Get to Know Your Teacher: Free Printable "Favorite Things" Forms (PDF)
Are you looking for a fun and engaging way to learn more about your teacher? A "Teacher's Favorite Things" form is a fantastic tool for students, parents, or even new teaching colleagues to get to know their educator better. This simple activity can foster a stronger classroom community and create a more welcoming learning environment. This post will guide you through the benefits of using these forms, provide examples of questions to include, and offer advice on creating and using your own free, printable PDF.
Why Use a "Teacher's Favorite Things" Form?
Beyond simply being a fun icebreaker, these forms serve several valuable purposes:
- Building Rapport: Learning about your teacher's interests outside of the classroom helps build a personal connection and creates a more comfortable learning atmosphere. Students feel more at ease when they feel they know their teacher on a more personal level.
- Enhancing Classroom Community: Sharing personal details (appropriately) creates a sense of community and belonging within the classroom. Students can discover shared interests and connect with their teacher and classmates on a deeper level.
- Personalized Learning: Understanding your teacher's passions can sometimes offer insights into their teaching style and preferences. This knowledge can subtly inform how students approach their learning and interactions with their teacher.
- Showing Appreciation: A thoughtfully completed form can show your teacher that you care and are interested in getting to know them better. It's a simple act that can go a long way in strengthening the student-teacher relationship.
What Questions Should You Include?
The questions you choose should be appropriate for the age group and context. Here are some examples categorized for easier selection:
General Interests:
- What's your favorite book?
- What's your favorite hobby?
- What's your favorite color?
- What's your favorite animal?
- What's your favorite season?
- What's your favorite type of music?
- What's your favorite food?
- What's your favorite movie?
- What's your favorite thing to do on the weekend?
Teaching-Related Interests:
- What's your favorite subject to teach?
- What's your favorite thing about teaching?
- What's one thing you're looking forward to this year?
- What's your favorite classroom activity?
Optional Questions (Use with Caution):
- What's your favorite way to relax after a long day? (Keep it light and general)
Creating Your Free Printable PDF:
You can easily create your own PDF using free online tools such as:
- Google Docs: Create a document, add your questions, format it nicely, and then download it as a PDF.
- Microsoft Word: Similar to Google Docs, Word allows you to create and save your form as a PDF.
- Canva: Canva offers pre-designed templates that you can customize to create a visually appealing PDF.
Remember to keep the design simple and easy to read. Consider adding a space for a student's name and class.
Where to Find Pre-Made Templates:
While this guide focuses on creating your own, a quick search online for "Teacher Favorite Things Form Printable PDF" may yield some pre-made templates you can use. Always preview the document before downloading to ensure it meets your needs and is free of inappropriate content.
By using a "Teacher's Favorite Things" form, you can create a more welcoming, connected, and engaging classroom environment. This simple act can foster stronger relationships and help students learn and thrive.
