My Snapshot!
My Snapshot
A simple first-day activity that helps students introduce themselves, share what matters to them, and begin building a stronger classroom community.
Purpose
Students introduce themselves while sharing their personality, interests, and one goal for the year.
Materials
Pencil and paper only. No technology needed.
Time
15 minutes from directions to closing reflection.
Classroom Community Starts Here
Every student has a story, a strength, and a goal. This activity gives students a safe way to share a piece of themselves.
My name matters.
Say it correctly. Say it proudly.
My interests matter.
Music, art, sports, family, gaming, and more.
Our class matters.
We build community one connection at a time.
Teacher Directions
Say:
“Today, we are going to do a quick activity called My Snapshot. You will create a one-page introduction about yourself. You do not have to be an artist. Stick figures, symbols, words, and short phrases are all fine. The goal is for us to learn something about each other and start building a strong classroom community.”
Student Paper Setup
Students fold or divide their paper into four boxes. Each box should include words, symbols, or a simple drawing.
Box 1: My Name
Write your name the way you want people to say it.
Optional: Add the correct pronunciation.
Box 2: Something I Like
Draw or write one thing you enjoy.
Examples: music, sports, games, cooking, family, fashion, reading, technology, art, anime, and cars.
Box 3: Something People Should Know About Me
Write one sentence about yourself.
- One thing people should know about me is…
- I work best when…
- I am proud that…
- I may be quiet at first, but…
- Something that matters to me is…
Box 4: My Goal This Year
Write one school or personal goal.
- This year, I want to improve in…
- One goal I have is…
- I want my teachers to help me by…
- I want to become better at…
Example Final Snapshot
Show this example before students begin. Remind them that their final paper can use words, symbols, simple drawings, or short phrases.
1. My Name
Jasmin R.
Pronounced: JAZ-min
2. Something I Like
🎧 🏀 🎨
I like music, basketball, and drawing shoes.
3. Know About Me
I may be quiet at first, but I like working with people once I feel comfortable.
4. My Goal
This year, I want to improve in math and ask for help before I get frustrated.
Closing sentence: One connection I found with someone today was that someone else likes basketball and music too.
15-Minute Timing Guide
2 Minutes
Explain the activity.
6 Minutes
Students complete their snapshot.
5 Minutes
Partner or small-group sharing.
2 Minutes
Closing reflection.
Closing Reflection
Ask students to write one final sentence at the bottom of the paper:
Option 1: One connection I found with someone today was…
Option 2: One thing I learned about a classmate today was…
“Introductions are not just about names. They are about learning how to see each other as people. The better we know each other, the stronger this class can become.”
Rooted in Excellence, Growing Toward Greatness!
Every student has a story, a strength, and a goal. Let’s start the year by making those connections count.
