Instructor Spotlight: The “Take 5 Warm-Up” Strategy That Transforms Classroom Dynamics 

As we’re starting to get settled into the semester, some of you may be wanting more student engagement. I met Jordan McIntire, a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Health & Wellness Design, during our Course Development Institute on Active Learning. Jordan shared a strategy that resonated with many instructors—a “Take 5 Warm-Up” assignment. Starting each class with intentional community-building activities might seem like a small addition, but this strategy demonstrates how these brief moments can dramatically shift classroom culture.  

How It Works

The strategy unfolds in two phases. During the first few classes, Jordan leads simple ice-breaker activities like “Two Truths and a Lie” or “Would You Rather.” (Think: Would you rather always have clean laundry or always have clean dishes. As someone basically allergic to a sponge, I vote the latter.) Jordan explains, “I think it’s important that I lead the warm-up activities during the first few class sessions so 1) they’re more acquainted with each other and 2) they understand a general idea of expectations.”  

By the second or third class, students are introduced to the “Take 5 Warm-Up” assignment, where they partner up and sign up to lead future warm-up activities. As these students will be recreational therapists in the future, this assignment helps build skills they’ll later use to create program plans. A similar argument could be made for disciplines that value leadership, communication, and alignment between goals and actions.  

The key insight? Students need to see their instructor model the behavior first. “If the professor doesn’t get the class acquainted or comfortable with each other during the first few sessions, the activities won’t ‘break the ice’ when the students are leading them,” Jordan explains. “Step 1 is leading them yourself and setting the example that it’s okay for everyone to be silly or a little vulnerable with each other.” 

The Impact on Student Engagement

After implementing this approach across multiple classes, Jordan has noticed significant changes. Students engage more actively during class sessions, initiate conversations outside of class more frequently, and develop deeper bonds with their peers. Jordan explains this strategy addresses something educators can overlook—student anxiety and shyness. “I think it’s easy to forget how shy or anxious some of our students are,” Jordan shares. “Providing an opportunity for them to talk to each other and ‘settle in’ a bit has really changed classroom dynamics in a positive way.  

Getting Started Tomorrow

Want to try this approach? Start with phase one: Select a few simple ice-breaker activities and lead them yourself during your next few class sessions. Focus on creating an atmosphere where students feel safe to participate and be slightly vulnerable. Remember, you’re not just facilitating an activity; you’re modeling the classroom culture you want to create. If you want to learn more activities, join us for our upcoming Active Learning Block Party on September 16th where we’ll be covering 50 active learning strategies!