Self-Starts for Communication

Student will do these self-starts in their journals, before sharing their thoughts and ideas with the
rest of the class.

Day 1

Self-Start:
Write the following on the board:
o Definition of Respect- Showing regard for the worth of someone or something. It
includes respect for self, respect for the rights and dignity of all persons, and
respect for the environment that sustains all life.
Answer the following in your journal:
o In your own culture how do you show respect?
o What are the words for respect?
o Our classroom is its own culture. How do we show respect in a dance class?
There are three areas where we can work on respect. Write about how you show respect
in each of these areas:
o 1. Self
o 2. Others
o 3. Environment

Have open discussion about these ideas



Day 2

Self-Start: circle whip
Give students a few minutes to write about
o Three thing other people can do to give you a positive experience in group work.
o Three thing other people can do to give you a negative experience in group work.
In circle each person takes a turn telling a positive and then a negative.
At end each person chooses one area to work on in group work.



Day 3

Self-Start:
Answer the following questions in your journal.
Why do we judge other people?
Have we always been judgmental?
o What teaches us to be judgmental?
What is Constructive Criticism and can it be positive?
Day 4

Self-Start:
Have students sit in a giant circle facing a partner. Each person has to find something
they have in common with the other student. Students then switch to a new partner. This
continues until all students have found something in common with the rest of the class.


Day 5

Self-Start:
Have students answer following questions in journal.
How many feel anxious about performing?
What are the reasons for your anxiety?
Is it ok to feel anxious?

Performance Anxiety:
Reaction to perceived threat, triggers fight or flight
Actually helpful for performance
o Shows you are ready
o Gets blood pumping, helps concentration

Have students write tips down.
Tips:
Positive self-talk
Warm-up fully
Mental rehearsal
Deep breathing
Pre-performance routine