teacher, Kick-Start Your Class offers a rich compilation of multi-disciplinary, ready-to-teach classroom starters, concept-builders, and closers that will invigorate the culture and climate of any classroom."-Pamela Prosise, thirty-year veteran teacher and literacy specialist, McMinnville School District, McMinnville, Oregon "LouAnne Johnson's book is packed with priceless lessons and activities for today's teachers. It doesn't matter whether you work in a regular day class or an after school setting; or whether you're a first-year intern, an instructional leader, or a life-long teacher, Kick-Start Your Class is a must-have resource for all educators."-Jim Vidak, Tulare County Superintendent of Schools, Tulare County, California

About the Author LouAnne Johnson is the author of eight books, including the New York Times best-seller Dangerous Minds, and most recently, Teaching Outside the Box. Johnson is a former U.S. Navy journalist, Marine Corps officer, and high school teacher.